OAPI Update
The COVID19 pandemic has impacted quite dramatically on the operations IP and other government offices in Africa and the rest of the world. Most Trade Marks Registries that have suffered intermittent closures and other interruptions due to national lockdowns or COVID-19 protocols have made provision for the extension of procedural deadlines on pending cases to allow applicants sufficient time to respond or take appropriate action.
The OAPI Registry made provision for the extension of all procedural deadlines and/or time limits that fell due between 18 March and 31 May 2020 to 15 July 2020. The Registry has confirmed that no further extensions will be granted on such affected cases beyond 15 July 2020. As the Registry has resumed its normal operations, deadlines falling due on matters after 15 July will apply as per normal.
For any information or queries in this regard, please contact africaip@adamsadams.com
Is Your Trade Mark Portfolio Keeping Up With Your Business?
“We registered our trade mark years ago. We’re covered.” Are you? It’s a question every business owner should ask. Many businesses view trade mark registration as a once-off ex...
October 14 2026
Netflix and the Reach of Reputation: a Taiwan Trade Mark Decision and the South African Perspective
A recent decision of the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (“TIPO”) illustrates how trade mark protection operates where competing marks consist essentially of stylised single letter devices, an...
October 14 2026
Chat Chat Chatterbot - Shall We Register Your Name?
So, you have birthed a chatbot and given it a name, what now? Should you register the name of the chatbot as a trade mark? The answer is a simple one, yes. If the chatbots are customer-facing, particu...
October 06 2026

