The Gambia Ratifies Banjul But Questions Remain?
On 3 May 2021, the Government of the Republic of The Gambia deposited its Instrument of Ratification to the Banjul Protocol on Marks with the Director General of ARIPO. Accordingly, The Gambia will be eligible for designation under the Banjul Protocol with effect from 3 August 2021.
The ratification of The Gambia to the Protocol brings the total number of Member States party to the Protocol to twelve.
The Gambia’s Industrial Property Act, 1989 (Act No. 12 of 1989) (“the Act”) defines the “ARIPO Protocol” in Section 2 of the act as “the Protocol on Patents and Industrial Designs within the framework of ARIPO” and no reference is made to the Banjul Protocol on Marks in the Act. Accordingly, the Act does not yet recognise trade mark rights granted via the ARIPO system. It will therefore be necessary for lawmakers in The Gambia to amend the Act to recognise its obligations under the Banjul Protocol.
For more information about filing in The Gambia or ARIPO, as well as our competitive tariffs, email us at AfricaIP@Adams.Africa
Summary of Aspen v Adcock [2025] 017055-25
The case of Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Group & Pharmacare Limited v Adcock Ingram Healthcare (Pty) Ltd & Adcock Ingram Intellectual (Pty) Ltd, was recently heard in the High Court and judgment ...
May 13 2025
Africa's Hidden Treasures: The WIPO Treaty Revolution
The African continent boasts a wealth of biodiversity and is a treasure trove of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. These valuable assets have long been a source of innovation and inspiratio...
May 06 2025
The pop-up that popped in and popped out: Off Rhode trade mark concerns
Influencer beauty gurus of South Africa were abuzz this past weekend with the announcement of a Rhode pop-up store at Mall of Africa. TikTokers wasted no time in running to secure the bag and soon fee...
March 19 2025