Eritrea
Trade mark protection
After gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea no longer recognised trade mark rights acquired in terms of Ethiopian law. No legislation has been enacted to remedy the situation and it is, consequently, not possible to obtain registered trade mark rights in Eritrea. The Government of Eritrea, through no official mechanisms, permitted the publication of cautionary notices in government-owned newspapers until August 2009. A moratorium was placed on this practice by the Eritrean Government (specifically the Ministry of Information), for political reasons.
It was hoped that the thawing of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea would lead to the opening of the country’s economy. Unfortunately, the Eritrean Government does not appear to be in any hurry to encourage foreign investment, or the development of intellectual property legislation in the territory.
Marking of goods
In the absence of marking requirements, it is prudent to follow the importer’s instructions or specific contract specifications.
Patent protection
As indicated above, Eritrea was a province of Ethiopia and became independent of Ethiopia in May 1993. No patent protection is currently available in this country.
There is no copyright legislation in Eritrea at the present time. Eritrea has also not acceded to the Berne Convention yet, so that there is no certainty about the protection of copyright in Eritrea.
Design Protection
As indicated above, Eritrea was a province of Ethiopia and became independent of Ethiopia in May 1993. No design protection is currently available in this country.
It has not been possible to determine whether or not, currently, plant breeders’ rights or other sui generis protection for plants are available in Eritrea.

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