Mauritius
Classification
The International Classification of Goods and Services (Nice Classification) is applied, and multiple class applications are permitted.
Convention priority
The application may contain a declaration claiming priority of an earlier application filed by the applicant. A certified copy of the priority application (with English translation if necessary) is required to be filed within three months of the lodgement date.
Examination/procedure
Applications are examined on both absolute and relative grounds, and an office action may issue requiring the filing of a response within two months. Once the Controller is satisfied that the requirements for registration are complied with, he must accept the application and cause it to be published in the Government Gazette.
Opposition
Any person may, within two months of the publication of acceptance of the application in the Government Gazette, lodge an opposition. This period is extendible on application to the Registrar.
Duration and renewal
The registration of a mark shall be for a period of 10 years from the date of filing, renewable for like periods by payment of a renewal fee. Subject to the payment of a penalty, renewal is still possible up to three months after the due date.
Subject matter eligible for protection
The law provides for copyright in respect of artistic, literary and scientific works, including:
- Books, pamphlets, or other writings
- Illustrations, maps, plans or sketches
- Lectures, addresses, sermons
- Dramatic and dramatico-musical works
- Musical works
- Choreographic works, pantomimes
- Audiovisual works
- Sound recordings
- Works of art, architecture, painting, drawing, sculpture, engravings, lithography
- Photographic works
- works of applied art or craft
- Computer programs
- works of folklore
- Derivative works.
Derivative works include:
- Translations, adaptations, arrangements of works
- Collections and compilations of works.
Registration of copyright
No requirement for registration.
Duration of copyright
The economic rights inherent in copyright generally endure for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years. The copyright in an audiovisual work endures for 50 years, and in a photographic work endures for 25 years.

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