Mauritius Intellectual Property Law

The International Classification of Goods and Services (Nice Classification) is applied, and multiple class applications are permitted.

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.

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.

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.

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.