The OAPI office has confirmed that the 12th edition of the Nice Classification system will be applicable to all trade mark filings, including international filings through the Madrid system, from 1 January 2023. Trade marks which are filed after this date using older editions of the Nice Classification system, will not be accepted, unless the goods/services remain classified in the same classes as the new version. In the event that an application is rejected based on the version of the Nice Classification used, the applicant will be afforded an opportunity to reclassify. In this regard, the applicant will be afforded an opportunity to add a new class, where it might be required.
OAPI Joins Geneva Act of WIPO’s Lisbon Agreement
On 15 December 2022, the African Intellectual...
