The African Intellectual Property Organization (Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle – OAPI) launched its trademark e-filing system on 3 June 2024.

Agents may now use the e-filing system for trademark searches, filings, renewals, recordals and oppositions. Although it is now possible to file online, OAPI still requires applicants to submit the hard copies of supporting documents.

The new system will also be used for company name registrations and objections, however patents filings are not covered for now.

OAPI manages IP applications in mainly French-speaking African countries. It has 17 member states and a single patent or trademark application with OAPI automatically covers all member states.

By: Janet Tomkow-Coetzer

For more information, please contact Janet Tomkow-Coetzer at our South Africa office.