Development of the OAPI trade mark and designs examination guidelines (as of Sep 2020)

In order to enhance the quality, consistency and transparency of the examination of trade marks and designs in OAPI, it is important to have common guidelines for all examiners to use as a reference in their examination work. This will also enhance the predictability of OAPI’s decisions, benefiting all users (trade marks and designs owners and IP agents).

AfrIPI will provide legal assistance to develop such guidelines, bringing together international best practices. To this end, the EUIPO Guidelines and EU common practices could serve as a good example.

Training for examiners and IP agents will be organised following the adoption of the examination guidelines.