Country: MOROCCO
Strategic Hub:
Morocco is widely recognized as the premier "Gateway to Africa," offering a unique and stable bridge between the European, African, and Middle Eastern markets. It is a major industrial hub for aeronautics and automotive manufacturing, and its Port of Tangier Med is one of the largest and most strategic transshipment centers in the Mediterranean.
Regulatory Body:
Intellectual Property and industrial rights are managed by the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC). For copyrights, the authority is the Moroccan Copyright Office (BMDA).
International Standing:
Morocco possesses one of the most advanced IP legal frameworks in the region. It is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a signatory to the Paris Convention and the Madrid Protocol. Furthermore, Morocco has a unique "Validation Agreement" with the European Patent Office (EPO), allowing European patents to be validated and protected in Morocco as if they were national patents.
Member of PCT ?
YES
Can Convention priority be claimed ?
Yes
Patent Search
YES
Novelty requirement
Absolute novelty is required.
Deadline for filing supporting documents
Yes- 90 days
Does the invention specification have to be translated for filing
Yes, In French or Arabic.
Required Documents
• Copy of international publication (with ISR if published)
• Copy of the specifications in Arabic or French
• Set of drawings in Arabic or French
Examination
As to form, novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability
Publication
Applications are published once the examination search report is completed
Opposition
2 months from publication date
Duration
20 years from the international filing date
Compulsory Licensing
Only if the object of the invention concerns national security; in such a case, the government may take the invention through compulsory licensing.
Annuities
Due after grant and payable on the anniversary of the international filing date (for PCT and EP Validation). Grace period of 6 months for late payment with a surcharge
Assignment
• Power of Attorney simply signed by the assignee.
• Deed of assignment signed by both parties duly notarized.
License
Power of Attorney simply signed by the Licensee.
License agreement signed by both parties duly notarized. (Duration of agreement must be indicated and should not exceed the validity of the mark)
Merger
Power of Attorney simply signed.
Certificate of merger / mortgage duly notarized.
Name / Address:
• Power of Attorney simply signed in the new name/address.
• A certificate issued by the competent authorities evidencing the changes duly notarized.
Trademark Search
Not Mandatory- Possible for word and device marks.
Trademark Filing
Single/Multi-Class Jurisdiction
Multiclass - a separate application for each class
Can services be registered
YES
Can convention priority be claimed
YES
Is the international classification
Yes - 11th addition
Documentation and information required to file
Power of Attorney simply signed.
Certified copy of the priority document, if priority is claimed.
The name, address, and nationality of the applicant.
A list of the goods/services to be covered by the application, along with the classes of interest.
Opposition period after publication
60 days
Validity
Renewal
Renewal due
The trademark renewal can be requested as early as six (6) months before the expiration date.
Grace Period
It can also be requested during the grace period of six (6) months after expiration, upon payment of a late renewal fee.
Documents required to renew
Power of Attorney simply signed
Proof of use due
None due
Documents required to file proof of use
N/A
Assignment
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of assignment
Power of Attorney simply signed by the assignee.
Deed of assignment signed by both parties duly notarized.
Merger
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of Merger
Power of Attorney simply signed.
Certificate of merger duly notarized with French translation.
License
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of License
Power of Attorney simply signed by the Licensee.
License agreement signed by both parties duly notarized with verified French translation.
Change of name or address
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of change of name or address
Power of Attorney simply signed in the new name/address.
A certificate issued by the competent authorities evidencing the changes duly notarized with French translation.
Treaties and conventions
WIPO Convention, Brussels Convention, Trademark Law Treaty, Berne Convention, Paris Convention, Rome Convention, WIPO Copyright Treaty, WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, Patent Cooperation Treaty, Madrid Protocol, Nice Agreement, Patent Law Treaty, Budapest Treaty, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Trade Organization, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), GCC Patent Law.
Member of LOCARNO CLASSIFICATION
Yes
Can Convention priority be claimed:
Yes
Novelty Requirement
Yes -Absolute novelty
Patent search
Applicable
Deadline for filing supporting documents:
Yes- 90 days
Multiple designs
Applicable up to 100 figures.
Required Documents:
1. A representation of the model or design showing all views.
2. A certified copy of the home registration, if priority is to be claimed.
Publication
Opposition
No Provisions
Duration
25 Years. The period of protection can be extended to another term of 25 years.
Compulsory licensing.:
Yes
Annuities:
Renewal for two terms of 5 Years within 6 months from the expiry date or 6 months after expiry date With Surcharge.
Assignment:
• Power of Attorney simply signed by the assignee.
• Deed of assignment signed by both parties duly notarized.
Merger:
• Power of Attorney simply signed.
• Certificate of merger / mortgage duly notarized.
Name / Address:
• Power of Attorney simply signed in the new name/address.
• A certificate issued by the competent authorities evidencing the changes duly notarized.
Our Global Reach & Jurisdictions
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