Trademarks Law in Mali
Certainly! Here’s an overview of trademark law in Mali:
Trademark Law in Mali
1. Legal Framework
Mali is a member of the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI) — the African Intellectual Property Organization.
Trademark protection in Mali is governed by the Bangui Agreement (1999), which establishes a unified IP system for all OAPI member states, including Mali.
The OAPI office, headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon, manages trademark registration and enforcement for Mali and other member states.
Mali is also a party to international treaties such as:
The Paris Convention
The Madrid Protocol (via OAPI)
The TRIPS Agreement
2. Trademark Protection
Trademarks registered with OAPI are automatically protected in Mali and all other OAPI member countries.
There is no separate national trademark office; registration is centralized through OAPI.
3. Registration Process
Applicants file trademark applications directly with OAPI.
The process includes:
Formal and substantive examination by OAPI.
Publication of the application.
Opposition period (2 months from publication).
Registration if no opposition or after opposition resolved.
4. Duration and Renewal
Trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date.
It can be renewed indefinitely in successive 10-year terms upon payment of renewal fees.
5. Rights Conferred
Exclusive rights to use and license the trademark in Mali and other OAPI countries.
Right to take action against infringement and counterfeit goods.
6. Infringement and Enforcement
Infringement includes unauthorized use or imitation likely to cause confusion.
Enforcement occurs through national courts within Mali.
OAPI supports coordination but enforcement is national.
7. International Registration
International trademark protection for Mali can be obtained via the Madrid Protocol, but filings must go through OAPI.
Mali’s membership in OAPI facilitates regional protection but not direct individual national filings outside OAPI.
Summary
Trademark protection in Mali is handled through OAPI’s regional system, providing protection across multiple African countries including Mali.
Applicants file once with OAPI to protect marks in Mali.
Registration lasts 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
0 comments