Trademarks & Industrial And Models

The relevant trademark conventions of Egypt include:

• Paris Convention (1951)
• WIPO Convention (1975)
• Madrid Agreement (1952)
• Madrid Protocol (1989)
• Nice Agreement (2005)
• Nairobi Treaty (1982)
• Trademark Law Treaty (1999)

• Law No. 82/2002 concerning Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
• Ministerial Decree No. 1366 of 2003 (Executive Regulations)

Registration is valid for ten years from the filing date and indefinitely renewable for similar periods.

Trade marks must be visible in all cases.

The following may not be registered:

1. Marks lacking distinctive character;
2. Marks contrary to morality or public order;
3. Public emblems, flags, or state symbols;
4. Religious symbols;
5. Red Cross or Red Crescent symbols;
6. Portraits without consent;
7. Unproven honorary titles;
8. Misleading or deceptive marks or trade names.

Colour marks registered without specific colour claims are deemed registered for all colours.

Collective and associated marks are registrable. Associated marks must be assigned together.

Any Egyptian or foreign person with activity in a WTO or Paris Convention country may apply.

In case of identical applications, registration is suspended until agreement or final judgment.

After five years of uncontested use, ownership becomes incontestable.

Assignment is valid against third parties only if recorded.

1. Power of Attorney from assignee;
2. Deed of Assignment;
3. Company documents if applicable.

1. Completed application form;
2. Legalized Power of Attorney;
3. Applicant details and goods/services list.

Opposition may be filed within 60 days of publication.

Appeals may be filed before the Committee and the Administrative Court.

Well-known marks are protected even without registration.