Egypt Trademark registration
Egypt is a member of the Madrid Agreement concerning the International Registration of Marks (Act of Stockholm of 1967) and a member of the Madrid Protocol. Trademark protection is obtained by registration.
Requirements
A trademark application has to be filed before the Trademark Office by a local agent. A power of attorney legalized by an Egyptian consulate is necessary. In addition to a certified copy of the priority document in case it is claimed. Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration.
Procedure
The application process includes the following: • Formalities, i.e., for compliance with the filing requirements; • Classification, i.e., to ensure that the goods or services fall within the class(es) listed in the application; • Descriptiveness, i.e., to check whether a trademark functions solely to provide information about the goods and services affiliated with the trademark; • Distinctiveness i.e., to ensure that trademarks are capable of being represented graphically and of distinguishing goods or services of one individual or organization from those of other individuals or organizations; • Deceptiveness, i.e., to check whether a trademark of such a nature as to deceive the public (for instance as to the nature, quality or geographic origins of the goods or services); • Conflict with prior an earlier registration, prior filed application or earlier unregistered rights resulting from an official search. It takes approximately 18- 24 months from first filing to registration. After registration the trademark is published in the “Official Gazette”. The opposition period is 60 days from the date of publication of acceptance.
Duration
A trademark registration in Egypt is valid for 10 years and starts with registration date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years.
Methods
NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office. INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION (MADRID SYSTEM)*: If you already have filed a trademark application or have a trademark registration in one or more countries of the Madrid Union (based on the Madrid Agreement and Madrid Protocol), you can obtain trademark protection by filing one single application, so called International Registration (Madrid System). *Note: The fees for an International Trademark Application (WIPO) will be calculated for each individual country or multiple countries. For a quotation please send us an e-mail with the name of countries where you currently have a registration and all preferable countries where you wish to extend your trademark protection.
Extra
Duly note, if the trademark has not been used within 5 years from registration or has not been used later for a continuous period of 5 years, it may be subject to cancellation