OAPI Trademark Registration

OAPI (Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle) is a regional intellectual property organization that manages and enforces intellectual property (IP) rights across its member states. By filing a single trademark application through OAPI, you can obtain protection in all member countries simultaneously. This system streamlines the registration process for trademarks, patents, and other forms of IP within its jurisdiction.

OAPI Member Countries:

As of now, the OAPI member countries include:

Benin

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Central African Republic

Chad

Comoros

Republic of Congo

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Equatorial Guinea

Gabon

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Mali

Mauritania

Niger

Senegal

Togo

Trademark Registration Process & Duration:

Timeline: Typically, the OAPI trademark registration process takes approximately 8 to 12 months from the date of filing, depending on factors such as examination, potential opposition periods, and other administrative procedures.

Procedure: The process involves a formal examination to ensure compliance with regulations, followed by a substantive examination. If there are no objections, the application is published for opposition, allowing third parties to oppose the registration within a stipulated period.

Cost:

Filing fees: OAPI trademark registration costs vary depending on factors such as the number of classes and professional/legal fees if using a trademark attorney or agent. On average, the basic government fee can range from $600 to $1,000 USD for a single class, excluding attorney fees or any extra costs for additional classes or objections.

For precise and up-to-date fees or any service assistance, you might consider consulting directly with OAPI, a regional expert, or a trademark attorney familiar with OAPI filings.