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Rwanda joins ARIPO
5/07/2011

The Republic of Rwanda deposited its instrument of accession to the Harare Protocol which governs patent and design filings in ARIPO on 22 May 2011. This means that Rwanda can be designated as a member state in an ARIPO patent or design application after22 August 2011.

Rwanda’s accession, brings to a total of 17, the number of countries that can de designated in an ARIPO patent or industrial design application. Rwanda has recently acceded to the Patent Co-Operation Treaty (PCT) and the Hague Agreement and this seems to signal Rwanda’s commitment to providing effective protection to IP rights and is an indication that the Government realises that IP can play a significant role in Rwanda’s economic recovery.

For further information on patent or design filings in ARIPO or any African countries please contact nickyg@adamsasdams.co.za
  Featured Act Close Corporations Act 69 of 194
To provide for the formation, registration, incorporation, management, control and liquidation of close corporations; and for matters connected therewith.
Download act 		  Featured Case Law South African Breweries International B.V. t/a SABMARK International v. Laugh It Off Promotions
The applicant is a company registered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and trades in and controls the trade in a large range of products, largely alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The respondent is a close corporation and offers for sale T-shirts bearing marks which are similar to a number of well-known trade marks, including those of the applicant. It does so through advertising on the internet.
Download case law 		  Related People Nicky Garnett
Head of Africa Patents
Legal Assistant
Tel: +27 (0) 12 432 6261
Email me 		 

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The firm practises directly in several Southern African countries and through long-established associates in others.