ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation)

Background:

ARIPO formerly ESARIPO (before the reference to English Speaking was dropped) was created as a result of a diplomatic conference held in Zambia in 1976. At a further meeting in Zimbabwe in 1982, the Harare Protocol was adopted in terms of which ARIPO is empowered to grant patents and register industrial designs on behalf of its contracting states.

ARIPO is a member of the Paris Convention and it is possible to file independent applications claiming Convention Priority. ARIPO is also a member of the PCT and may be designated in a PCT International Application.

Membership:

Membership of ARIPO is open to all Member States of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. At the present time, there are fifteen ARIPO states which may be designated in an application, namely: Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania (Tanganyika), Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Unlike OAPI, where a single application automatically covers all member states and it is not possible to designate the countries of interest, ARIPO applications specifically require the applicant to designate those member states where protection is required. The total of the official fees paid is directly linked to the number of member states so designated. Renewal fees are also directly linked to the number of States designated.

Trade Marks:                        ARIPO not recommended for trademarks

Registered Designs:           Yes, see member countries.

Utility Models:                       Yes, but not all member countries. See member countries.

Plant Breeders’ Rights:      Currently being considered by ARIPO – see member countries

For more information on ARIPO trademarks please visit the main Spoor & Fisher website