Industrial Design Application in Egypt

Egypt is a culturally diverse country, so the number of industrial design applications also spans many fields. Egypt has a long tradition of handicrafts and jewelry, with unique designs inspired by the country’s rich history and culture. These products have great export potential and attract tourists. The Egyptian textile industry has a long history and a skilled workforce. The application of modern design techniques and new materials can help to improve the quality and value of Egyptian textile products. Egypt has an abundant source of wood materials and traditional craftsmanship, which facilitates the production of high-quality furniture and furniture. Modern designs combined with Egyptian cultural elements can make a difference in the market. Egypt has a long tradition of making ceramics, with products imbued with characteristic culture. The application of new technology and innovative design can help the Egyptian ceramic industry grow stronger. In addition, Egypt also has the advantage of a geographical location, located in the center of three continents, which facilitates trade and export of products. The Egyptian government is also promoting policies to support the development of the creative industry, including the field of industrial design. Viet An Law would like to guide customers through the preliminary procedures for registering industrial designs in Egypt through the article below.

Legal Basis

• Law No. 82 of 2002 on Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

Definition of Industrial Design in Egypt

According to the Egyptian Intellectual Property Law (Law No. 82 of 2002 on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights), an industrial design is defined as:

“Any combination of lines or colors, or any three-dimensional form, whether or not associated with lines or colors, so long as such combination or form gives a distinctive appearance to an industrial or handicraft product and can serve as a model for an industrial or handicraft product fine arts.”

In simpler terms, industrial design refers to the decorative or aesthetic aspect of a product. It can be a two-dimensional pattern or a three-dimensional shape, and it can include colors.

Conditions for Industrial design registration in Egypt

• Novelty: The design must be new, which means it has not been disclosed to the public anywhere in the world before the filing date or the priority date if priority is required.
• Industrial applicability: The design must be applicable to an industrial or handicraft product and be capable of mass production.
• Not contrary to public order or morality: The design must not be contrary to public order or morality.

Types of industrial designs that can be registered in Egypt

• Two-way design:
  • Patterns, decorations and surface decorations are applied to the product.
  • Graphic symbols, logos, and typography are used on products or packaging.
  • Textile design and fabric patterns.
• Holographic design:
  • The shape and configuration of the product, such as furniture, equipment, tools, or vehicles.
  • Packaging design for different products.
  • Design jewelry and accessories.
• Combined Design: The design incorporates both two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements, such as the patterned fabric used for the upholstery.
• Color design: Design in which color or a combination of colors is a distinguishing feature of the product, such as a smartphone with a unique color.
• Design for kits: Design for products intended to be used together as a set, such as a dining table set or cookware.

Application for Industrial design registration in Egypt

• Application Form: The application form includes the following information:
  • Name, address, nationality and contact information of the applicant (and representative, if applicable);
  • Title of industrial design;
  • Specifies the products to which the style will be applied (Product Type).
  • International Classification Code for Industrial Designs (Locarno Classification).
• Representative image of the style:
  • Drawings, photographs, or other graphic images of the design.
  • These images need to clearly represent all angles of the style (front, back, side, top, bottom, perspective, etc.).
  • A maximum of 7 images can be submitted.
• Priority documentation (if applicable): If a priority claim is from a previous application filed in another country, the applicant will need to submit a certified copy of the previous application.
• Power of attorney (if applicable): If the applicant files through a representative (e.g., attorney or intellectual property representative), the applicant will need to provide a power of attorney that allows them to act on behalf of the applicant.
• Other documents, if any:
  • Copyright claim (if the applicant is not the creator of the design).
  • The transfer document (if the rights to the design have been transferred).

Industrial design registration in Egypt under the Hague Agreement

What is the Hague Agreement on the Industrial design registration?

The Hague Agreement on the Industrial design registration (referred to as the Hague Agreement) is an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This agreement provides an international registration system for industrial designs that makes it easy for individual designers and businesses to protect their designs on a global scale.

Benefits of registering industrial design protection through the Hague Agreement

• Simple: Instead of having to file an individual application in each country, the applicant only needs to file a single application in one language (English, French or Spanish) and pay in one currency (Swiss franc) to apply for protection in multiple member states.
• Savings: Significantly reduces costs compared to filing individual applications in each country.
• Centralized Management: Easily manage the applicant’s portfolio of registered industrial designs through a single system.
• Flexibility: The applicant can choose the countries in which you want to protect your industrial design.

Dossier of registration for protection of industrial designs under the Hague Agreement

A dossier for registration of an industrial design under the Hague Agreement includes the following documents:

• International Registration Declaration:
  • The applicant completes the application according to WIPO’s prescribed form in one of three languages: English, French or Spanish.
  • In the application, it is necessary to clearly specify the application for protection under the 1999 Document or the 1960 Document of the Hague Agreement.
  • List the countries in which the applicant wishes to protect his industrial design.
• Images or drawings of the industrial design: the image needs to clearly and fully show the perspectives of the industrial design that the applicant wants to register. The applicant also needs to pay attention to ensuring the quality of good and clear images or drawings.
• Documentation of payment of fees: The applicant notes that the international registration fee should be paid in accordance with WIPO regulations.

Some questions related to the issue of Industrial design registration in Egypt

How long is the protection period for an industrial design?

The term of protection for an industrial design in Egypt is 10 years from the date of filing and can be extended for another 5 years.

What are my rights when registering an industrial design?

When registering an industrial design, you have the right to prevent others from manufacturing, using, importing, or selling products that are similar or similar in design to your registered design.

Can I register an industrial design abroad if it is registered in Egypt?

Yes, you can file an industrial design application in other countries under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

Industrial design registration services in Egypt of Viet An Law Firm

• Perform the search and notify customers in writing of the results of industrial design search in Egypt;
• Drafting dossiers and directly filing and monitoring the status of industrial design applications in Egypt on behalf of the industrial design owners;
• Notifying, advising and handling deficiencies/refusals of competent State agencies (if any) in the process of monitoring industrial design applications in Egypt;
• Assist in monitoring and representing objections and responding to intellectual property representatives carrying out procedures in Egypt.
• Receive official dispatches, certificates and hand over to customers (if any).

If you wish to file an application for registration of an industrial design in Egypt, please contact Viet An Law for the most effective support.