Trademark protection in Mauritania

For IP protection in Mauritania, trademark registration is vital process. Mauritania is a West African country whose economy is based on mining, fishing, and cattle ranching. Mauritania is located on the Atlantic coast, close to European and North American markets facilitating the import and export of goods. Mauritania has large reserves of iron ore, copper and gold. The country also has a long coastline with rich fish resources. In addition, Mauritania has relatively abundant land and water resources, suitable for cattle breeding. Mauritania has a young population, with more than 60% of the population under the age of 30. This young workforce can provide abundant human resources for economic development. To attract domestic and foreign investment, the Mauritanian government is investing in improving infrastructure, including roads, ports and airports. This will help attract foreign investment and boost economic growth. Therefore, more and more businesses are expanding their business scope here, in order to be able to distinguish their brand from other competitors, businesses need to pay attention to trademark registration procedures. Viet An Law would like to guide customers preliminarily through the procedure for trademark registration in Mauritania through the article below.

Trademark registration in Mauritania

Mauritania does not have its own national trademark registration system. Instead, the country uses the system of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). This means that a single application with the OAPI protects your trademark in Mauritania and other OAPI member states.

The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) is an intergovernmental organization based in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The organization was founded in 1977 with the aim of promoting cooperation among African countries in the field of intellectual property (IP). The OAPI currently has 17 member states.

Main functions

• Grant of patents, trademarks, industrial designs and other IP rights.
• General system management for filing, registration and protection of IP rights.
• IP-related dispute resolution.
• Raise awareness of the importance of IP.
• Assist Member States in developing IP policies.

Benefits of participating in OAPI

• Effective IP protection: Businesses can protect their IP in all OAPI member countries with one application.
• Reduced costs: Filing and maintaining IP protection through the OAPI is generally cheaper than filing individual applications in individual member states.
• Simple process: OAPI’s system is designed to be simple and easy to use.
• Highly specialized: OAPI has a team of experienced and specialized IP staff.

Guide to Trademark Registration in Mauritania via OAPI System

Prepare documents

• Application form: The application form can be downloaded from the OAPI website or picked up in person at the OAPI office. The application form should be completed with complete information about the trademark owner, the trademark and the products/services for which the trademark will be used.
• Trademark images: Trademark images need to be filed as high-resolution digital files.
• List of products/services: This list should clearly state the products or services for which the trademark will be used.
• Letter of authorization: If you apply through a representative organization, you need to submit an additional letter of authorization.

Apply

• Direct submission: You can go directly to the OAPI Intellectual Property Office at Yaoundé, Cameroon to submit the application and related documents.
• By Post: You can send your application and all required documents via postal service or courier service to the address of the OAPI Intellectual Property Office at Yaoundé, Cameroon.
• Submit online via website:

Log in to the website and create an account to apply online http://oapi.int/index.php/en/component/k2/item/556-recherche-en-ligne When applying online, you should pay attention to the payment of the relevant fee in accordance with the instructions of the Office of the Chief Controller for Patents, Industrial Designs and Trademarks.

Trademark registration fee

• Application and publication fee: 360 EUR (for a class of products or services)
• Additional fee for each class of products or services after the first class: 75 EUR
• Fee for repairing physical errors on the form: 40 EUR
• Fee for repairing material defects after publication: 60 EUR
• Application separation fee: 360 EUR
• Additional fee for each product or service class after the first class at single split: 75 EUR

Process of processing trademark registration dossiers through OAPI system

After filing the trademark application, the OAPI IP Authority will proceed to process the application.

Appraisal and disclosure

• OAPI will evaluate the applicant’s application to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria and does not infringe an existing registered trademark.
• If the application is approved, the applicant’s trademark will be published in the OAPI Official Gazette within a certain period of time.

Protest period

• During the objection period, any third party may file an objection to the registration of the trademark by the applicant, stating the reasons for potential infringement or other conflicts.
• If there is an objection, the OAPI will proceed with the dispute settlement procedure.

Registration and certification

• If no objection or objection is resolved in favor of the applicant, the OAPI will issue the applicant a Trademark Registration Certificate.
• This certificate formally confirms the holder’s exclusive right to use the registered trademark for specific products or services within OAPI member countries.

Validity of the Trademark Registration Certificate

The OAPI Diploma of Trademark Protection is valid for 10 years from the date of filing. After 10 years, the applicant can renew several more times, each renewal is also valid for 10 years.

The validity of the OAPI trademark protection diploma includes the following rights:

• Exclusive right to use a trademark: Only the registered trademark owner has the right to use the trademark for products or services specified in the diploma.
• Right to prevent others from using a trademark: A trademark owner can prevent others from using a trademark that is identical or confused with their registered trademark.
• Right to claim damages: If someone infringes a defendant’s trademark rights, the claimant can claim damages.

IP service of Viet An Law Firm

• Perform the search and notify customers in writing the results of trademark search in Mauritania;
• Draft the dossier and directly file and monitor the status of the trademark application in Mauritania on behalf of the trademark owner;
• Inform, advise and handle deficiencies/refusals of competent State agencies (if any) in the process of monitoring trademark applications in Mauritania;
• Assist in monitoring, representing the resolution of objections and feedback with intellectual property representatives carrying out procedures in Mauritania.
• Receive dispatches, certificates and hand over to customers (if any).
• Patent registration, Industrial design registration, trademark renewal process.

If you want to file a trademark application in Mauritania, please contact Viet An Law – IP Firm for the most effective support.