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DRC Industrial Property Law

Multi-Class Filing System
Classification of goods / services - Nice Classification
Member of Paris Convention
Priority can be claimed under Paris Convention
Protection Term - 10 years from filing date
Examination - Formal and substantive
Opposition period - No opposition system
Use - registered marks may be subject to cancellation action by interested parties if it has not been used for 3 consecutive years

Power of attorney, simply signed
Certified copy of the priority document if claimed

Power of attorney, simply signed
Copy of registration certificate of the trademark

Power of attorney, simply signed
Deed of assignment signed by the assignor and assignee, legalized by the Congolese Consulate
Original registration certification of the subject mark

Power of attorney, simply signed
Merger agreement document signed by both parties, legalized by the Congolese Consulate
Original registration certification of the subject mark

Power of attorney, simply signed
License agreement signed by both parties
Original registration certification of the trademark

Power of attorney showing the new name or address simply signed
Change of name or address document, simply signed by a public authority
Original registration certification of the trademark

DRC Industrial Property Law

Member of Paris Convention
Priority can be claimed under Paris Convention within 12 months from the first filing date
Period Term - 20 years
Annuities shall be paid annually from the third year of the filing date

Power of attorney, simply signed
Deed of assignment if the applicant is not the inventor
Three copies of the title, specifications, and claims in French
Certified copy of the priority document if claimed
Late filing of documents is allowed within 3 months from filing date without penalty

No documents required

Power of attorney, simply signed
Deed of assignment signed by the assignor and assignee, legalized by the Congolese Consulate

Power of attorney, simply signed
Merger agreement signed by both parties, legalized by the Congolese Consulate

Power of attorney, simply signed
License agreement signed by both parties, legalized by the Congolese Consulate

Power of attorney, simply signed
Certificate of change of name or address simply signed by a public authority

DRC Industrial Property Law

Member of Paris Convention
Priority can be claimed under Paris Convention within 6 months from the first filing date
Term of protection - 5 years
Industrial designs can be renewed for a further 5 years upon the payment of the required fees
A grace period of six months is allowed for the late payment of the renewal fees

Power of attorney, simply signed
Two copies of the specimen, or the graphical representation of the design
Description in French (optional)
Certified copy of the priority document if claimed, with English translation

No documents required

Power of attorney, simply signed
Deed of assignment signed by the assignor and assignee, legalized by the Congolese Consulate

Power of attorney, simply signed
Merger agreement signed by both parties, legalized by the Congolese Consulate

Power of attorney, simply signed
License agreement signed by both parties, legalized by the Congolese Consulate

Power of attorney, simply signed
Certificate of change of name or address simply signed by a public authority

Trademark Registration Process

Learn more about the process

Trademark Review

Your lawyers will help you to review the trademark(s) to be registered and advise you of the best protection approach according to the country laws and requirements.

Trademark Classification

With the knowledge of your goods/services, your lawyers will assist you with identifying the most appropriate international class for your trademark.

Trademark Search

Although not mandatory, a trademark clearance search should be conducted to establish if your trademark can be registered and used in the market.

Filing

Your lawyers will submit your application for registration after reviewing and confirming that all formal requirements by the respective IPO have been met.

Examination

At this stage, the IPO will examine whether your trademark fulfills the requirements of the applicable trademark law.

Publication

After the examination process, the trademark is published and third parties may submit an opposition against it being registered. Your lawyers' role is to address and respond to any oppositions and ensure that your trademark proceeds to registration.

Registration

After the opposition period, your trademark is registered and a certificate of registration is issued.

Watch Service

Registration of the trademark is just the beginning, there is need for vigilance in the market. Your lawyers help you lookout for potential infringement through our trademark watch service.

Renewal

Trademark registration is valid for a specific period of years after which it has to be renewed, 10 years in most jurisdictions with a few exceptions. We got you covered.

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IP Office

Directorate of Industrial Property, Secretariat for industry and Small and Medium Enterprises (IPMEA), Ministry of Industry and SMEs.

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