Local Design Laws: Design laws, among other norms of positive legal systems such as trademark and patent laws, were introduced in the past in almost all of the countries of our region, either by their own codes or by including them in general codes. Basically, such laws explore and discuss the designs protected, the duration of protection, the transfer of rights, the procedures, penalties, and remedies, and the scope of protection. International Design Conventions: Only Egypt, Morocco, Syria, and Tunisia from our region are members of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs. Most countries are members of the WTO, which, of course, extends to the TRIPS agreement. TRIPS, Part II address each intellectual property right in succession.
Examination: Novelty is a requirement in all jurisdictions except for Algeria, Cyprus, Gaza, Lebanon,
Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, West Bank, and Yemen. Applications with Multiple Figures: It is possible to submit applications with multiple figures in all jurisdictions except for Ethiopia, Gaza, India, Iran, and Pakistan The table below includes information on the duration, examination, and renewal of designs in addition to applications with multiple figures (if possible) in the MENA region.
|
Country |
Duration |
Renewal |
|
Algeria |
1 year from filing date |
For one term of 9 years |
|
Bahrain |
10 years from filing date |
For one term of 5 years |
|
Cyprus |
5 years from filing date |
For four terms of 5 years each |
|
Djibouti |
5 years from filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 5 years each |
|
Egypt |
10 years from filing date |
For one term of 5 years with a 3-month grace period |
|
Ethiopia |
5 years from filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 5 years each |
|
Gaza |
5 years from filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 5 years each |
|
India |
10 years from filing date |
For one term of 5 years |
|
Iran |
5 years from filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 5 years each |
|
Iraq |
7 years from filing date |
Not possible |
|
Jordan |
15 years from filing date |
Not possible |
|
Kuwait |
10 years from filing date |
For one term of 5 years |
|
Lebanon |
25 years from filing date |
For one additional term of 25 years |
|
Libya |
5 years from filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 5 years |
|
Morocco |
5 years from filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 5 years |
|
Oman |
5 years from filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 5 years each |
|
Pakistan |
10 years from filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 10 years |
|
Saudi Arabia |
10 years from filing date |
Not possible |
|
Sudan |
5 years from filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 5 years |
|
Syria |
5 years from filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 5 years each |
|
Tunisia |
5, 10 or 15 years from filing date |
For two consecutive periods of 5 years, where the initial duration was 5 years and for a further period of 5 years where the initial duration was 10 years |
|
Turkey |
5 years from filing date |
For four consecutive terms of 5 years each |
|
UAE |
10 years from filing date |
Not possible |
|
West Bank |
5 years filing date |
For two consecutive terms of 5 years each |
|
Yemen |
10 years from filing date |
Not possible |