IP Africa News – Vol.3/Q2/Issue6

UGANDA 

Uganda Trademarks Office to Enforce POA Requirement for Extension of Time Requests

Following a guidance notice issued by the Commissioner for Intellectual Property at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) on 18 June 2025, the Trademarks Office will now strictly enforce the requirement to submit a Form of Authorization or Power of Attorney with all applications for extension of time.

Although this requirement has long existed under Uganda’s trademark law, it was not applied in practice.

Going forward, applicants must ensure that every request for extension regardless of the stage of an application is accompanied by a Power of Attorney. This is very crucial in cases where a client intends to beat the opposition deadline by first requesting for extension of time.

EGYPT

Egypt Implements Substantial Increase in Patent Examination Official Fees

The Egyptian Patent Office has implemented a substantial change to its fee structure through Official Decision No. 26/2025, dated 10 June 2025. Effective immediately, the examination fees for patent applications have increased dramatically from EGP 25,000 (approximately $495) to EGP 50,000 (approximately $987). This significant adjustment to the patent application process was formally published in the Official Gazette on 17 June 2025 (Issue No. 132).

The doubling of examination fees marks one of the most substantial revisions to Egypt's intellectual property cost structure in recent years. This change will directly impact applicants seeking patent protection in Egypt, potentially affecting budgeting decisions and filing strategies.

MAURITIUS

Mauritius Becomes Member of the Harare Protocol on Patents, Industrial Designs and Utility Models

In a landmark development for intellectual property protection in Africa, the Republic of Mauritius formally acceded to the Harare Protocol on 27 May 2025. By depositing its Instrument of Accession with ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization), Mauritius has become the 21st member state of this important regional IP system. This accession will become operational on 27 August 2025, at which point applicants will be able to designate Mauritius in their ARIPO patent, utility model, and industrial design applications. Before now, only 20 out of the 22 ARIPO Member States had acceded to the Harare Protocol.

This strategic move represents a significant step in Mauritius' ongoing efforts to modernize its intellectual property framework and align with international best practices. Over recent years, the island nation has undertaken substantial legislative reforms to strengthen its IP regime and meet its international obligations. ARIPO membership will provide Mauritian innovators with more streamlined and cost-effective options for securing regional IP protection, while giving foreign applicants expanded coverage options in this important African market.

The inclusion of Mauritius in the ARIPO system reflects the growing importance of regional IP cooperation in Africa and enhances the attractiveness of ARIPO filings for businesses operating across the continent.

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