Intellectual Property Rights in Egypt: Key Laws and International Agreements

Written By - Abdel Hamid Soliman - Managing Partner

Introduction

Intellectual Property (IP) rights in Egypt are structured under a robust legal framework designed to protect the creations of inventors, businesses, and artists. With a combination of local laws and international treaties, Egypt provides significant protection for patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs.

Egypt’s intellectual property (IP) laws have undergone several key updates in recent years, particularly in 2021, aligning the country with international standards and enhancing protection for digital and business-related IP rights.

Key IP Laws in Egypt:

1. Law No. 82 of 2002 (on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights): This is the core legislation governing IP rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and plant varieties.
2. Law No. 67 of 2021 (E-Commerce Law): Contains provisions to safeguard trade secrets and digital IP rights.
3. Law No. 175 of 2018 (Anti-Cybercrime Law): Addresses online IP infringement and ensures penalties for violations involving IP in the digital space.

Key 2021 Updates:

1. Amendments to Law No. 82 of 2002: These brought Egyptian IP law closer to international agreements like TRIPS and WIPO requirements.
2. Expansion of Digital IP Services: The Egyptian Patent Office and Trademark Office now provide online registration, making the IP protection process more efficient and accessible.
3. Stronger Penalties for IP Infringements: New measures have been implemented to crack down on counterfeit goods, digital piracy, and e-commerce-related violations, reinforcing investor confidence.
4. Egypt Joins the Marrakesh Treaty: In 2021, Egypt became a signatory to the Marrakesh Treaty, promoting access to copyrighted materials for the visually impaired.

Egypt’s Membership in International Agreements:

Egypt is a signatory to several major international conventions that bolster its IP protection regime:

• TRIPS Agreement (under the WTO): Ensures global standards for IP protection.
• Paris Convention (for the Protection of Industrial Property): Covers patents and trademarks.
• Berne Convention (for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works): Ensures copyright protection across borders.
• Madrid Agreement and Madrid Protocol: Facilitates international trademark registration.
• Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Streamlines the process of applying for patents across multiple countries.

Competent Authorities:

• Egyptian Patent Office (for patents and industrial designs)
• Egyptian Trademarks and Industrial Designs Office (for trademarks and industrial designs)
• Egyptian Authors’ Rights Protection Office (for copyright protection)
• Economic Courts (handling disputes related to IP violations)

How Emara & Soliman Can Assist?

Emara & Soliman offers tailored legal services to protect and enforce your IP rights in Egypt. Our team provides end-to-end support, including registration, monitoring, and enforcement, ensuring compliance with both local and international regulations. Whether you're dealing with IP infringements or need guidance on securing your rights, we are here to safeguard your innovations.

For more information, please visit our website at emarasoliman.com .

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