Designs and industrial models are protectable in Egypt through registration with the competent office. The international Classification of Designs is effective in Egypt. A registration is effected without any novelty examination at the applicant's responsibility and secret filing of models/designs are not possible.
A design or an industrial model registration is valid for five years starting from the date of filing the application. A registration can be renewed for two similar periods of five years each.
A registration of a design or an industrial model is subject to cancellation in the event any interested party requests such a cancellation before the competent tribunal on the grounds that the subject design or industrial model was not novel at the time of filing the relevant application. The registration, assignment and cancellation of design and industrial model registrations are published in the Official Gazette and entered in the register.
There is no provision in the current Egyptian law as to compulsory working or licensing with respect to designs and industrial models.
Any infringement or unauthorized use of a registered design or industrial model is punishable under the current law.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property Bulletins
For further information you make also like to view the Intellectual Property Bulletins published monthly by Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property - IP Bulletins