Rwanda
Forms part of
OAPI
ARIPO
International Arrangements
Rwanda is a party to the Madrid System for international registration of trade marks, and the Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property. It is possible to claim priority under the Paris Convention.
Classification
Rwanda follows a multi-class filing system in terms of the 9th edition of the Nice Classification.
Registration Procedure
The total time from filing to registration is approximately 10 months. Trade mark applications are examined for compliance with formal and substantive requirements and are published in the official gazette after acceptance. Trade marks may be opposed within 30 days from the date of publication, although there is some uncertainty around the length of the opposition period.
Common Law and Well-Known Trade Marks
Well-known trade marks in terms of the Paris Convention are recognised in Rwanda.
Duration of Registration, Renewal and Non-Use
Trade mark registrations are valid for 10 years from the date of filing and may be renewed indefinitely for 10-year periods thereafter.
A registered trade mark may be cancelled on action by an interested party if it has not been used for a continuous period of 5 years after the date of registration.
Customs Recordal
Customs recordals are not possible.
Forms part of
OAPI
ARIPO
International Arrangements
ARIPO
Paris Convention
PCT
Types of patents
ARIPO patents
National patents
Novelty requirements
Absolute
Grace period/Prior knowledge
Twelve months.
Examination procedure
Formal examination.
Search (ARIPO)
Obligation to submit corresponding foreign search results and application numbers.
Substantive examination (ARIPO).
Amendments upon application before acceptance, upon request post-acceptance.
Grant.
Duration and maintenance
Duration is 20 years from the filing date of the application.
A maintenance fee is payable annually beginning one year after the filing date of the application.
Working requirement
Within four years of filing or three years from grant (whichever period ends later), failing which patent may become subject to grant of compulsory licence.
Forms part of
OAPI
ARIPO
International Arrangements
ARIPO
Paris Convention
Novelty requirements
Absolute
Grace period/Prior knowledge
Six months
Examination procedure
Filing (Registrar General)
Formal examination and examination as to inherent registrability.
Registration
Duration and maintenance
Fifteen years from the date of filing.
Maintenance at the end of the fifth and tenth year.
Working requirement
No
9th edition