African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO)
Algeria
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Trade Mark Services & Trade Mark Lawyers
Patent
Design
Sierra Leone
Forms part of
OAPI
ARIPO
International Arrangements
Sierra Leone 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.
Although Sierra Leone is a signatory to the Madrid System it has not amended its national legislation to give effect to the provisions of the Madrid system and it is therefore questionable whether international registrations designating Sierra Leone are enforceable in Sierra Leone.
Classification
Sierra Leone follows a single class filing system in terms of the old British 50 class classification. Registration of service is currently not possible.
Sierra Leone has passed legislation adopting the Nice Classification and providing for the registration of service marks but the legislation is not yet in effect.
Registration Procedure
The total time from filing to registration is approximately 24 months. Trade mark applications are examined for compliance with formal requirements only and are published in the official gazette after acceptance. Trade marks may be opposed within 3 months from the date of publication.
Common Law and Well-Known Trade Marks
Well-known trade marks in terms of the Paris Convention are not recognised in Sierra Leone.
Duration of Registration, Renewal and Non-Use
Trade mark registrations are valid for 14 years from the date of filing and may be renewed indefinitely for 14-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 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 (Sierra Leone Industrial Property Office)
Search and examination (ARIPO)
International-type search upon request.
Obligation to submit documents cited in corresponding search reports upon request.
Grant
Duration and maintenance
Duration is twenty years from the date of filing.
Annual maintenance.
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
Paris Convention
Novelty requirements
Absolute.
Grace period/Prior knowledge
None specified.
Examination procedure
Filing (Registrar)
Search (IPI)
Formal examination
Registration
Duration and maintenance
Five years from filing date, twice renewable for additional five-year terms, for a duration of fifteen years.
Working requirement
No.
