Morocco- New Intellectual Property (IP) Law

      As of 18 December 2004, the new IP law No 17-97 will be in force, as it was approved by the Parliament. The new Law has brought the following changes:

                     Patents

1.   A Patent is valid for 20 years and annuities are to be paid every year, even if it is not    granted, with a grace period of 6 months available.

2.     One patent application will cover both jurisdictions Casablanca and Tangier.

3.    Integrated circuits are protected for 10 years as of the filing date.

4.     The protection of invention of employees.

5.    Pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical products and remedies are protected.

6.     Documents are to be filed within 3 months.

7.     Patent may be subject to seizure in pawn.

8.    Licensing is compulsory if not used or worked out within a period of three years as of grant, or four years as of filing.

9.     Patents related to security or public health may be subject to "automatic" licensing.

                      Trademarks

1.    One application will cover the 2 zones Casablanca and Tangier.

2.    Duration became 10 years instead of 20.

3.    Grace period of 6 months is given for renewals.

4.    Non-use of the mark for 5 years will result in the cancellation of it.

5.    Collective and service marks are registrable.

   All prior rights of this law will remain in force.

All applications filed before the new law, i.e. until 18 December 2004, will be  processed according to the old law.

Old registrations will remain valid in both jurisdictions until the end of the protection period, and then the new applications should be filed according to the new law.

   It is recommended to file a renewal application as soon as possible, before the new becomes effective, in order to extend the protection to 20 years.

          Lebanon- Publication of Color Prints is Possible Now.

As of 2 October 2004, publication fees have been increased by $ 40 and it’s become possible to publish the mark in colors after payment of $ 150.

Iran- Iranian Design and Utility Model.

   As Iran doesn’t have a design and Utility Model Law, the Iranian Parliament is expected to issue a new law at the beginning of 2005. Further details will be reported in due time.

Announcement.

   We are delighted to circulate that Mr. Jehad Al- Hassan has joined our firm as a partner in charge of our offices and their operations in the Gulf Countries. Mr. Al Hassan has vast experience in the intellectual property and enforcement area, and is fully acquainted with Trademark Laws and the practices of the Trademark Registrars in the Gulf Countries, as he served for fifteen years in the Gulf; ten years as office manager of TMP Agents in Qatar and the UAE, and five years as offices coordinator in the Gulf with ALPHA & Co. During his service, he used to have direct dealings with the Registrars in the Gulf Countries. We hope the long and vast experience of Mr. Al Hassan will be of great assistance to our clients.