ARIPO: Design

Harare Protocol

Under the Harare Protocol, industrial designs benefit from a unified filing system that can designate any ARIPO member state. This approach streamlines the protection of aesthetic creations across multiple jurisdictions.

• Procedures: Applicants must submit representations of the design, alongside a brief description of its features.
• Duration: up to a total of 15 years.
• Novelty Requirements: Although novelty must be satisfied under ARIPO provisions, member states may impose additional criteria or assessment procedures.
• Member State Implications: After registration, enforcement and possible invalidation actions remain subject to each member state’s laws.