Rwanda: Design

Industrial designs in Rwanda safeguard the aesthetic or ornamental aspects of products. Filings may be processed nationally through the RDB or regionally via ARIPO’s industrial design protocols:

• Applicants must provide representations of the design and pay official fees.

• Design registrations are valid for an initial term of 5 years, renewable for two further 5-year periods (up to 15 years).

• Accurate applicant details must be included to ensure valid registration.

A registered design confers the right to restrict others from producing or distributing identical or substantially similar designs in Rwanda, supplemented by ARIPO-wide coverage if designated.