Overview
Although the country was not historically part of any regional African IP organization, it became the 22nd member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) on July 14, 2022. This membership allows applicants to designate Cape Verde in regional applications under protocols such as Harare (patents and industrial designs) and Banjul (trademarks). Its IP framework grants protection to both local and foreign applicants, ensuring a structured process for registration and enforcement. This includes distinct rules for each category of intellectual property, backed by ongoing improvements in administrative and legal measures.
International Conventions
Cape Verde is a contracting party to various global treaties that shape its IP environment. These include:
Paris Convention
Berne Convention
TRIPS Agreement
Madrid Protocol
Banjul Protocol
Harare Protoco
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
This information does not constitute legal advice; it is for informational purposes only.