Overview
Guinea-Bissau is a member of the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI), which administers trademarks, patents, and industrial designs on a regional basis. Rights granted through OAPI automatically extend to Guinea-Bissau, allowing local and foreign applicants to secure protection throughout all OAPI member states with a single application. Local enforcement remains an option, enabling rights holders to pursue action against infringement in Guinea-Bissau if it arises. OAPI’s streamlined procedures ensure alignment with international standards, offering a centralized approach that benefits applicants seeking IP protection across multiple jurisdictions. Nevertheless, rights holders can still make use of national mechanisms to uphold their interests within Guinea-Bissau.
International Conventions
By virtue of OAPI membership and further international commitments, Guinea-Bissau aligns with widely recognized IP treaties such as:
Paris Convention
Berne Convention
TRIPS Agreement
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).