Overview
The Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI) was established under the Bangui Agreement (1977), which was significantly revised in 1999. Based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, OAPI serves as a central hub for administering and harmonizing intellectual property rights among its member states. Through a single regional system, applicants can register IP rights that are automatically effective in all OAPI member states, encompassing multiple countries primarily in West and Central Africa.
OAPI’s legal framework offers a unified approach for trademarks, patents, and industrial designs. Notably, member states collaborate under a common set of provisions, rather than adopting separate national implementations. This approach ensures cohesive protection and enforcement, reducing administrative work for applicants.
This information does not constitute legal advice; it is for informational purposes only.