Overview
Rwanda protects trademarks, patents, and industrial designs through its national legal system. The country is a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and a contracting party to the Harare Protocol, which enables applicants to register patents and industrial designs via ARIPO. However, Rwanda is not a party to the Banjul Protocol, meaning trademark protection cannot be obtained through ARIPO.
Applicants seeking trademark registration must file directly with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). For broader protection, Rwanda’s membership in the Madrid Protocol allows international trademark applications designating Rwanda through the WIPO system.
Rwanda’s IP framework aligns with internationally accepted standards, ensuring that both local and foreign applicants can register and enforce their rights. The RDB facilitates administrative processes for IP filings, including examination and grant procedures. In cases of infringement or dispute, rights holders can seek remedies through the national courts.
International Conventions
Rwanda is party to several key treaties that guide its IP system, including:
Paris Convention
Berne Convention
TRIPS Agreement
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)