Frequently Asked Questions

Trademark Information

File an application at the Egyptian Trademarks Office, under the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA).

Names represented in a distinctive manner, signatures, words, letters, numerals, designs, symbols, signboards of shops, stamps, seals, drawings, engravings, a combination of distinctly formed colours and any other combination of these elements.

10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely every 10 years.

Yes, but they must appoint a local agent or attorney for representation.

Egypt adopts the Nice Classification (12 edition) for goods and services.

Not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to avoid conflicts with prior marks.

Yes, third parties may oppose the registration within 60 days from publication.

Non-distinctiveness, similarity to prior marks, generic terms, or conflict with public order/morality.

Yes, if it’s not used for 5 consecutive years, cancellation can be requested.

Yes, Egypt joined the Madrid System in 1951, allowing international trademark registration.

Patent Information

The Egyptian Patent Office (EGPO) under the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA).

New inventions that involve an inventive step and are industrially applicable, including processes, machines, and compositions.

20 years from the filing date, subject to the payment of annual renewal fees.

Yes, since 2003, enabling international patent applications designating Egypt.

Pure software is generally not patentable unless it is part of a technical invention.

Applications must be filed in Arabic, with English allowed for reference.

Filing → Formal examination → Substantive examination → Publication → Grant.

A separate utility model system exists.

Yes, third parties may file oppositions or revocation actions under legal grounds (e.g., lack of novelty).

Through civil litigation, injunctions, and criminal penalties in case of willful infringement.

Industrial Design Information

The external shape, configuration, or ornamentation of a product that gives it a unique appearance.

At the Industrial Designs Department under the Egyptian trademark Office.

10 years from filing, renewable once for another 5 years (total of 15 years).

Egypt uses the Locarno Classification for categorizing industrial designs.

The design must be novel and have individual character at the time of filing.

Yes, through local agents or attorneys.

A multiple designs allowed in one application.

Yes, designs are published in the Official Gazette after acceptance.

Yes, through court action, including injunctions and damages for infringement.

Yes, Egypt is a member of the Hague Agreement for international design protection.