ARIPO opens for e-filing

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

ARIPO opens for e-filing

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has begun accepting online applications, making it easier for IP owners to protect their trademark rights in the Organization’s 19 member states. Among its members are Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Fernando dos Santos, Director General of ARIPO, told the INTA Daily News yesterday that the Organization has updated its ICT facilities and has been able to accept e-filing since March this year. The move online has been accompanied by changes to make it easier for users to access the ARIPO database of patents, trademarks and industrial designs registered throughout its member states.

“The system will grow,” said dos Santos. “The idea is that soon we will have a regional database so that users can access the databases of member states. That depends on member states uploading their gazettes, but as of now applicants can read the ARIPO gazette online. Access is free for users.”

IP owners will not be able to file IP rights directly with ARIPO if they are based outside of one of the Organization’s member states, however. Instead, they will need to file them via a local agent. But dos Santos said that they will be able to send their applications in digital format to their local representative, who can then pass them onto ARIPO quickly and efficiently.

The number of trademark applications filed with ARIPO is slowly rising, but is still low compared with the number of applications received by other offices across the world.

“We could do better, but the problem is across the continent, not just with ARIPO,” said the Director General. He explained how the Organization is working hard to build the capacity of IP offices in its member states. It has programs to train examiners and judges, sometimes in partnership with IP offices such as the USPTO.

Dos Santos said that ARIPO representatives had recently met with politicians from across its member states, to impress upon them the importance of IP rights to economic development.

“Legislation is very important but there is a lack of awareness among legislators. That means that IP laws get stuck in parliaments. We want lawmakers to treat IP as a priority and update their laws. In particular, we want to see the domestication of international protocols and legal instruments and specific provisions that make it clear that a trademark or patent granted through ARIPO has the same value as those granted nationally.”

He added: “The continent is rising but to have a better future, more innovation and creativity, we need an improved IP system.”

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

A settlement between Philips and Transsion and a loss for AstraZeneca in the UK were also among the top talking points
Working with Harvey and Microsoft, the firm has been at the forefront of developing AI tools for its lawyers, and is now exploring new projects and business models
The Emotional Perception AI case, which centres on the patentability of an artificial neural network, will be heard next week
Developments included a court order related to InterDigital’s anti-anti-suit injunction against Disney, and clarification on recoverable costs
Partners at Foley Hoag examine how recent CJEU jurisprudence may serve as a catalyst for recalibrating US judicial reluctance to entertain foreign patent claims
International law firms have high hopes for their IP practices in Saudi Arabia, with many opening offices, but recruiting and retaining talent in the Kingdom presents unique challenges
Patrick Ogola joins us for our ‘Five minutes with’ series to discuss helping African entrepreneurs on the global stage, and explains why young lawyers should speak up
Heli Pihlajamaa, the EPO’s principal director for patent law and procedures, joins us to take stock of the unitary patent following its second anniversary
Kelly Thompson, chair of South African firm Adams & Adams, discusses self-belief, self-doubt, and the importance of saying yes
The renowned food brands were represented by a host of lawyers, including members of the firms’ IP teams
Gift this article