Spoor & Fisher - Intellectual Property law specialists Patents, trade marks, copyright, design, domain names, South Africa and Africa

Djibouti

Capital: Djibouti
Population: 450,000
Major languages: French, Arabic, Somali, Afar
Major religion: Islam
Form of government: Multiparty republic
Monetary unit: 1 Djiboutian franc = 100 centimes
Main exports: Re-exports, hides and skins, coffee (re-exported from Ethiopia)
Internet domain: .dj
Time zone: GMT+3
International dialling code: +253

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Trade Marks

International Arrangements:

None.

Categories of Trade Marks:

There are provisions for the registration of SERVICE MARKS.

Classification:

The International Classification of goods and services applies.

A single application may cover any number of classes of goods and/or services.

Documents required:

A. New Applications

Power of Attorney (not legalised) - a separate form is required for each application.
Electrotype and 12 prints, except for word marks in ordinary type.
Copy of the corresponding basic registration (where applicable).

Note: Whilst it is not compulsory, it is considered preferable to support an application for registration with one of the following (in order of preference).

A French registration, including International registrations extending to France.
A ‘home’ registration.
Any other foreign registration.

B. Renewals

Power of Attorney (not legalised) - a separate form is required for each registration.

C. Assignments/Mergers

Power of Attorney (not legalised).
Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified French translation.

D. Change of Name

Power of Attorney (not legalised).
Certificate of Change of Name, with verified French translation.

E. Change of Address

Power of Attorney (not legalised).

F. Licences/Registered Users

Powers of Attorney (not legalised) from proprietor and licensee.
Licence Agreement, with verified French translation.

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Trade Mark Forms

Djibouti.pdf

Patents

International arrangements:

None

Types of patents available:

There is no patent legislation currently in force in Djibouti. The filing of a patent application is not possible at this time.

Note: It was for some time believed that Djibouti had become a member of OAPI and that non-PCT OAPI patents would also extend to that country. It transpired that Djibouti did not satisfy the membership requirements of OAPI and it is accordingly not a member of OAPI at this time.

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