On 27 May 2025, the Republic of Mauritius officially deposited its Instrument of Accession to the Harare Protocol on Patents, Utility Models, and Industrial Designs, becoming the 21st contracting state under African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) framework.
The accession marked a significant moment in the advancement of regional IP harmonization.
The Harare Protocol will come into effect for Mauritius on 27th August 2025, enabling several immediate benefits for both local and international stakeholders in the intellectual property space.
What this means for IP owners and practitioners
1. Expanded territorial coverage for ARIPO filings
From 27 August 2025, Mauritius can be designated in ARIPO applications for patents, utility models, and industrial designs. Applicants seeking protection across Africa will now have access to the Mauritian market through a single regional filing, thereby streamlining their IP strategy.
2. Extension of pending and registered rights
Existing ARIPO applications and granted rights in other designated member states may now be extended to Mauritius, provided procedural requirements are met. This is particularly valuable for rights holders aiming to broaden their African IP portfolios without duplicating national filings.
3. Direct filing rights for Mauritian nationals
Mauritian nationals and residents will be able to file directly with ARIPO, giving them a more efficient route to seek protection across multiple African jurisdictions covered by the Harare Protocol.
Important clarification: accession limited to Harare Protocol
It is important to note that Mauritius’s accession is limited to the Harare Protocol and does not include the Banjul Protocol, which governs trade mark protection within ARIPO. As such, the enforceability of ARIPO trade marks in Mauritius remains uncertain. It is therefore advisable that trade mark protection in Mauritius be pursued through the national IP office.
For more updates on ARIPO regional IP system, please contact us at info@cfllegal.com
