The Rwanda Law 31/2009 on the Protection of Intellectual Property (“the IP Law) was enacted on 26^th October, 2009 but came into force on 14^th December, 2009 following its publication in the official gazette.

Article 291 of the IP Law provides that all trade marks registered before the enactment of the IP Law shall be renewed within ten (10) years of entry into force of the IP Law while Article 295 provides that the IP Law shall come into force on the day of its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda. However, due to a technical error, the renewal due date for all trade marks registered before the coming into force of the IP Law was reflected as 26^th October, 2019 (based on the enactment date) and the renewal certificates issued for the early filed renewals reflected 26^th October, 2029 as the next renewal due date.

However, the Registry has clarified that, in line with the provisions of Article 291 and Article 295 of the IP Law, the correct renewal due date for all trade marks registered under the repealed law should be 14^th December, 2019. The Registry has confirmed that the system error has now be rectified and advised that all certificates bearing the October date be returned for correction.

All trade marks filed before 14^th December, 2009 shall upon renewal be valid until 14^th December, 2029.

Please contact us at Info@cfllegal.com should you require further information.