Intellectual Property lawyers in Marrakesh (AF)

Patent attorneys in Marrakesh typically offer these services:

• Patent drafting and filing with OMPIC (Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property)
• Patent prosecution and examination support
• Prior art searches and patentability assessments
• Patent opposition and enforcement
• Technology licensing agreements
• International patent protection through PCT applications

Many attorneys in Marrakesh also handle related intellectual property matters such as trademarks and industrial designs.

Most IP law firms in Marrakesh are located in:

• Gueliz district – the modern city center with many professional offices
• Hivernage area – known for its business and commercial establishments
• Near the Menara Gardens – home to several corporate offices
• Around Avenue Mohammed V – Marrakesh’s main commercial avenue
• Sidi Ghanem Industrial District – where many businesses requiring IP services operate

Some attorneys also maintain offices near Cadi Ayyad University to serve the academic and research communities.

Trademark registration costs in Marrakesh include:

1. Official OMPIC filing fees: 1,200 MAD (approximately $120) for one class

2. Additional class fees: 600 MAD (approximately $60) per class

3. Attorney fees: Typically range from 2,000-5,000 MAD ($200-500)

4. Publication fees: 60 MAD per trademark ($6)

5. Registration certificate: 300 MAD ($30)

Total costs generally range from 3,500-6,500 MAD ($350-650) for a standard trademark registration in one class. Complex cases may incur additional fees.

The Marrakesh Treaty, adopted in Marrakesh in 2013, is important for copyright law because it creates a set of mandatory limitations and exceptions for the benefit of people with visual impairments and print disabilities. The treaty:

1. Requires signatory countries to create copyright exceptions allowing production of accessible format copies

2. Permits cross-border exchange of these accessible materials

3. Balances copyright protection with the right to access information

4. Represents the first WIPO treaty specifically focused on user rights rather than rights holders

This landmark agreement has helped make literary and artistic works more accessible to millions of people worldwide.

Businesses in Marrakesh should consult with an IP attorney:

1. Before launching a new product or service to ensure freedom to operate
2. When developing a new brand identity or logo to secure trademark protection
3. After creating inventions or technical innovations that may qualify for patents
4. When entering licensing or distribution agreements
5. If facing IP infringement issues or receiving cease and desist letters
6. When expanding internationally to secure protection in foreign markets
7. Before disclosing confidential information to potential partners

Early consultation with an attorney in Marrakesh helps prevent costly IP problems and establishes proper protection from the start.

Intellectual property disputes in the Marrakesh-Safi region are handled by:

1. The Commercial Court of Marrakesh – Primary venue for IP litigation including trademark and patent disputes

2. The Court of First Instance – Handles copyright infringement cases

3. The Administrative Court – Reviews appeals against OMPIC decisions

4. OMPIC’s Opposition Division – Manages trademark opposition procedures before litigation

5. Private mediation and arbitration centers in Marrakesh

For enforcement actions, the Customs Administration and police authorities can also intervene in counterfeiting cases.