Intellectual Property lawyers in Oujda (AF)

Intellectual property lawyers in Oujda typically offer these services:

• Patent application filing and prosecution
• Trademark registration and renewal
• Copyright protection and registration
• IP litigation and dispute resolution
• Anti-counterfeiting strategy and enforcement
• IP portfolio management
• Customs recordation to prevent counterfeit imports at Morocco-Algeria border

The trademark registration process in Oujda follows the national procedure established by OMPIC (Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property). The process includes:

1. Conducting a trademark search to verify availability
2. Filing an application with OMPIC (can be done at their regional office in Oriental)
3. Examination by OMPIC for compliance with legal requirements
4. Publication of the application for opposition purposes
5. Registration and issuance of certificate if no opposition is filed

Registration provides 10 years of protection with renewable periods.

Businesses can find patent attorneys in Oujda through:

• The intellectual-property.org directory, which lists verified patent professionals serving the Oriental region
• The Oujda Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which maintains referrals for local legal services
• The Moroccan Association of Patent Attorneys (AMPI), which includes members practicing in eastern Morocco
• Mohammed I University’s technology transfer office, which can provide connections to local IP experts

Counterfeit protection is especially important in Oujda due to its strategic border location. Oujda’s position as a gateway between Morocco and Algeria makes it vulnerable to cross-border counterfeiting activities. The city is identified by Moroccan authorities as one of the key regions affected by counterfeiting, alongside Casablanca, Tanger-Tétouan, Nador, Agadir and Marrakech. Businesses need strong protection strategies including customs recordation, market monitoring, and relationships with local enforcement authorities to safeguard their intellectual property rights.

When trademark infringement is discovered in Oujda, rights holders can pursue several legal procedures:

1. Civil action through the Commercial Court, seeking damages and injunctive relief
2. Criminal complaints filed with the prosecutor’s office, potentially resulting in fines and imprisonment
3. Customs seizures at nearby border points if trademarks are registered with Moroccan Customs
4. Seizure-counterfeit procedures (saisie-contrefaçon) conducted by court bailiffs to secure evidence
5. Administrative actions through OMPIC

Under Moroccan Law 17-97 on industrial property, these actions must typically be initiated within 30 days of discovering the infringement.

Industrial property protection in Oujda follows the same national legal framework as other Moroccan cities, ensuring consistency across the country. However, regional factors such as local enforcement practices and the proximity to border areas may affect the effectiveness of protection measures. Oujda’s unique position near Algeria presents specific challenges, particularly related to counterfeiting, making the role of local attorneys and their strategies pivotal in successfully navigating these issues.