Country: TUNISIA
Strategic Hub:
Tunisia is a key commercial and industrial link between Europe and Africa. With its high ranking in human capital and innovative outputs, it serves as a sophisticated hub for the Mediterranean region, particularly in sectors like ICT, automotive components, and textiles. Its legal system offers specialized intellectual property courts, providing faster and higher-quality enforcement than many regional peers.
Regulatory Body:
Industrial property rights, including patents and trademarks, are managed by the National Institute for Standardization and Industrial Property (INNORPI). Copyrights are overseen by the Tunisian Organism for the Protection of Copyrights and Related Rights (OTDAV).
International Standing:
Tunisia is deeply integrated into the global IP framework as a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a signatory to the Paris Convention, PCT, and Madrid Protocol. It also holds a unique agreement with the European Patent Organization (EPO), which allows for the automatic validation of European patent applications within Tunisia.
Member of PCT ?
YES
Can Convention priority be claimed ?
Yes- The priority document should be submitted within 90 days as of the date of application.
Patent Search
YES
Novelty requirement
Yes-Worldwide
Deadline for filing supporting documents
Yes- 60 days
Does the invention specification have to be translated for filing
Yes, Arabic and English.
Required Documents
Copy of PCT request
Copy of international publication
Copy of international search report
Copy of international preliminary examination report (if available)
3 copies of the specifications in English, French or Arabic
3 sets of formal drawings
Power of Attorney simply signed.
Certified copy of the priority document, if priority is claimed.
Examination
Formality, substantive and relative ground.
Once an application for the registration of a patent is filed, it is examined as to form only. The Tunisian Patent Office does not carry out any examination as to novelty or merit of the invention.
Publication
Patents are published in the Industrial Property Bulletin upon allowance. A patent application is published in the Al-Muwassafat quarterly gazette published by the Institute National de la Normalisation et de la Propriete Industrielle (INNORPI), together with a summary of the contents thereof.
Opposition
2 months from publication date
Duration
20 years from the international filing date
Compulsory Licensing
If the invention is exploitable in the UAE, and is not being exploited.
If the exploitation is not sufficient to meet the demand for the product.
If the refusal of the owner of the patent to conclude a license contract under fair terms has seriously impeded the development of industrial or commercial activities in the UAE.
Unless the owner of the patent has valid grounds to justify his position.
Annuities
Due annually on the anniversary of the international filing date and payable prior to grant. Grace period of 6 months for late payment with a surcharge
Assignment
Trademark Search
Not Mandatory- Possible for word and device marks.
Trademark Filing
Single/Multi-Class Jurisdiction
Multiclass
Can services be registered
YES
Can convention priority be claimed
YES
Is the international classification
Yes - 11th addition
Documentation and information required to file
Power of Attorney simply signed.
Certified copy of the priority document, if priority is claimed.
Five prints of the mark.
A list of the goods and/or the services (classes) covered by the application in French.
(All the above may be submitted within 60 days from the filing date
Opposition period after publication
60 days
Validity
Change of name or address
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of change of name or address
Power of Attorney simply signed in the new name/address.
A certificate proving the change of name or an extract from the Commercial Register translated into French or Arabic.
Treaties and conventions
WIPO Convention, Brussels Convention, Trademark Law Treaty, Berne Convention, Paris Convention, Rome Convention, WIPO Copyright Treaty, WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, Patent Cooperation Treaty, Madrid Protocol, Nice Agreement, Patent Law Treaty, Budapest Treaty, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Trade Organization, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), GCC Patent Law.
Member of LOCARNO CLASSIFICATION
Yes
Can Convention priority be claimed:
Yes - Priority document may be submitted within 3 months of filing date
Novelty Requirement
No
Patent search
Deadline for filing supporting documents:
Multiple designs
Applicable up to 50 figures.
Required Documents:
• A simply signed Power of Attorney.
• Four representations (photocopies, photographs, or drawings) of the design.
• Four copies of the inscription (if necessary).
Publication
Upon filing the applicant may request delaying the publication of the model for 12 months starting the day after filing. (extra official fee is paid).
Opposition
No Provisions
Duration
15 years from the international filing date.
Compulsory licensing.:
No
Annuities:
Renewal for 2 terms of 5 Years within 12 months from the expiry date or 6 months after expiry date with surcharge.
Assignment:
Power of Attorney simply signed by the assignee.
Deed of assignment signed by both parties duly notarized.
Merger:
Power of Attorney simply signed.
Certificate of merger / mortgage duly legalized notarized.
Name / Address:
Power of Attorney simply signed in the new name/address.
Certificate issued by the competent authorities evidencing the changes duly notarized
Our Global Reach & Jurisdictions
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