At Wolmarans and Susan Inc., our experienced intellectual property attorneys assist clients with the registration and enforcement of IP rights throughout Africa. Our team, comprising South African attorneys with technical backgrounds in engineering and life sciences, is well-versed in the intellectual property laws across the continent. We are expertly positioned to prepare and file patent, trade mark, design, and other IP applications across Africa, including in ARIPO, OAPI, and Nigeria.

ARIPO and OAPI: Simplified IP Protection

ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization) and OAPI (Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle) provide centralized systems for the filing and registration of IP rights, making it easier for individuals and businesses to protect their intellectual property across multiple African jurisdictions with a single application.

• ARIPO serves primarily English-speaking countries in Africa. As of April 2023, its member states include Botswana, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others. Through ARIPO, we assist clients with patents, trade marks, and industrial design registrations that apply to all ARIPO member states.
• OAPI caters to primarily French-speaking countries, including Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and others. A single OAPI filing protects your IP rights across all member states, streamlining the process and reducing costs. 

Intellectual Property in Nigeria and Other African Countries

In addition to our expertise in ARIPO and OAPI, we also offer IP filing services in Nigeria, Egypt, and other African jurisdictions. Our team handles the prosecution and enforcement of intellectual property rights in these key markets, ensuring comprehensive protection across the continent.

Enforcement and Anti-Counterfeiting Across Africa

Enforcing IP rights is a critical aspect of protecting your business. Whether you’re facing infringement, counterfeiting, or piracy, we provide robust anti-counterfeiting services throughout Africa. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of trade mark and anti-counterfeiting laws across the continent, and we work with trusted local associates to ensure swift and effective enforcement actions.

How We Can Help

Our services include:

• Preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent, design, and trade mark applications across Africa.
• Enforcement of intellectual property rights, including anti-counterfeiting procedures.
• Legal opinions on the validity, infringement, and enforceability of IP rights in African jurisdictions.
• Commercialization of IP rights through licensing and other agreements.
• Cross-border IP portfolio management and structuring.

With our trusted network of local associates, we also serve as the address for service, ensuring smooth communication and management of office actions and litigation matters.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist with securing and enforcing your intellectual property rights across Africa.