International Trademark: Republic of Rwanda and Madrid Protocol

Symbole copyrightOn May 17, 2013, the Rwandan Government submitted its request to join the Protocol relating to the Madrid Agreement concerning the International Registration of Marks (known as the “Madrid Protocol”).

The Madrid Protocol became effective with respect to Rwanda on August 17, 2013.

Article 290 of Law n° 31/2009 of 26/10/2009 on the Protection of Intellectual Property in Rwanda states that:

 

  • The provisions of any international intellectual property treaty to which the Republic of Rwanda is party shall apply. In case of conflict with the provisions of this Law, the provisions of the international treaty shall prevail over the latter.

 

This accession favors trademarks holders who might include Republic of Rwanda when depositing an international mark or extending existing international registrations to Rwanda.