Egypt is working towards adopting a sui generis protection framework for geographical indications (GIs) and their registration. The AfrIPI project and the Egyptian Trademark Office have been exploring various ways to support GIs in Egypt.

Following the recent visit of Ignacio de Medrano, Head of International Cooperation at the European Union Intellectual Property Office, to the Egyptian Trademark Office, it was agreed that the best way to move the operational aspects of GIs would be to take stock of the situation and collectively reflect on technical assistance on a two-day mission by AfrIPI to the Egyptian Trademark Office on 4-5 July 2023. Work meetings were held at the premises of the Internal Trade Development Agency, in the presence of the Egyptian Trademark Office’s GI unit.

In recent years, Egypt has registered three GIs (Matrouh figs, Matrouh olive oil and black Barrani grapes) through an ad hoc procedure. Egyptian cotton as a well-established trade mark would be an inspiration for others to emulate.

AfrIPI and the Egyptian Trademark Office are expected to agree on the necessary actions on GIs. Egypt will then become the second non-OAPI (Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle), non-ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization) country for AfrIPI to support on GIs.

Read more on AfrIPI’s technical support for the development of the legal framework for GIs in other countries.