OAPI
IP in Africa
What is OAPI?
The Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI) is a regional intellectual property system that allows applicants to obtain IP protection—such as patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and other rights—across its 17 member states through a single, centralized application.
Headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon, OAPI serves mainly French-speaking African countries and operates under a unified IP framework where registration in one member state automatically extends to all others.
Headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon, OAPI serves mainly French-speaking African countries and operates under a unified IP framework where registration in one member state automatically extends to all others.
Why Consider OAPI?
OAPI offers a streamlined and unified IP protection system. Here’s why it’s often the preferred choice for businesses expanding in Francophone Africa:
One application = protection in 17 countries
Automatic extension
Protection is unitary—no need to designate individual countries.
Cost-effective for wide regional protection
Harmonized legal regime under the Bangui Agreement
Centralized filing, registration, and renewal procedures
Important Note: In OAPI, there is no national IP system. All applications must go through the OAPI office, and protection is automatically effective in all member states.
OAPI Patents
Patent protection through OAPI is governed by the Annex I of the Bangui Agreement. Applicants file a single patent application with OAPI, and once granted, the patent is automatically valid across all 17 member states.
OAPI Patent Protection Countries
OAPI patent protection is available in the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.
Key Features
- A unitary patent system: One patent covers all member states.
- Patent term: 20 years from the filing date, subject to annuities.
- No need for national validation or separate renewals.
- Substantive examination is required before grant.
OAPI Trademarks
Trademarks in OAPI are governed by Annex III of the Bangui Agreement. A single application filed with OAPI grants protection across all member states, without the need to specify individual countries.
Key Features
- Single filing = protection in all 17 member states
- Multi-class applications are permitted
- Initial term of protection: 10 years, renewable indefinitely
- No national offices—all filings and renewals are through OAPI in Cameroon
Choosing the Right IP Strategy in Africa
When deciding between ARIPO, OAPI, or national filing routes, consider:
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Market Reach | Use OAPI for seamless protection across Francophone Africa |
| Legal & Language | OAPI is suited for French-speaking jurisdictions |
| Budget | OAPI is highly efficient for broad regional coverage |
| Enforcement | Unitary rights simplify enforcement across multiple countries |
| Portfolio Size | Ideal for managing regional portfolios from a single office |
Need Help Navigating OAPI?
We assist both local and international clients with filing, prosecuting, and enforcing IP rights in all OAPI member states. Whether you're expanding into Francophone markets or advising a client who is, we’ll help you craft a practical and effective IP strategy that maximizes protection and value across West and Central Africa.