Gambia - Industrial Property Act now in force

Afro-IP has learned through several sources that Gambia (the smallest country on the African continental mainland) has introduced new legislation governing industrial property (including trade marks) as from 2 April. Notable changes are that:

There is provision for service mark applications
It has adopted the International Classification of Goods and Services
Licensing is recognised, subject to control provisions
Paris Convention may now be claimed
Trade marks are now registered for 10 years

The implementing rules and regulations have not yet been published and there appears to be some uncertainty over whether multi class applications will be accepted, the transitional provisions and the delays in publication of existing applications.

Gamibia is known for its significant tourism industry and the change in legislation is likely to be good news for tourist operators, who can now apply for protection in the service classes most relevant to their industry.