Algeria requires proof of use for trade mark renewals

An item in Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property's most recent newsletter, "New Requirement for Trademark Renewal in Algeria", reports that the Algerian Trade Mark Office has issued new regulations relating to trade mark renewals in Algeria. These new regulations require that renewal applications be accompanied by proof of local use of the mark in the year preceding the renewal deadline.

This blogger wonders what the criteria for proof of local use will be. Will Algerian practice be influenced by current European Union case law on the subject? Will token use be sufficient or will it have to be genuine? How "local" can such use be, given the fact that much of Algeria's large territory is sparsely populated  -- and to what extent if any will importation be considered to be "local use"?