Algeria
Country Data
Official Name: | People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria |
Capital: | Algiers |
Area: | 2,381,741 sq km |
Population: | 44,700,000 (2021 estimate) |
Official Language: | Arabic, Berber |
GDP: | US$ 684.649 billion (PPP, 2019 estimate) |
Currency: | Algerian dinar (DZD) |
Work Days: | Sunday – Thursday |
Conventions/ Treaties
- Paris Convention (effective since March 1, 1966)
- Locarno Agreement on International Classification for Industrial Designs (effective since October 8, 1968)
- Nice Agreement (effective since July 5, 1972)
- Madrid Agreement for the Repression of False or Deceptive Indications of Source on Goods (effective since July 5, 1972)
- Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration (effective since July 5, 1972)
- Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (effective since July 5, 1972)
- WIPO Convention (effective since April 16, 1975)
- Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol (effective since August 16, 1984)
- Cultural Charter for Africa (effective since September 19, 1990)
- Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (effective since April 19, 1998)
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (effective since March 8, 2000)
- Patent Law Treaty (effective since June 2, 2000)
- Rome Convention (effective since April 22, 2007)
- WIPO Copyright Treaty (effective since January 31, 2014)
- WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (effective since January 31, 2014)
- Madrid Protocol (effective since October 31, 2015)
- Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (April 28, 2020)
Trademark
National Legislation
- Ordinance No. 03-06 of 19 Joumada El Oula 1424 corresponding to July 19, 2003 on Trademarks.
Basic Information
Creation of rights: | First-to-file jurisdiction (subject to occasional exceptions) |
Basis for filing: | Intent to use acceptable – prior use is not a prerequisite. |
Well-known marks: | Though well-known marks are recognized in the national legislation, local notoriety thereof is an essential requirement. To ensure full protection, obtaining local registration of the mark is highly recommended. |
Types of marks: | Trademarks, Service Marks, Collective Marks. |
Priority: | 6-month priority claim under the Paris Convention. |
Madrid System: | Available – Algeria is a member of Madrid Union. |
Filing system: | Multiple-class filing is available. |
Classification: | Nice Classification 11th edition. |
Who can be Applicant: | (1) Individuals; (2) Corporate entities; (3) Joint application. |
Examination: | On formal, absolute and relative grounds. |
Publication: | In the Official Gazette after registration. |
Opposition period: | No provisions in the Law for opposition. However, nullification or cancellation of registered marks may be sought on certain grounds. |
Duration of registration: | 10 years from the filing date – renewable for further periods of 10 years each upon request of the trademark owner within one year preceding the expiry date. |
Renewal grace period: | 6 months |
Use requirement: | There is no use requirement for the registration of a mark – However, a trademark registration becomes vulnerable to cancellation in case of its non-use for a period of 3 consecutive years upon the request of an interested party. |
Registration timeframe: | 18 to 24 months (approximately) |
Search
Official Search: | Available for word marks and device marks. |
Scope of search: | Includes all similar or identical applied-for and registered marks. |
Turnaround time: | 5 to 10 working days. |
Ways to Obtain Protection
- National application without or with priority claim under the Paris Convention.
- Applications under the Madrid System (under both the Agreement and the Protocol) designating Algeria.
Filling Requirements
New Applications
- A simply signed Power of Attorney from the applicant in French or Arabic or with verified French or Arabic translation. A separate Power of Attorney is required for each application.
- A certified copy of the priority document with verified French or Arabic translation, if priority is claimed.
Renewal of Registration
- A simply signed Power of Attorney from the proprietor in French or Arabic or with verified French or Arabic translation.
- A declaration or proof of use of the mark.
Change of Name / Address Recordation
- Simply signed Power of Attorney in the new name / address of the trademark owner in French or Arabic or with verified French or Arabic translation.
- A certified copy of Certificate of Change of Name / Address of the trademark owner with verified French or Arabic translation; duly legalized up to Algerian Consulate.
Assignment Recordation
- Simply signed Power of Attorney from the Assignee in French or Arabic or with verified French or Arabic translation.
- Deed of Assignment with verified French or Arabic translation; duly legalized up to the Algerian Consulate.
Merger Recordation
- Simply signed Power of Attorney from the surviving entity in French or Arabic or with verified French or Arabic translation.
- Merger document with verified French or Arabic translation; duly legalized up to the Algerian Consulate.
License Recordation
- Simply signed Powers of Attorney from the Licensor and the Licensee in French or Arabic or with verified French or Arabic translation.
- License Agreement with verified French or Arabic translation, duly legalized up to the Algerian Consulate.
