Legal framework overview

Egypt's IP legal framework is centred on the unified Intellectual Property Law promulgated in 2002 and mainly consists of the following instruments:

• Intellectual Property Law (Law No. 82 of 2002, as amended 2023)

• Executive Regulations (Ministerial Decree No. 497 of 2005)

• Copyright provisions (Book Three, Law No. 82/2002)

• Layout-designs of integrated circuits (Book Four, Law No. 82/2002)

Main competent authorities include:

• EGPO (Egyptian Patent Office) — responsible for patents and industrial designs;

• Trade Marks and Industrial Designs Office (General Department for Trademarks and Industrial Designs) — responsible for trade mark and design registrations.

Egypt is a member of WIPO, the PCT, the Paris Convention, the Madrid System, TRIPS and the African Intellectual Property Network (observer to ARIPO).

International cooperation and regional alignment

• Egypt is a contracting state of WIPO, the PCT, the Madrid System, the Paris Convention and TRIPS;

• Maintains cooperation and information-sharing mechanisms with ARIPO, OAPI, EUIPO and EPO;

• Participates in the Arab IP Network for regional coordination;

• Cooperates with the World Bank and WIPO to promote the “ePCT Egypt” digital patent examination system.

Trade mark system

Filing routes

• National applications may be filed directly with the Trademark Office, MTI in Egypt;

• Alternatively, Egypt may be designated via the Madrid System (Madrid Protocol) (since 2009).

Classification

• Uses the Nice Classification for goods and services;

• Each class requires a separate application; multi-class filings are not available.

Examination procedure

• Formal examination: approximately 1‑2 months;

• Substantive examination: approximately 8‑10 months;

• Opposition period: oppositions may be filed within 60 days from the date of publication.

Use and renewal

• Registration term: 10 years, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year periods;

• Non-use for 5 consecutive years may result in cancellation.

Examination features

• Examination language is Arabic (an English translation may be attached);

• Substantive review focuses on distinctiveness, likelihood of confusion and morality/public order provisions;

• Marks that offend religion or national symbols are not registrable;

• Official online system: Trade Marks and Designs Portal / MTI Egypt.

Patent system

Types and terms of protection

• Invention patent (Patent of Invention): protection for up to 20 years from the filing date;

• Utility model: protection for up to 10 years from the filing date.

Examination mechanism

• Patents are subject to full substantive examination by EGPO;

• A request for examination must be filed within 7 years from the filing date;

• Average examination timeframe is typically 24‑36 months.

International routes

• Egypt has been a PCT contracting state since 2003;

• PCT international applications may enter the Egyptian national phase within the prescribed time limits;

• Application documents may be filed in Arabic, English or French.

System features

• Examination language is Arabic (technical specifications may be submitted in English or French);

• Applies the first-to-file principle;

• Granted patents must be maintained by payment of annual renewal fees;

• Examination in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors is particularly strict and may involve confidentiality and safety review.

Industrial design protection

Legal basis

• Intellectual Property Law, Articles 119‑146 (Law No. 82/2002).

Scope of protection

• The external appearance, lines, patterns, colours and ornamental features of a product;

• Includes industrial products, packaging and user interface designs.

Term of protection

• Protection lasts for 10 years from the registration date and may be renewed once, for a maximum term of 20 years in total.

Examination procedure

• Typical examination timeframe is around 6‑9 months;

• Examination language is Arabic;

• Only formal examination is carried out; creativity is not substantively assessed.

System features

• A single registration is valid throughout Egypt;

• Multiple designs can be combined in one application where permitted;

• Egypt has not yet acceded to the Hague Agreement (accession is under consideration);

• Official database: EGPO Industrial Designs Register.