New IP Law in Rwanda

KIGALI – The Rwandan Intellectual property Law has been changed on December 14, 2009, and it is now in full effect in Rwanda following its publication in the official Gazette, according to Lysaght & Co.

Main changes related to the law are as follows:

1- Trademarks filed and registered under the old law will be valid for period of 10 years from the date of entry into force of the new law.

2- Non-use of a mark for a period of three years from registration renders it open to an action for cancellation by third parties.

3- Any changes of the ownership of registration must be recorded at the Trade Mark Registry to be enforceable against third parties and that applies to Licences also.