In order to enhance its intellectual property protection criteria, Tunisia the country has been actively working on issuing new laws and regulations that conform to TRIP requirements.
The government issued law No. 20 for 2001 dated February 6, 2001 for the Protection of Integrated Circuits. This law is new in all aspects. It provides for Protection of integrated circuits for 10 years, in addition to explaining the legal implications of unlawful use.
The Tunisian Government issued a second law which is Law No. 21 for 2001 dated February 6, 2001 for the Protection of Designs and Industrial Models. Previously the protection of designs was obsolete, but with this law protection becomes fully effective while conforming to TRIPs in all respects. Also issued in February was Regulations No. 238 for 20001 which clarified the procedures for managing the Patent Register and Design Register. Tunisia is also currently working on several laws in order to update them. Observers believe that all amendments should be effective by the end of 2001.