The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe will become the 19th member state of ARIPO on 19 August 2014 and it will be possible to designate São Tomé and Príncipe in all new ARIPO patent applications filed on or after this date, including regional phase applications filed via PCT.
The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe deposited its Instrument of Accession to the Harare Protocol (on patents and industrial designs) within the ARIPO framework on 19 May 2014. The Harare Protocol will enter into force with respect to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe on 19 August 2014 and be the 18th state party to the Harare Protocol.
This only applies to patents and designs. For trade marks, although it is possible to file an ARIPO trade mark, there is doubt to the enforceability of these registrations in many of the member states and it is advisable to still obtain protection directly in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe: General Information
- Area: Approximately 1000 km2
- Population: 0.2 million
- Capital: São Tomé
- Currency: Dobra
- GDP: $ 316.9 million (2010)
- Domain name extension: .st
- Languages: Portuguese (official language)
- Exports: Cocoa; copra; coffee; palm oil
- Imports: Machinery and electrical equipment; food products; petroleum products
View more information and filing requirements for ARIPO, Africa and Democratic Republic of Sào Tomé and Príncipe. Please contact us if you have any questions.
By Sandra Clelland, Africa Patents and Claire Brown, Africa Trademarks
