Geographical Indications Law in Rwanda
Here’s an overview of the Geographical Indications (GI) Law in Rwanda:
🇷🇼 Geographical Indications Law in Rwanda
1. Legal Framework
Rwanda protects Geographical Indications under its Law on the Protection of Intellectual Property (Law No. 31/2009 of 26/10/2009).
The law includes specific provisions on appellations of origin and geographical indications.
The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) framework also applies since Rwanda is a member.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), specifically the Intellectual Property Office (IPO-Rwanda), oversees GI registration and protection.
2. Definitions
Geographical Indication (GI): A sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics attributable to that origin.
Appellation of Origin (AO): A special category of GI where the product’s qualities or characteristics are essentially due to the geographical environment, including natural and human factors.
3. Registration Process
Applications are filed with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Requirements include:
Identification of the product.
Definition of the geographical area.
Evidence that product qualities or reputation relate to the geographical origin.
Production methods and quality controls.
The application undergoes examination, publication for opposition, and registration if no valid opposition is made.
4. Protection
Registered GIs grant exclusive rights to producers in the defined area.
Unauthorized use, imitation, or evocation of the GI is prohibited.
Protection is enforced under Rwandan law and OAPI rules.
5. Duration and Renewal
Protection lasts for 10 years from registration and is renewable indefinitely.
6. International Treaties
Rwanda is a member of:
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and complies with the TRIPS Agreement.
The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI).
The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
Rwanda benefits from regional GI protection under OAPI’s Banjul Protocol.
7. Examples
Rwanda promotes GI protection especially for coffee and tea, which are significant export products with distinctive quality tied to their geographic origin.
RELATED Blog
0 comments