The COVID19 pandemic has impacted quite dramatically on the operations IP and other government offices in Africa and the rest of the world. Most Trade Marks Registries that have suffered intermittent closures and other interruptions due to national lockdowns or COVID-19 protocols have made provision for the extension of procedural deadlines on pending cases to allow applicants sufficient time to respond or take appropriate action.
The OAPI Registry made provision for the extension of all procedural deadlines and/or time limits that fell due between 18 March and 31 May 2020 to 15 July 2020. The Registry has confirmed that no further extensions will be granted on such affected cases beyond 15 July 2020. As the Registry has resumed its normal operations, deadlines falling due on matters after 15 July will apply as per normal.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.