Our North Africa operation has confirmed that it is now possible for owners of trade marks locally registered in Morocco – as well as international registrations designating Morocco – to record a suspension application at the customs authorities, requesting the seizure or suspension of any counterfeit products bearing their trade mark. This is permitted by the provisions of law No. 31/05.
When a suspension application is successfully filed at the customs administration, all other offices at ports of entry in Morocco should be informed and instructed to suspend and seize any counterfeit products bearing the recorded trade mark. Suspension applications are valid for twelve months, renewable annually.
We are awaiting reports regarding the efficacy of the process and will continue to update clients regarding suspension applications and recordals in Morocco. Requirements for the filing include notarised or legalised Power of Attorney documents, as well as certified copies of the trade mark registration, supplied by our office.
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.