Rwanda - New Intellectual Property Law

Further to our previous article on this website regarding the new intellectual property law in Rwanda, we write by way of an update to advise that the new law (Law No. 31/2009 on the Protection of Intellectual Property dated 26 October 2009) was published on 14 December 2009 and is therefore apparently in force with effect from that date.

However, although the new law has in effect been implemented, the Registry has not yet begun to practice under the provisions thereof, nor have the official fees yet been promulgated. It is anticipated that the law will be brought fully into effect by mid-February 2010.

Further details will be posted on this website as soon as we have more information. In the meantime, if you have any questions on any of the above matters, please do not hesitate to contact us.

26th January 2010