Facilitating the procedures for applying for registration of product and service trademarks for users of the OAPI system is the mission that OAPI and the International Trademark Association (INTA) have set for themselves, within the framework of the workshop on the evolution of the trademark classification system on March 5, 2025 in Yaoundé.
The opening remarks by Deputy Director General Mondésir OUALOU PANAOUALA followed those of the Director General of the INTA's Europe and IGO Office, Tat-Tienne LOUEMBE, which officially launched the discussions. Abdourahmane DIALLO, Director of Trademarks and Other Distinctive Signs at OAPI, moderated the proceedings.
Protecting themselves economically and legally is a major issue for trademark applicants
With around thirty representatives, online and in-person speakers, participants navigated the complexity and subtleties related to trademark classification.
In-depth presentations on the use of simplified procedural mechanisms for trademark practitioners by experts Moïse Stéphane AFANA, legal advisor in the trademark department at OAPI, Isabel CORTES, Director of Institutional Relations and Projects at PONS IP in Spain, and Lionel PARISOT , Trademark and Design Attorney at Dennemeyer & Associates in Croatia, led to discussions on:
– The outlines of the NICE classification,
– Trademark classification practices at OAPI,
– The emerging challenges and questions related to classification,
– Little tips to understand for effective use of classification tools
Key points to remember
– Classification is an administrative tool for harmonizing the practices of Intellectual Property offices and for interpreting trademarks by agents
– OAPI's adherence to the WIPO check & acceptance project, which allows for the integration into the Nice classification of common and regular terms designating products and services within its area.
– At the time of registration, carefully choose the appropriate class of goods and services to ensure legal protection both within the OAPI system and internationally.
