Under the OAPI trademark system shaped by the Bangui Agreement, trademarks are not merely registration trophies but active business assets.
The law has been updated to emphasize actual use, where a trademark owner risks cancellation or dispute loss if the mark is not genuinely used in commerce after registration.
The system also allows third parties to oppose registrations on grounds of prior legitimate use. This approach aims to maintain a registry reflective of vibrant commercial activity rather than dormant marks.
Pro tip: Review your trademark portfolio—new opportunities may be available.”
To sum up, trademark owners in OAPI should promptly use their marks and keep evidence of use to secure their rights from challenge and align with the updated legal landscape.
Pro tip: Review your trademark portfolio—new opportunities may be available.”