This was revealed by the Industrial Property Institute during its Advisory Council meeting, held between the 7th and 8th of this month.
The Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs offers the possibility of registering (and protecting) industrial designs in 99 countries or intergovernmental organizations (both called "Contracting Parties") through a single international application filed with the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
An industrial design, as defined in Article 1(c) of the Industrial Property Code, is a "set of lines, colors, or shapes in three dimensions, which gives a new and original visual appearance to a product, or part thereof, and which can serve as a prototype for its industrial or artisanal manufacture."
According to the presentation made at the event, the intention to join is based on the following principles:
Legal – consolidating Mozambique's alignment with international mechanisms for protecting industrial property rights, modernizing the national legal system, and seeking reciprocity with other countries.
Economic – facilitating access for national companies to new markets, substantially reducing registration costs (developing countries benefit from reduced costs), and encouraging national economic agents.
Technical – introducing a modern, digital system for registering industrial designs and accessing international databases, which can facilitate technology transfer.
Expected Impact
Joining would place Mozambique on the international circuit for industrial design protection, guaranteeing access to training, global debates, and benchmark practices, strengthening the country's integration into the global economy.
