If you’re planning to protect your brand name, logo, or product in Morocco, registering a trademark with the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC) is essential. The process is straightforward but requires understanding the types of trademarks allowed, reasons for refusal, documents required, the examination process, and the costs involved.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about trademark registration in Morocco, including how long it takes (about 10 months), what can be registered, and how to avoid rejections.

1. What Can Be Registered as a Trademark in Morocco?

In Morocco, a trademark can include:

Words, names, slogans
Logos, symbols, and images
Shapes, packaging, or distinctive product designs
Sounds or combinations of elements (if they are distinctive)

The mark must be:

Distinctive (not generic or descriptive).
Capable of being represented graphically.
Not misleading, offensive, or contrary to public order or law.

Morocco uses the Nice Classification system, which divides trademarks into 45 classes of goods and services. You must select the appropriate classes when filing.

2. Reasons for Refusal of a Trademark Application in Morocco

A trademark application may be refused if:

The mark is identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered trademark.
It is descriptive or generic, lacking distinctiveness.
It is contrary to public morality or law.
It contains official symbols or flags without authorization.
The applicant fails to meet procedural or documentary requirements.

Conducting a pre-filing search is strongly advised to avoid rejection. You can do this via OMPIC’s official trademark search tool.

3. The Process of Trademark Registration in Morocco

Trademark registration is divided into several stages:

a) Search and Filing

Conduct a search to ensure your mark is available.
File your application through a local trademark attorney (mandatory for foreign applicants).
Submit:
- Application form with owner and mark details.
- Reproduction of the trademark (logo or wordmark).
- Power of Attorney (POA) – simple signature, no notarization (must be filed within 3 months).
- Proof of payment for fees.

b) Formal Examination

OMPIC checks:

Whether all documents are complete.
The filing complies with procedural rules.

c) Substantive Examination

OMPIC examines:

Whether the trademark is distinctive.
Whether it conflicts with existing trademarks or legal restrictions.

d) Publication

If accepted, the trademark is published for two months in the official bulletin.

During this time, third parties can file oppositions.

e) Registration

If there’s no opposition (or after disputes are resolved), OMPIC issues a registration certificate.

The trademark is protected for 10 years from the filing date.
It can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years, with a 6-month grace period after expiration.

4. Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Morocco

Foreign applicants must provide:

Application form (with owner details and classes).
Reproduction of the trademark (visual representation).
Power of Attorney (POA) – simple signature (no notarization).
Proof of payment of fees.
(Optional) Priority document – certified copy (translated into French) if claiming priority rights from another jurisdiction.

5. Trademark Opposition Process in Morocco

After publication, third parties have two months to oppose the application. Grounds for opposition include:

The mark is identical or similar to their registered mark.
The mark is descriptive or misleading.
It violates Moroccan laws or public order.

If an opposition is filed:

Both parties present arguments.
OMPIC decides whether to uphold the opposition or allow registration.

7. Why File a Trademark in Morocco?

Morocco is a strategic business hub between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Registered trademarks provide exclusive rights, allowing you to license or enforce your brand.
Without registration, competitors can register or use your brand legally.
Morocco is part of the Madrid Protocol, allowing for international protection through WIPO.

Final Thoughts

Registering a trademark in Morocco is a crucial step for any business looking to protect its brand in North Africa. While the process is clear, foreign companies must use a local trademark attorney to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.

For full assistance with searches, filing, oppositions, and renewals, you can reach out to Contact@bhadviser.ma for professional support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a time frame for the trademark registration approval?

Yes. The average time frame is about 10 months, assuming no objections or opposition.

If I register my trademark in Morocco, do I have protection in other territories?

No, unless you file via the Madrid Protocol through WIPO, which can extend protection internationally.

Do I need to sign a Power of Attorney?

Yes. A simple signed POA (no notarization) is required for foreign applicants.

Are there benefits from pre-filing use of the trademark?

Pre-filing use can help establish rights and prevent challenges, but it is not mandatory.

Will my trademark be canceled if I don’t use it?

Yes. If not used commercially for 5 years, it can be canceled.

Does Morocco use the “Nice Classification” system?

Yes. All trademarks must be filed according to Nice classes.

How long is a Moroccan trademark valid?

10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely.

How long is the opposition period?

Two months after publication in the official bulletin.

Is Morocco a member of the Madrid System?

Yes, allowing international filing via WIPO.

Protect Your Brand in Morocco Today

Secure your trademark in Morocco and safeguard your business from imitators. Our team helps foreign companies register trademarks quickly and hassle-free.