Middle East & Africa

Morocco

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Morocco.

Authority

OMPIC

PCT

30 mo

Madrid

Member

OMPIC Patent Search

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Morocco
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Morocco

Morocco is one of Africa's most competitive industrial economies; phosphate mining, processed foods, textiles, and automotive components are key industries with growing Chinese and European investment. IP administered by OMPIC. PCT (30 months) and Madrid (1999) supported. Morocco has an EU Association Agreement and is aligning IP standards with the EU.

Moroccan Patent System ▾

OMPIC substantive examination; 20-year patents; addition certificates (Certificat d'Addition) supplement existing patents. Arabic or French filing; French is more commonly used in practice. PCT national phase: 30 months.

Source: OMPIC; WIPO — MA

EU Association Agreement ▾

Morocco's EU Association Agreement includes IP obligations and drives alignment with EU IP standards — a positive signal for companies entering African markets through Morocco.

Source: EU-Morocco Association Agreement

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Morocco

Moroccan trademarks examined by OMPIC; 10-year term; renewable. Madrid designations of MA accepted since 1999. Direct OMPIC filing also available. Arabic or French; French more common in practice.

Trademark Application Route ▾

Madrid designation of MA or direct OMPIC filing in Arabic or French; 10-year term.

Source: OMPIC; WIPO Madrid

Patent Annuity

Morocco Patent Annuities

Annual patent annuities; grace period with surcharge.

Source: OMPIC fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Morocco Trademark Renewals

10-year trademark; renew before expiry; grace period.

Source: OMPIC

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Morocco IP

PCT deadline for Morocco? ▾

30 months from priority date.

Does Morocco accept Madrid trademark designations? ▾

Yes, since 1999.

What language is required for Moroccan applications? ▾

Arabic or French; French is more commonly used in practice.

What is Morocco's IP relationship with the EU? ▾

Morocco has an EU Association Agreement with IP obligations; IP law is progressively aligning with EU standards.

Does Morocco have utility model protection? ▾

Morocco has 'Certificats d'Addition' (addition certificates) that supplement existing patents, similar to utility models. Consult a local agent for current options.

Is there a trademark use requirement in Morocco? ▾

Yes, non-use for 5 years may lead to revocation.

How is IP enforcement in Morocco? ▾

Morocco has relatively strong IP enforcement in North Africa; administrative and judicial channels are available; OMPIC cooperates with customs and market regulators.

Is a local agent required in Morocco? ▾

Foreign applicants must use a locally registered agent at OMPIC.

Is Morocco a WTO member? ▾

Yes, Morocco joined WTO in 1995.

Does Morocco participate in OAPI or ARIPO regional systems? ▾

No, Morocco is not a member of OAPI or ARIPO; file separately with OMPIC.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

OMPIC Official Website www.ompic.ma WIPO — Morocco www.wipo.int/members/en/details.jsp?country_id=116 WIPO Madrid — MA www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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