Country：摩洛哥 · Intellectual Property
Morocco · Intellectual Property
Moroccan IP is centrally managed by OMPIC, covering trademarks, patents, designs, and industrial designs. Trademarks can be protected via domestic OMPIC applications or Madrid international registration designating Morocco (code MA). The process: similarity search → submit Form M1 (online via DirectInfo/directinfo.ma) → formal examination 2–3 months → BOPI publication with a 2-month opposition period → certificate; overall about 3–6 months, with a 10-year renewable term. Patents enter via OMPIC national phase or PCT, with fees for application/publication/search report/grant (online discounts). Trademark filings must be in French or Arabic; Morocco is a long-standing Madrid member without high individual fees, making costs low. Chinese companies should search trademarks before capital injection to avoid conflicts with local registrations.
Key points
- Authority OMPIC (Office Marocain de la Propriété Industrielle et Commerciale), HQ Casablanca, ompic.ma, with Arabic/English/French/Spanish interfaces and online search and filing (DirectInfo).
- Domestic trademark: similarity search → Form M1 (online directinfo.ma or counter) → OMPIC formal examination 2–3 months → BOPI official gazette publication with 2-month opposition → certificate. Overall 3–6 months.
- Trademark fees: about MAD 1,200 (3 classes), +MAD 120/class above 3; renewal MAD 1,000/class (10-year term, 6-month grace). Per OMPIC latest published rates.
- Madrid international registration: Morocco code MA; can file the international application with WIPO via OMPIC; Morocco does not charge high individual fees — one of the lowest-cost countries globally, strongly recommended for multi-country filers.
- Patents: via national phase or PCT entry; fees include application MAD 1,000 (online 750), publication 1,000 (750), search report 8,000 (online 6,000), grant 4,000 (online 3,000); fees include 20% VAT.
- Filing language: trademark/patent documents must be in Arabic or French; appoint a local agent (mandataire) recommended.
- Territoriality: industrial property is territorial, valid only in the registering country; export products must be registered separately in target countries (see trade dimension).
Procedure
- Conduct a similarity search in OMPIC databases (national + Madrid designating MA), assessing conflicts.
- Prepare the M1 application form, mark representation (8×8cm), class list (Nice), and power of attorney.
- Submit and pay via DirectInfo online or the OMPIC counter.
- OMPIC formal examination (2–3 months); if clear, proceed to BOPI publication.
- 2-month opposition period; if no opposition, the registration certificate is issued.
- Renew before the 10-year term expires (Madrid or national).
- Patents/designs enter OMPIC separately via national phase or PCT.
Hard requirements
- Trademarks must be distinctive and not conflict with existing registrations
- Application documents in French or Arabic
- Nice class categories and goods/services lists required
- Foreigners must file via a local agent (mandataire)
- Export products must be registered separately in sales countries
Costs
Domestic trademark application about MAD 1,200 (within 3 classes), +MAD 120/classTrademark renewal about MAD 1,000/class (10 years)Patent fees: application 1,000/publication 1,000/search report 8,000/grant 4,000 MAD (online discounts), incl. 20% VATLocal agent service fees separate⏱ ⏱ Timeline：Trademark overall 3–6 months (no rejection/opposition); patent examination longer (including the search report).⚠ Common risks
- Injecting capital without a search; brand conflicts with local registrations force renaming/compensation
- Registered only in China, not Morocco; no protection in Morocco and vulnerable to squatting
- Wrong language (not Arabic/French) causes rejection
- Unmonitored opposition period; third-party opposition loses rights
- Ignoring the Madrid designating-MA database in searches; missed conflicts
Handbook
📘 Step-by-Step Handbook (with owner / timeline / cost / penalties)
Applies to：Chinese companies registering and protecting trademarks/patents/designs in Morocco; especially for pre-injection brand protection and export product rights confirmation.
Prerequisites
- Brands/patents and target classes (Nice) determined
- Knowledge that applications must be in French or Arabic
- Local agent (mandataire) or OMPIC online account planned
- Multi-country filers have considered Madrid international registration designating MA
| Step | Action | Owner | Timeline | Cost | Official form / system | Notes & penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Similarity search (mandatory). Search OMPIC's website databases: the Moroccan national trademark database and the Madrid designating-MA database (wipo.int/rosemary); assess conflicts with the proposed name/device to avoid renaming after capital injection. | Applicant/local agent | 1–2 days (self-service); agent 2–3 days | Self-service free; agent about MAD 200 search fee | OMPIC search; WIPO Rosemary | Be sure to search the Madrid designating-MA database; otherwise conflicts are easily missed. Penalty：Registering without a search leads to rejection, renaming costs, or infringement compensation. |
| 2 | Prepare application documents. Prepare the M1 form, mark representation (black-white 8×8cm, color separate), Nice classes and goods/services list, and power of attorney (non-professional agents need authorization). Documents must be in French or Arabic. | Applicant/local agent | 1–2 days | Translation/agent fees | M1 form; representation; power of attorney | Choose classes accurately (35 advertising/business, 42 tech, 9 electronics, 25 clothing, etc.). Penalty：Wrong language or non-Arabic/French documents cause rejection and delays. |
| 3 | Submit and pay. Submit and pay via DirectInfo (directinfo.ma) online or the OMPIC counter; foreigners should file via a local agent. Official fees about MAD 1,200 (within 3 classes), +MAD 120/class. | Applicant/agent + OMPIC | Immediate submission | Official fees from about MAD 1,200 + agent fees | DirectInfo submission; payment receipt | Online submission is faster; retain the receipt. Penalty：Unpaid fees mean no filing. |
| 4 | Formal examination and publication. OMPIC formal examination about 2–3 months, checking compliance and similarity conflicts; upon passing, publish in the BOPI official gazette, entering the 2-month opposition period. | OMPIC | Examination 2–3 months + publication 2 months | Included in fees | BOPI publication | Monitor third-party oppositions during the period. Penalty：Unanswered opposition loses rights. |
| 5 | Certificate and renewal. If no opposition, the trademark registration certificate is issued with a 10-year term (from application); renew before expiry (about MAD 1,000/class, 6-month grace). Madrid route goes via OMPIC to WIPO. | Applicant/agent + OMPIC/WIPO | Certificate immediate; renew in advance | Renewal about MAD 1,000/class | Registration certificate; renewal application | Infinitely renewable; set expiry reminders. Penalty：Past the grace period, rights lapse and require re-application. |
| 6 | Patents/designs (where applicable). Patents enter OMPIC via national phase or PCT: application fee MAD 1,000 (online 750), publication 1,000 (750), search report 8,000 (online 6,000), grant 4,000 (online 3,000), incl. 20% VAT; designs file separately. | Applicant/patent agent + OMPIC | Examination longer (including the search report) | See the fee table + agent fees | Patent application; PCT national phase | Patents require novelty; search before filing. Penalty：Lack of novelty causes rejection. |
✅ Self-check list
⚠ Common pitfalls
No trademark search before capital injection影响：Brand conflicts with local registrations; forced renaming and compensation.规避：Mandatory OMPIC + Madrid MA double search before injection.
Registered only in China, not Morocco影响：No protection in Morocco; squatting; lost market.规避：Complete national or Madrid-MA registration before landing.
Missing the Madrid designating-MA database影响：Missed similarity conflicts; opposed at publication.规避：Search Madrid records designating Morocco as well.
Wrong language rejection影响：Months of delay.规避：File strictly in French/Arabic with certified translations of non-local documents.
Unmonitored opposition period影响：Third-party opposition loses rights.规避：Monitor during publication and respond promptly to oppositions.
📅 Ongoing post-incorporation obligations
- Renew trademarks before the 10-year term
- Retain use evidence (prevent revocation for non-use)
- Monitor similar applications and infringement
- Pay patent annuities/maintenance per rules
- Register protection in export markets in parallel
🔗 Official portals
📎 Source：Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC); WIPO Madrid System; OMPIC trademark FAQ and fee tables; PCT national phase (WIPO eGuide MA); professional service trademark guides (legalpro.ma / pinkeman)
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