Provides advice on IPR protection, including information on the registration of patents and trademarks.
Last Published: 4/9/2019

The Ministry of Commerce handles patents and copyrights in Gabon.  Gabon is a member of the African Intellectual Property Office (OAPI), based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.  OAPI aims to ensure the publication and protection of patent rights, encourage creativity and transfer of technology, and create favorable conditions for research.  As a member of OAPI, Gabon acceded to international agreements on patents and intellectual property, including the Paris Convention, the Berne Convention, and the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Granting patents is based on a first-to-file, first-in-right basis.  Similarly, registering trademarks is based on a first-to-file, first-in-right basis, so you should consider how to obtain patent and trademark protection before introducing your products or services to the Gabon market.  It is vital that companies understand that intellectual property is primarily a private right and that the U.S. government cannot enforce rights for private individuals in Gabon.  It is the responsibility of the rights' holders to register, protect, and enforce their rights where relevant, retaining their own counsel and advisors.  Companies may wish to seek advice from local attorneys or IP consultants who are experts in Gabon law.  The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of local lawyers: https://ga.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/attorneys/.

It is always advisable to conduct due diligence on potential partners.  A good partner is an important ally in protecting IP rights.  Consider carefully, however, whether to permit your partner to register your IP rights on your behalf.  Doing so may create a risk that your partner will list itself as the IP owner and fail to transfer the rights should the partnership end.  Keep an eye on your cost structure and reduce the margins (and the incentive) of would-be bad actors.  Projects and sales in Gabon require constant attention.  Work with legal counsel familiar with Gabonese laws to create a solid contract that includes non-compete clauses and confidentiality/non-disclosure provisions.

It is also recommended that small and medium-size companies understand the importance of working together with trade associations and organizations to support efforts to protect IP and stop counterfeiting.  There are a number of these organizations, including:

The U.S. Chamber and local American Chambers of Commerce
National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA)
International Trademark Association (INTA)
The Coalition against Counterfeiting and Piracy
International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC)
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.