The short answer
Under Law No. 17-97 on the Protection of Industrial Property, the registration of a mark has effect from the filing date for ten years, renewable indefinitely every ten years. Renew in the six months before expiry, with a six-month grace period after. Opposition is possible for two months after publication of the application, and an owner who has not seriously used the mark for five uninterrupted years can lose their rights.
Trademark deadlines in Morocco at a glance
These rules come from Law No. 17-97 on the Protection of Industrial Property, as amended, read in the official French text on WIPO Lex, which we have translated. The Law was amended by Law 31-05 and later laws, and OMPIC sets fees and forms, so we confirm the current wording before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | Ten years from the filing date, indefinitely renewable every ten years (Article 152). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The filing date (Article 152). |
| When can I renew? | The holder or their agent with a power of attorney files the renewal and pays the fees within the six months before expiry. The renewal can only cover the mark as it stands in the register, and any change to the sign or extension of the goods needs a new filing (Article 152). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. A grace period of six months counted from expiry is granted to make the renewal. The renewal runs from the expiry of the previous period (Article 152). |
| Opposition period | During a period of two months from publication of the registration application, the owner of an earlier protected or filed mark can oppose with OMPIC, as the Law provides. The details are in Articles 148.2 to 148.5. |
| Reply to an office action | OMPIC examines the application, notifies the applicant of any objection and allows time to reply. The registration certificate with the model of the registered mark is delivered to the applicant or their agent (Articles 148 to 150). |
| Priority claim | Convention priority within six months of the first filing in a Paris Convention state is recognised, and an exhibition priority may also apply. We confirm the filing steps when we file. |
| Non-use | The owner of a mark who, without good reasons, has not made serious use of it for the registered goods or services for an uninterrupted period of five years incurs forfeiture of their rights. Use with the owner's consent, in a modified form that does not alter distinctiveness, or only for export, counts as use. Any interested person can ask the court for forfeiture (Article 163). |
| Assignment | Rights attached to a mark application or registered mark can be transferred in whole or in part and licensed on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis (Article 156). Transfers and licences are recorded in the national register of marks. |
Who can register a trademark in Morocco
Any person can file an application with OMPIC, which examines it, publishes it and registers the mark if there is no successful opposition (Articles 147 to 149).
Representation. We act as your agent with a power of attorney before OMPIC. A renewal can be filed by the holder or by their agent with a power of attorney (Article 152).
Trademark registration process in Morocco
Search
- Search the the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC), through your Moroccan agent.
- Claim priority at filing if you filed abroad recently.
Examination
- The office examines the application and tells you in writing if there is a problem. We reply within the time set in the notice.
Publication and opposition
- An accepted application is published.
- After the application is published, opposition can be made to OMPIC within two months by the owner of an earlier protected or filed mark (Article 148.2).
Registration
- If there is no opposition, or it fails, the mark is registered and a certificate is issued.
Official fees are set by the the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC) and change. We confirm the current fee for your classes before we quote, so the figure you see is the one that applies on the day.
Morocco trademark validity and renewal
- Registration takes effect from the filing date and lasts ten years.
- Renew in the six months before expiry.
- A six-month grace period follows expiry.
- Use the mark seriously in Morocco to avoid forfeiture after five years.
Diarise the six-month renewal window from the filing date.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Moroccan trademark
Transfer
In whole or part
Rights can be transferred in whole or in part (Article 156).
Licence
Exclusive or not
Exclusive or non-exclusive licences are possible (Article 156).
Renewal
Unchanged mark
Renewal covers the mark and goods as they stand in the register (Article 152).
Forfeiture
Five years
Forfeiture applies after five years of non-use (Article 163).
Non-use and cancellation of a Moroccan trademark
Forfeiture for non-use is decided by the court on request of any interested person, after five uninterrupted years without serious use and without good reason (Article 163).
Keep dated proof of use in Morocco: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Morocco
Search the OMPIC trademark database and its bulletin for the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- Law No. 17-97 on the Protection of Industrial Property (Morocco), official French text on WIPO Lex (translated by us): Articles 148, 149, 150, 152, 156 and 163.
- OMPIC for the implementing decree, fees and forms.
Morocco trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Morocco, and from when?
Ten years from the filing date, indefinitely renewable every ten years (Article 152). It counts from the filing date (Article 152).
When should I renew a Moroccan trademark, and is there a grace period?
The holder or their agent with a power of attorney files the renewal and pays the fees within the six months before expiry. The renewal can only cover the mark as it stands in the register, and any change to the sign or extension of the goods needs a new filing (Article 152).
What is the opposition period in Morocco?
During a period of two months from publication of the registration application, the owner of an earlier protected or filed mark can oppose with OMPIC, as the Law provides. The details are in Articles 148.2 to 148.5.
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Morocco?
The official fee is set by the the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC) and changes. We confirm the current fee for your classes and quote the full cost before filing.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Morocco?
Yes. A foreign company can register a mark in Morocco, normally through a Moroccan agent. We arrange this.
Can I assign a Moroccan trademark?
Rights attached to a mark application or registered mark can be transferred in whole or in part and licensed on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis (Article 156). Transfers and licences are recorded in the national register of marks.
Can a Moroccan trademark be cancelled for non-use?
The owner of a mark who, without good reasons, has not made serious use of it for the registered goods or services for an uninterrupted period of five years incurs forfeiture of their rights. Use with the owner's consent, in a modified form that does not alter distinctiveness, or only for export, counts as use. Any interested person can ask the court for forfeiture (Article 163).
How can I check the status of a Moroccan trademark?
Use the the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
Convention priority within six months of the first filing in a Paris Convention state is recognised, and an exhibition priority may also apply. We confirm the filing steps when we file.
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Morocco
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Moroccan deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
