New Industrial Property Code In Mozambique

On 30 March 2016, a new Industrial Property Code (the "Code") came into force in Mozambique. We draw your attention to the following noteworthy changes brought about by the Code:

• The deadline for invalidating IP rights on the basis of prior conflicting rights has been shortened from one year to 90 days, calculated from the publication of the initial decision of theIndustrial Property Institute ("IPI") granting the IP right.
• The deadline for correcting formalities related to applications has been extended from 15 to 30 days, calculated from the date of notification.
• An appeal to contest a decision to refuse or grant a right may be lodged with the Director of theIPI within 30 days of the publication of the decision. In addition, a party may lodge an appeal to contest the Director's decision with the supervising Minister or the Administrative Court.