People & Innovation
Intellectual Property
OAPI trade marks, patents and designs, copyright, trade secrets and enforcement against counterfeits.
Cameroon is a member of the African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI), which means a single filing can secure protection across seventeen member states. We handle registration, portfolio management, licensing and enforcement, and we act quickly against counterfeiting and passing off.
One filing, seventeen countries
The OAPI system is a genuine commercial advantage for regional brands, but it is unforgiving about classification and priority dates. We prepare specifications with an eye on where the business will be in five years, not only where it is now.
Enforcement that changes behaviour
Counterfeiting responds to consequences. We combine customs recordal, seizure applications and civil infringement actions, and we advise on when a criminal complaint adds leverage.
IP inside deals
In acquisitions and financings, IP is often the asset that is assumed rather than verified. We audit chain of title, employee assignments and licence assignability before the money moves.
How we help — in concrete terms
- OAPI trade mark, patent, utility model and industrial design filings
- Portfolio management, renewals, oppositions and cancellations
- Copyright protection, collective management and author contracts
- Trade secret and know-how protection frameworks
- IP licensing, assignment and technology transfer agreements
- Anti-counterfeiting: seizure, customs recordal and infringement actions
- Domain name and brand protection online
Do you have a matter in this area?
Tell us what has happened and what outcome you need. You will get our view of your position, the realistic options with cost and timeline attached, and a recommendation.