Libya

International and Regional Arrangements

Libya is a member of the Paris Convention.

TRADEMARKS

Types of Trademark Registrable

Service marks are registrable.

Libya operates a “single-class” registration system (A separate application is required for each class). There are provisions for the registration of SERIES MARKS. There are no provisions for the registration of CERTIFICATION OR DEFENSIVE MARKS.
International and Regional Arrangements

Libya is a member of the Paris Convention.

Documents required for trademark registration

  1. Particulars of Applicant (name, address and nationality)
  2. Power of Attorney incorporating an Arabic translation, legalized up to the Libyan Consulate
  3. Certificate of incorporation legalized up to the Libyan Consulate, with verified Arabic translation
  4. Certified copy of a corresponding Home Certificate legalized up to the Libyan Consulate
  5. Representation of the mark
  6. Specification of goods and / or services

All requirements should be submitted upon filing, a separate application to be filed for each class of goods/services, filing applications in Class 32 and 33 for Alcoholic drinks is prohibited.

Renewals
Valid for an initial period of ten (10) years counting from the date of filing
Renewable every ten (10) years Grace period of six (6) months allowed for late renewal upon payment of a fine.

Documents required for renewals

Power of Attorney incorporating an Arabic translation

Documents required for assignments/mergers

  1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation.
  2. Deed of Assignment or other instrument of title, with verified Arabic translation.
  3. Certificate of Incorporation/Extract from Commercial Register relating to assignee, with verified Arabic translation.

Documents required for change of name

  1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation.
  2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified Arabic translation.

Documents required for change of address

  1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation.
  2. Certificate of Change of Address, with verified Arabic translation.

Documents required for licenses/registered users

  1. Power of Attorney, incorporating Arabic translations from proprietor and licensee.
  2. License Agreement, with verified Arabic translation.
  3. Certificate of Incorporation/Extract from Commercial Register relating to licensee, with verified Arabic translation.

To be legalized up to the Libyan Consul in the proprietor´s home country.

PATENTS

Filing Requirements:
Patents of Invention:

  1. Power of Attorney (legalized)
  2. Specification claims and abstract in English
  3. Specification claims and abstract in Arabic
  4. Formal drawings, if applicable, without labeling
  5. Formal drawings, if applicable, with full labeling
  6. Assignment of Invention (legalized)
  7. Certificate of Incorporation (legalized)
  8. Priority document (legalized) with verified English translation

Duration and RenewalThe term of a patent is ten (10) years for patents in respect of chemical processes relating to foodstuffs, medicines and pharmaceutical preparations and fifteen (15) years for all other patents. For the second mentioned category the patent may in certain circumstances be extended for a further period of five (5) years. The Patent of Addition expires with the main patent. Renewal fees fall due annually commencing on the date of grant.