AFRICA

OAPI includes 17 French speaking African countries. See here for a list of OAPI member countries

A trade mark application must be filed through the OAPI office, and it automatically covers all 17 OAPI countries. Registration covers all 17 OAPI countries 

It isn't possible to file national trade mark applications directly into any OAPI countries - the OAPI system is the only way to get protection in any of these countries

ARIPO includes 22 English speaking African countries. See here for a list of ARIPO member countries

ARIPO works differently to OAPI - coverage is not automatic and countries where protection is sought must be designated/selected

Only 13 of the ARIPO countries allow for trade mark protection through ARIPO (this is because not all members are part of the Banjul Protocol). In addition, not all 13 countries have put in place national legislation which recognises and allows for ARIPO trade mark protection (this may impact enforcement of ARIPO trade marks in some countries)

It's possible to file national trade mark applications directly into any ARIPO countries instead of a regional application via the ARIPO office

National trade mark applications need to be filed directly in countries not part of the OAPI or ARIPO regional systems to seek trade mark protection in those countries, e.g. South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Angola

Remember, national filings are possible directly into ARIPO countries, and may be recommended in certain cases

OAPI includes 17 French speaking African countries. See here for a list of OAPI member countries

A patent application or a design application must be filed through the OAPI office, and it automatically covers all 17 OAPI countries. If granted/registered, the patent or design covers all 17 OAPI countries 

It isn't possible to file national patent and design applications directly into any OAPI countries

ARIPO includes 22 English speaking African countries. See here for a list of ARIPO member countries 

ARIPO works differently to OAPI - coverage is not automatic and countries where protection is sought must be designated/selected. 20 of the ARIPO countries allow for patent and design protection through ARIPO (these members are part of the Harare Protocol)

It's possible to file national patent and design applications directly into any ARIPO countries instead of a regional application via the ARIPO office

National patent and design applications need to be filed directly in countries not part of the OAPI or ARIPO regional systems to seek patent or design protection in those countries, e.g. South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Angola 

Remember, national filings are possible directly into ARIPO countries