How to Register a Trademark in Egypt: A Complete Legal Guide for Foreign Companies – 2025
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How to Register a Trademark in Egypt: A Complete Legal Guide for Foreign Companies – 2025
Entering the Egyptian market requires more than just launching a product or service. One of the most important steps for any international company is registering its trademark to ensure full legal protection and prevent any unauthorized use or imitation.
This comprehensive guide explains — step by step — how foreign companies can register their trademarks in Egypt in 2025, what documents are required, how long the process takes, and how to ensure full protection under Egyptian law.
⭐ 1. Why Foreign Companies Should Register Their Trademark in Egypt
Before doing business in Egypt, registering your trademark provides several advantages:
- Exclusive legal rights to use the mark in the Egyptian market.
- Protection against counterfeiting, imitation, or unauthorized use.
- Ability to take legal action and claim financial compensation for infringement.
- Increased trust among Egyptian consumers and partners.
- A strong foundation for commercial expansion in the Middle East and North Africa.
⭐ 2. What Can Be Registered as a Trademark in Egypt?
Under Egyptian Intellectual Property Law, a trademark can be:
- A name or brand
- A logo or design
- A word or phrase
- Symbols
- Distinctive shapes or colors
- Packaging designs
- Even sound marks (in some cases)
As long as the mark is distinctive and not confusingly similar to an existing registered trademark, it may be eligible for registration.
⭐ 3. Legal Requirements for Trademark Registration in Egypt
To be accepted, the trademark must:
- Be unique and not previously registered.
- Be distinctive and not generic.
- Not violate public order or morality.
- Not include flags, national emblems, or religious symbols.
- Not mislead consumers about the nature of the product or service.
⭐ 4. Required Documents for Foreign Companies
Foreign companies must provide:
- A clear image of the trademark.
- Passport copy or commercial registration of the company.
- Power of Attorney (notarized & legalized) authorizing our law firm.
- Description of the goods/services according to the Nice Classification.
- Contact details and address of the brand owner.
⭐ 5. Step-by-Step Trademark Registration Process in Egypt
Step 1: Initial Search
A preliminary search is conducted to ensure no conflicting trademarks exist.
This helps avoid rejection and ensures a smooth process.
Step 2: Filing the Application
The application is submitted to the Egyptian Trademark Office with all required documents.
Step 3: Examination Phase
The authorities review the trademark to ensure compliance with legal standards.
This stage may take 6–9 months.
Step 4: Publication in the Official Gazette
Approved trademarks are published for 60 days to allow for objections.
Step 5: Final Registration Certificate
If no opposition is filed, the trademark is officially registered and protected for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
⭐ 6. Duration & Timeline
On average, trademark registration in Egypt takes:
- 6–12 months from filing to publication
- 60 days for opposition
- 2–4 weeks for issuing the final certificate
Total estimated time: 8–14 months.
⭐ 7. Costs & Fees for Foreign Companies
Costs vary depending on:
- Number of classes (Nice Classification)
- Publication fees
- Legal representation fees
- Translation or notarization requirements
Our office provides foreign clients with fixed transparent packages suitable for all company sizes.
⭐ 8. What Happens If Someone Infringes Your Trademark in Egypt?
Trademark infringement is punishable by law.
Foreign companies can take the following steps:
- Send an official cease-and-desist notice
- File a complaint with Consumer Protection Authorities
- Initiate a lawsuit demanding:
- Immediate cessation of infringement
- Seizure of counterfeit goods
- Financial compensation for damages
- Criminal penalties (in severe cases)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can foreign companies register trademarks in Egypt without a local office?
Yes. A local address for service is required, which our firm provides.
2. Is a Power of Attorney mandatory?
Yes, it must be notarized and legalized.
3. Can the same trademark be registered in multiple classes?
Absolutely, each class requires a separate filing.
4. Can I enforce my trademark before registration is completed?
Enforcement is stronger after registration, but some actions can begin earlier.
5. Does Egypt allow international trademark registration?
Yes, through the Madrid Protocol, but local filing is often more secure.
6. How long does protection last?
10 years, renewable indefinitely.
7. Can I transfer or sell a registered trademark in Egypt?
Yes, trademark ownership can be sold or licensed.
8. What happens if the application is rejected?
An appeal can be filed within the legal timeframe.
9. Do I need to use the trademark before registration?
No, use is not required prior to filing.
10. Can I stop counterfeiters immediately?
Courts can issue urgent injunctions against counterfeiters.
📞 Need to Register Your Trademark in Egypt? Contact Us Today
Karam Dewedar Legal Group provides full legal support for foreign companies seeking trademark protection in Egypt — from filing to registration to enforcement.
📍 Address: 4 Al-Athary Ibn Nafi’ Street – Heliopolis – Cairo
📞 Phone: 01288778811
📧 Email: info@karamdewedar.com
Your brand deserves strong legal protection — and we ensure it.
