Algeria's intellectual property practices do not have any adverse effects on its foreign trade. Foreign firms have not reported losses on export or investment opportunities due to imported or locally produced counterfeit or pirated goods.
Patents are protected by a law introduced on December 7, 1993, which is administered by the Institut Algerien de Normalisation et de Propriete Industrielle (INAPI). INAPI grants patents for 20 years from the date a patent request is filed and for all types of technology. For further information, foreign firms may contact the Directeur de la Protection Industrielle.
The Laws of March 19, 1966 and July 16, 1976 accord trademark protection in Algeria. In 1986, the authority for granting and enforcing trademark protection was transferred from INAPI to the Centre National du Registre du Commerce (CNRC). A law that would transfer trademark authority back to INAPI is presently being discussed.
In 1973, Algeria ratified its 1952 Convention on Copyrights. In April 1973, the Government passed a law providing copyright protection for books, plays, musical compositions, firms, paintings, sculptures, and photographs. This law accords authors the right to control the commercial exploitation and marketing of these products. A proposed revision of this law is now in the process of being drafted to provide protection for video, radio, and Internet programs. The Office National Du Droit D'Auteur (ONDA) manages copyright protection
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
