Trademarks constitute a fundamental pillar in protecting the commercial identity of both natural and legal persons. Accordingly, a clear understanding of the applicable registration procedures and legal requirements is essential to securing effective and enforceable protection under Egyptian law.

The following is a structured outline of the trademark registration process before the competent authority in Egypt.

I. Filing Stage

The process commences with the submission of a formal application for trademark registration before the Trademark Office of the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority, using the prescribed official form.

The application must be accompanied by the following documents:

• Five clear copies of the trademark representation.
• Literal Arabic transliteration or translation of any foreign words appearing in the mark, provided that the Arabic script is equal to or larger in size.
• A copy of the commercial register (for corporate applicants) or a copy of the national identification card (for individual applicants).
• A notarized power of attorney, where the application is filed through a legal representative, expressly authorizing trademark registration.

II. Examination Stage

Upon filing, the application enters the examination phase, which typically lasts no less than six months. This stage comprises two distinct levels of review:

1. Formal Examination

The Authority verifies the completeness and correctness of the submitted documents.
Failure to remedy deficiencies within the statutory timeframe may result in rejection of the application or it being deemed withdrawn.

2. Substantive Examination

The Authority assesses:

• The distinctiveness of the mark; and
• The absence of conflict with prior registered or pending trademarks.

This review is conducted in accordance with Article 67 of Law No. 82 of 2002, which prohibits the registration of trademarks that:

• Lack distinctive character;
• Contravene public order or morality;
• Imitate flags, emblems, or symbols of states or international organizations;
• Contain religious or protected symbols such as the Red Cross or Red Crescent;
• Include unauthorized images or logos belonging to third parties;
• Contain false or misleading indications regarding the origin or nature of goods or services;
• Comprise marks owned by or forged in the name of other parties.

III. Decision Issuance

Following examination, the Authority issues one of the following decisions:

• Approval, whether absolute or conditional (subject to required modifications within six months); or
• Rejection, based on legal grounds or conflict with prior rights.

Applicants are notified of the decision by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt within thirty days from the decision date.

Failure to comply with required modifications within the prescribed timeframe results in the application being deemed withdrawn.

The applicant may appeal the decision within thirty days from the date of notification.

IV. Appeal Stage

Appeals are submitted to a specialized committee within the Authority, composed of experienced members who were not involved in the original examination.

During this stage:

• The appellant may submit written memoranda and supporting evidence.
• Hearing sessions may be attended by the appellant and representatives of the Authority.

The committee must issue a reasoned decision within one year from the date of filing the appeal. The appellant must be notified of the hearing date at least fifteen days in advance.

V. Publication Stage

Upon issuance of a final acceptance decision, the trademark details — including the representation of the mark and the list of designated goods and services — are published in the Official Trademark Gazette.

From the date of publication:

• A sixty-day opposition period commences.
• Any interested party may file a written opposition stating the legal grounds.

The applicant is notified of any opposition within thirty days and must submit a written response within thirty days from notification. Failure to respond results in the application being deemed withdrawn.

VI. Final Registration and Certificate Issuance

Following the expiry of the opposition period and the resolution of any filed oppositions, and upon payment of the prescribed fees, the Authority issues the trademark registration certificate.

Key legal effects:

• The registration is deemed effective from the date of filing the application.
• The protection period is ten years from the filing date.
• The registration is renewable for successive ten-year terms in accordance with statutory renewal procedures.

This procedural framework reflects the structured administrative and legal safeguards governing trademark protection in Egypt, ensuring both the integrity of the register and the protection of prior rights.