IP Knowledge Hub
Key IP insights by country, at a glance.
Regional Organizations
Regional organizations centralize filing and granting, commonly for trademarks, designs, and patents. The advantage is one application with multi-country coverage, but scope and effect must follow each system’s rules (e.g., country designation, automatic effect).
- European Union (EUIPO)
- European Patent Organization (EPO/EPC)
- African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI)
- African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO)
- Benelux Intellectual Property Office
Europe
Europe offers both regional and national routes: trademarks/designs via EUIPO with EU-wide protection; patents examined centrally by the EPO before taking effect nationally. Member states still differ in use evidence, opposition, and renewal rules.
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Spain
- Italy
- Norway
North America
A mature and transparent system: the US emphasizes use/availability evidence for trademarks; Canada and Mexico follow civil-law-influenced procedures. Designs may be termed “industrial designs” or “design patents.”
- USA
- Canada
- Mexico
- Jamaica
- Panama
- Dominican Republic
South America
Primarily civil law systems, with stricter requirements on language (Spanish/Portuguese) and formalities. Many allow e-filings but differ in priority proof, powers of attorney, notarization, and certification. Timelines and grace periods also vary.
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Colombia
- Peru
- Ecuador
Asia
Large and diverse: differences in language, documentation, examination speed, and use requirements. Most countries allow e-filings; some require special rules on prior use, intent-to-use, priority terms, or classification editions.
- China
- Japan
- India
- Korea
- Singapore
- Vietnam
Africa
Typically a mix of national and regional routes: besides national filings, OAPI grants rights through a single filing, while ARIPO requires member designation. Multiple languages (EN/FR, etc.) and document formality must be observed.
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Morocco
- Ghana
Oceania
Australia and New Zealand have mature, highly digitalized systems, with classifications and standards aligned with common-law jurisdictions. Pacific Island states are smaller, with fragmented rules and stricter requirements for powers of attorney, notarization, and timelines.
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea