Intellectual Property
Trade marks, copyright, trade secrets, licensing and enforcement against counterfeits.
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What we do
- Trade mark clearance, filing and prosecution
- Oppositions and cancellation actions
- Copyright and software protection
- Trade secrets and confidentiality frameworks
- Licensing and franchising agreements
- Customs recordal and border enforcement
- Anti-counterfeiting raids and criminal complaints
- Domain name disputes
How a matter runs
01
What we do
Clearance search before filing — cheaper than an opposition and far cheaper than a rebrand.
What you provide
The mark, the classes you actually trade in, and any prior use.
Typical duration
5–10 days
02
What we do
Filing and prosecution through to registration.
What you provide
A power of attorney and the specimen of use.
Typical duration
12–24 months to registration
03
What we do
Enforcement: customs recordal, cease and desist, then raid or civil action.
What you provide
Evidence of the infringement and of your own use.
Typical duration
Raid 2–8 weeks · Civil action 12–30 months
What it typically costs
| Structure | Indicative band |
|---|---|
| Fixed fee per mark per classSearch, filing and prosecution to registration, excluding official fees. | EGP 6,000 – 12,000 per class |
| Fixed fee — enforcement actionCease and desist through to a raid, priced per action. | EGP 25,000 – 80,000 |
| HourlyFor matters whose shape is not known at the outset. We agree a cap before starting. | Partner EGP 3,500–5,500 · Associate EGP 1,200–2,200 per hour |
What moves the number
- The number of classes and marks
- Whether an opposition is filed against you
- The scale and organisation of the counterfeiting operation
- Whether enforcement is criminal, civil or both
These are indicative ranges, published so you can budget before you call. A fixed quote follows the first meeting, once we know the facts. Fees are agreed in writing before any work begins.
Questions we're asked
How long does trade mark registration take in Egypt?
12–24 months to registration, but protection dates back to the filing date. File early; do not wait for the certificate to launch.
Someone registered our brand before us. What can we do?
A cancellation action based on prior use or bad faith is possible, and Egypt recognises well-known marks. Gather proof of your use and its dates first — that is the whole case.
Does customs recordal actually work?
Yes, and it is the cheapest enforcement tool available. Recorded marks let customs detain suspect shipments before they enter the market.
Is software protected by copyright or by patent?
By copyright, automatically on creation, with registration as evidence. Patent protection for software as such is not available; the invention has to be technical.
Do we own what our freelance developer wrote?
Not automatically. Without a written assignment, the author usually retains rights. This is the single most common IP problem in Egyptian startups.
Can we franchise our brand in Egypt?
Yes. Franchising is not separately regulated, so the agreement carries the whole weight — quality control, territory, term and termination need to be drafted with care.
Lawyers in this practice
Sectors
- FMCG
- Retail & Distribution
- Technology & Telecoms
- Hospitality & Tourism