The Africa IP SME Helpdesk supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the European Union (EU) to both protect and enforce their Intellectual Property (IP) rights in/or relating to Africa by providing free information and services. These comprise jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues, as well as training, materials and online resources.
About us
Find more information about the team, partners and the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Helpline
Our Intellectual Property experts provide professional, confidential and tailor-made answers to your IP-related questions within a maximum of 3 working days
IP Resources Library
This library provides open-access IP materials especially designed for EU SMEs doing business in Africa
Contact us
E-mail: africa.iphelpdesk@euipo.europa.eu
Phone Number: Europe (Spain): +34 96 513 9810
Opening hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 to 18:30 (CET/CEST)
Africa - Latest News

New webinar series: navigating the challenges of IP enforcement in Africa
The Africa IP SME Helpdesk is organising a webinar series on navigating the challenges of IP enforcement in Africa.

The impact of commercialisation strategies and benefits for EU SMEs investing in sub-Saharan Africa: measuring the effect of IP practices
The Africa IP SME Helpdesk is organising a webinar entitled ‘The impact of commercialisation strategies and benefits for SMEs investing in Africa: measuring the effect of IP practices’.

SMEs investing in Egypt and the role of intellectual property
The Africa IP SME Helpdesk is organising a webinar entitled ‘Investing in Egypt: the role of intellectual property’.

Empowering and Embracing Women in IPR and Innovation - Policies and Measures in Africa, China, India, Latin America or South-East Asia (World IP Day 2023)
The International IP SME Helpdesks have joined forces hereby to address this issue by supporting women innovators in unlocking their innovative ideas. To do so, the Helpdesks have compiled initiatives being carried out by countries and IP national offices to support women in their IP journey.
Libya’s Trademark Office temporary suspends acceptance of foreign applications and trade mark registrations
The new measure takes effect from 1 November 2022

São Tomé and Príncipe will use HDB
As of 12 December 2022, the National Service of Intellectual Property and Quality of São Tomé and Príncipe (SENAPIQ-STP) will use and accept the list of terms from the harmonised database of goods and services (HDB) in TMclass.