Ethiopia’s burgeoning economy has attracted significant foreign direct investment, prompting a need for foreign investors to understand and protect IP assets in the country. We thus dedicate this second edition of our Spotlight on IP newsletter series to Ethiopia’s patent laws, with insights into eligibility criteria, application processes, and patent owner rights and duties.

As we navigate Ethiopia’s evolving patent regime, it becomes clear how the authorities seek to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring public access to patented inventions. Indeed, the role of patents in driving innovation and economic growth in the country’s dynamic IP landscape has never been more apparent.

With Ethiopia moving towards joining the Paris Convention and revising its Patent Proclamation, this newsletter serves to provide vital context for stakeholders.

Our Ethiopia Team gives a practical overview of the legislation here.