THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY ACT 2019

Act No. 15 of 2019

I assent

PARAMASIVUM PILLAY VYAPOORY9th August 2019 Acting President of the Republic

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ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

Section

PART I – PRELIMINARY

1. Short title 2. Interpretation

PART II – ADMINISTRATION

3. IndustrialPropertyOfficeofMauritius 4. Director 5. Staff,assessorsandtechnicalexperts 6. Registers 7. IntellectualPropertyCouncil 8. Industrial Property Tribunal 9. JurisdictionofTribunal

PART III – PATENTS, UTILITY MODELS, PATENT COOPERATION TREATYSub-Part A – Patents

10. Mattersexcludedfrompatentprotection 11. Patentable invention

LEGAL SUPPLEMENT 469to the Government Gazette of Mauritius No. 82 of 10 August 2019

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12. Right to patent 13. Applicationforpatent 14. Unityofinvention,amendmentanddivisionofapplication 15. Right of priority 16. Informationconcerningforeignapplication 17. Filingdateandclassificationofpatent 18. Publicationofpatentapplication 19. Examinationofpatent 20. Grant or refusal of patent 21. Rightsconferredbypatent 22. Duration of patent 23. Compulsorylicenceforpatent 24. Appealagainstdecisiongrantingcompulsorylicenceorremuneration 25. Invalidation of grant of patent

Sub-Part B – Utility Models

26. Mattersexcludedfromutilitymodelprotection 27. Registrableutilitymodel 28. Applicationforregistrationofutilitymodel 29. Filingdateofutilitymodel 30. Examinationandregistrationofutilitymodel 31. Rightsconferredbyutilitymodel 32. Durationofutilitymodel 33. Conversionofpatentapplicationorutilitymodel 34. Invalidationofregistrationofutilitymodel

Sub-Part C – Patent Cooperation Treaty

35. Interpretation of Sub-Part C 36. InternationalapplicationdesignatingMauritius 37. FunctionsofOffice 38. Entering national phase 39. Reinstatementofrightsfollowingfailuretoenternationalphase 40. Restoration of right of priority 41. Processinginternationalapplication

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PART IV – LAYOUT-DESIGNS OF INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

42. Applicationforregistration 43. Filing date of layout-design 44. Registration of layout-design 45. Originality 46. Righttoprotection 47. Scopeofprotection 48. Commencementanddurationofprotection 49. Invalidation of registration of layout-design 50. ExploitationbyGovernmentagencyorthirdperson

PART V – PROTECTION OF NEW PLANT VARIETIES

51. Interpretation of Part V 52. Nationaltreatment 53. Conditionsforprotection 54. Novelty 55. Distinctness 56. Uniformity 57. Stability 58. Applicationforbreeder’sright 59. Filingdateofbreeder’sright 60. Provisionalprotection 61. Right of priority 62. Examinationofapplication 63. Grantorrefusalofbreeder’sright 64. Scopeofbreeder’sright 65. Durationofbreeder’sright 66. Exceptionstobreeder’sright 67. Exhaustionofbreeder’sright 68. Restrictionsonexerciseofbreeder’sright 69. Measuresregulatingcommerce 70. Varietydenomination 71. Invalidationofbreeder’sright 72. Cancellationofbreeder’sright

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PART VI – INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS GOVERNED BY THE HAGUE AGREEMENT

Sub-Part A – Industrial Designs

73. Conditionsforprotection 74. Industrialdesignexcludedfromprotection 75. Right to registration 76. Applicationforregistrationofindustrialdesign 77. Amendmentandwithdrawal 78. Right of priority 79. Filing date of industrial design 80. Examinationofapplication 81. Registrationandpublicationofindustrialdesign 82. Rightsconferredbyregistrationofindustrialdesign 83. Limitationsandexceptions 84. Duration of industrial design 85. Invalidation of registration of industrial design

Sub-Part B – The Hague Agreement

86. Interpretation of Sub-Part B 87. Applicationforinternationaldesignregistration 88. Effectofinternationalregistration 89. ExaminationofinternationalregistrationandnotificationtoInternationalBureau 90. ConflictbetweenthisActandtheHagueAgreement

PART VII – MARKS, TRADE NAMES, GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS, MADRID PROTOCOL

Sub-Part A – Marks

91. Registrationofmark 92. Applicationforregistration 93. Right of priority 94. Filingdateofmark 95. Division,withdrawalandamendment 96. Examination,publication,oppositionandregistration 97. Durationofmark 98. Rightsconferredbyregistrationofmark

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99. Invalidationofregistrationofmark 100. Removalongroundofnon-use 101. Collectivemark 102. Certificationmark 103. Cancellationofregisteredmarkandlimitationofgoodsandservices

Sub-Part B – Trade Names

104. Protectionoftradename

Sub-Part C – Geographical Indications

105. Scopeofprotection 106. Applicationforgeographicalindication 107. Filingdateofgeographicalindication 108. Examination,publication,oppositionandregistration 109. Scopeofexclusiveright 110. Limitationsandexceptions 111. Durationofgeographicalindication 112. Invalidationofregistrationofgeographicalindication 113. RectificationofRegister 114. Cancellationofregistration

Sub-Part D – Madrid Protocol

115. Interpretation of Sub-Part D 116. Language 117. ExaminationofinternationalapplicationofwhichMauritiusiscountryoforigin 118. Certification 119. Handlingfee 120. Ceasingofeffectofbasicapplicationorbasicregistration 121. Publicationofapplicationforinternationalregistrationandopposition 122. Ex-officioprovisionalrefusalofprotection 123. Provisionalrefusalofprotectionbasedonopposition 124. Statementofgrantofprotection 125. Decisionfollowingprovisionalrefusalofprotection 126. Decisionaffectingprotectionofmarkfollowingstatement 127. Effectofinternationalregistration 128. Invalidation

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129. RecordinInternationalRegister 130. Collectiveandcertificationmarks 131. Replacement 132. Transformation 133. ConflictbetweenthisActandtheMadridProtocol

PART VIII – MISCELLANEOUS

134. Changeinaddress,applicationandownership 135. Licence 136. Agents 137. Protectionofrights 138. AppealtoSupremeCourt 139. Offences 140. Unfairpractice 141. Regulations 142. Consequentialamendment 143. Repeals 144. Savings and transitional provisions 145. Commencement

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An ActTo provide for the protection of industrial property rights, namely,

patents, utility models, layout-designs of integrated circuits, breeder’s rights, industrial designs, marks, trade names

and geographical indications, for an Industrial Property Office headed by a Director, for the setting up of an

Intellectual Property Council which is advisory in nature, for the jurisdiction of the Industrial

Property Tribunal, and for related matters

ENACTEDbytheParliamentofMauritius,asfollows–

PART I – PRELIMINARY1. Short title

ThisActmaybecitedastheIndustrialPropertyAct2019.

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2. Interpretation

InthisAct–

“appearance” means the packaging, shape, colour or other non-functionalcharacteristicofaproduct;

“BudapestTreaty”meanstheBudapestTreatyontheInternationalRecognitionoftheDepositofMicroorganismsforthePurposesofPatentProcedure,doneatBudapeston28April1977,asamended;

“certificate” means the document witnessing the title granted toprotectapatent,autilitymodel,alayout-design,abreeder’sright,anindustrialdesign,amarkorageographicalindicationagainsttheexploitationbypersonsotherthantheownerofaregisteredright;

“certificationmark”meansasigncertifiedbytheownerofamarkas being capable, in respect of the origin, material or mode ofmanufactureofgoods,theperformanceofservicesortheirquality,standard,orothercharacteristics,ofdistinguishinggoodsorservicesfromothergoodsorservicesnotsocertified;

“collectivemark”meansanyvisiblesigndesignatedassuchintheapplicationforregistrationandcapableofdistinguishingtheoriginoranyothercommoncharacteristic,includingthequalityofgoodsor services, of different enterpriseswhich use the sign under thecontroloftheregisteredownerofthecollectivemark;

“competentauthority”meansthePermanentSecretaryoftheMinistry;

“compulsorylicence”meansanauthorisationgivenbythecompetentauthoritytoapersontoexploitapatentorutilitymodelwithouttheconsentoftheownerofthepatentorutilitymodel;

“Council”meanstheIntellectualPropertyCouncil;

“decision of 30August 2003” means the decision of 30August2003of theGeneralCouncilof theWorldTradeOrganizationontheImplementationofparagraph6oftheDohaDeclarationontheTRIPSAgreementandPublicHealth;

“Director”meanstheDirectoroftheOffice;

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“economictie”meansatiebetween2personswhereby–(a) oneofthemmayexerciseontheother;or(b) athirdpartymayexerciseonbothofthem,adecisiveinfluencewithrespecttotheexploitationofanindustrialdesign;“exploit”means,inrelationto–(a) apatentedinventionorautilitymodelinventionwhichisa

product–(i) make,import,offertosell,sellorusetheproduct;or(ii) stocktheproductforanyofthepurposesreferredtoin

subparagraph(i);(b) apatentedinventionorautilitymodelinventionwhichisa

process–(i) makeuseoftheprocess;or(ii) doanyactreferredtoinparagraph(a)inrespectofa

productobtaineddirectlybymeansoftheprocess;(c) aregisteredlayout-design–

(i) by incorporation in an integrated circuit or otherwise,reproducethedesign,inwholeorinpart,otherwisethanby reproducing a part that does not comply with therequirementoforiginalityreferredtoinsection45;or

(ii) import, sell or otherwise distribute for commercialpurposesthedesign,anintegratedcircuitinwhichthedesign is incorporated or an article incorporating theintegratedcircuitinsofarasitcontinuestocontainthedesign;

(d) aregisteredindustrialdesign–(i) make,sellorimportanarticlebearingorembodyinga

designwhichisacopy,orsubstantiallyacopy,oftheregistereddesign;or

(ii) putonthemarketorsellanarticle thatembodies thedesign;

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“geographical indication” means an indication which identifies a good as originating in the territory of a country, or a region or locality in that country, where a given quality, reputation orother characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to itsgeographicalorigin;

“industrialdesign”meanstheappearanceofaproductresultingfromitsfeatures,particularlytheshape,lines,contours,colours,textureormaterialsoftheproductoritsornamentation;

“industrial property right” includes a patent, a utility model, alayout-design,abreeder’sright,anindustrialdesign,amark,atradenameandageographicalindication;

“industry”–(a) meansanyhumaneconomicactivityleadingtotheproduction

ofgoodsorservices;and(b) includeshandicraft,agriculture,fisheriesandotherservices;

“integratedcircuit”meansaproductinitsfinaloranintermediateform–(a) inwhichatleastoneoftheelementsisanactiveelementand

someoralloftheinterconnectionsareintegrallyformedinoronapieceofmaterial;and

(b) whichisintendedtoperformanelectronicfunction;

“Intellectual Property Council” means the Council referred to insection7;

“InternationalBureau”meanstheInternationalBureauoftheWorldIntellectualPropertyOrganization;

“InternationalClassification”means,inrelationto–

(a) a patent, the classification established by the StrasbourgAgreementConcerningtheInternationalPatentClassification,of24March1971,asamended;

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(b) anindustrialdesign,theclassificationaccordingtotheLocarnoAgreement Establishing an International Classification forIndustrialDesigns,of8October1968,asamended;

(c) amark, the classification according to theNiceAgreementConcerning the International Classification of Goods andServicesforthePurposesoftheRegistrationofMarksof15June1957,asamended;

(d) amark,theViennaClassificationforthefigurativeelementsofmarks,establishedbytheViennaAgreementEstablishinganInternationalClassificationoftheFigurativeElementsofMarks(1973),asamended;

“invention” means an idea of an inventor which provides, inpractice,thesolutiontoaspecificprobleminthefieldoftechnologyandwhichmaybe,ormayrelateto,aproductoraprocess;“law practitioner” has the same meaning as in the Law PractitionersAct;

“layout-design”meansthethree-dimensionaldisposition,howeverexpressed,oftheelements,atleastoneofwhichisanactiveelement,andsomeoralloftheinterconnectionsofanintegratedcircuit,orsuch a three-dimensional disposition prepared for an integratedcircuitintendedformanufacture;

“mark”–(a) means a visually perceptible sign or combination of signs,

capableofdistinguishingthegoodsorservicesofanenterprisefromthoseofotherenterprises;and

(b) includes–(i) acertificationmarkandacollectivemark;and(ii) words,letters,numerals,figures,pictures,acombination

ofcolours,theshapeofgoodsorpartsofthegoods,orthepackagingorotherconditioningofgoods;

“Minister”meanstheMinistertowhomresponsibilityforthesubjectofindustrialpropertyisassigned;

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“Ministry” means the Ministry responsible for the subject ofindustrialproperty;

“Office”meanstheIndustrialPropertyOfficeofMauritiusreferredtoinsection3;

“ParisConvention”meanstheParisConventionfortheProtectionofIndustrialProperty,of20March1883,asamended;

“patent”meansthetitlegrantedtoprotectaninvention;

“prior art” includes anything disclosed publicly anywhere in theworld,beforethefilingdateor,whereapplicable,theprioritydate,ofanapplicationforacertificate,whetherbypublicationintangibleform,byoraldisclosure,byuseorinanyothermannerotherthanbyadisclosurewhichoccurred–(a) withinthe12monthsprecedingthefilingdateorthepriority

date;and(b) followinganactcommittedbytheapplicantorhispredecessor

intitleoranabusebyathirdpartywithregardtotheapplicantorhispredecessorintitle;

“priority date”means the filing date of an earlier application foranindustrialpropertyrightwhichservesas thebasisforclaimingpriorityunderthisActandprovidedforintheParisConvention;

“producer”means–(a) a producer of agricultural products or a person exploiting

naturalproducts;or(b) amanufacturerofhandicraftorindustrialproducts;

“product”meansanynaturaloragriculturalproductoraproductofhandicraftorindustry;

“register”meansaregisterreferredtoinsection6;

“trade name” means a name or designation used to identify anenterpriseinthecourseoftrade;

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“Tribunal” means the Industrial Property Tribunal referred to insection8;

“TRIPS Agreement” means the Agreement on Trade-RelatedAspects of Intellectual Property Rights, contained in Annex 1C of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World TradeOrganization,signedinMarrakesh,Morocco,on15April1994;

“utilitymodel”means a technical creation that consists of a newshapeorconfiguration,orcomponent,ofanobjectthatincreasesitsfunctionalityorutility.

PART II – ADMINISTRATION

3. Industrial Property Office of Mauritius

(1) ThereshallbeadepartmentwithintheMinistrywhichshallbeknownastheIndustrialPropertyOfficeofMauritius.

(2) TheobjectsoftheOfficeshallbeto–

(a) administerandimplementthisAct;and(b) assistintheprotection,promotionanddevelopmentof

industrialpropertygovernedbythisAct.

(3) TheOfficeshallhavesuchpowersasarenecessarytoattainitsobjectsandmay,interalia–

(a) implementstrategies,programmesandactionplansforthedevelopmentofindustrialproperty;

(b) compileandmaintainadatabaseforindustrialproperty;(c) deviseandassistinthepreparationofeducationaland

sensitisationprogrammesonindustrialproperty;(d) undertakeandassistinconductingresearchinindustrial

property.

(4) TheMinistermaygivetotheOfficesuchwrittendirectionsof a general character, not inconsistent with this Act, as he considersnecessary,andtheOfficeshallcomplywiththosedirections.

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4. Director

(1) TheOfficeshallbeadministeredbyaDirectorwhoshallbe–(a) apublicofficer;(b) appointedbythePublicServiceCommission;and(c) responsibleforthecontrol,operationandmanagement

ofthedailybusinessofthedepartment.(2) TheDirectorshall–

(a) onreceiptofanapplicationforacertificate–(i) grantafilingdatetotheapplication;(ii) examinetheapplication;(iii) grant a patent or a breeder’s right, where

appropriate;(iv) register a utility model, a layout-design, an

industrial design, a mark or a geographicalindication,whereappropriate;

(v) cause to be published relevant informationpertainingtothegrantofapatentorbreeder’srightortheregistrationreferredtoinsubparagraph(iv);

(b) recordtheparticularsoftheapplicationandthedecisionarrivedatintheappropriateregister;

(c) on his own initiative or on receipt of a complaint,investigateanyallegationofanoffenceunderthisActor the Protection against Unfair Practices (IndustrialPropertyRights)Act;and

(d) ensure that the policies and procedures of theOfficecomply with relevant international standards andguidelines as regard the rights provided for under thisAct.

(3) Where the Director is satisfied that the circumstances sojustify,hemay,onreceivingawrittenrequest,extendthetimefordoinganyactrequiredtobedoneunderthisActongivingnoticetotheparties concernedandonsuchtermsandconditionsashemaydetermine.

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(4) TheDirectormay, subject to thisAct, correct any error oftranslationortranscription,clericalerrorormistake,inanyapplicationordocumentfiledwithhimorinanyrecordingeffectedpursuanttothisAct.

(5) (a) The Director may, for the purpose of conducting aninvestigationunderthisAct,usetheservicesofanypoliceofficerorotherpublicofficerdesignatedforthatpurposebytheCommissionerofPolice,ortheHeadofCivilService,asthecasemaybe.

(b) TheCommissionerofPoliceshallgivesuchassistanceasmaybenecessarytotheDirectortoenablehimtodischargehisfunctionsunderthisAct.

(6) The Director shall have such powers asmay be necessaryto carry out the functions of the Office and to enforce thisAct or theProtectionagainstUnfairPractices (IndustrialPropertyRights)Act,andmay,inparticular–

(a) requireanypersonwhoisbeinginvestigatedtoprovidesuchinformationordocumentasmayberelevanttotheinvestigation;

(b) requireanypublicofficertoprovideanyinformationordocumentinhiscustody;

(c) applytotheJudgeinChambersforanorderauthorisinghimoranyofhisofficers, at all reasonable times, toenterandsearchanypremises,secureanddetainanydocument or material which is of relevance to aninvestigationbeingconducted;

(d) detainanydocumentorgoodsthatmayberelevanttothe investigation.

(7) Where, after an investigation under subsection (2)(c), theDirectorconcludesthatanoffenceunderthisActortheProtectionagainstUnfair Practices (Industrial Property Rights) Act has been committed, heshallreferthemattertotheDirectorofPublicProsecutions.

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(8) TheDirectormay,inthedischargeofhisdutiesunderthisActandtheProtectionagainstUnfairPractices(IndustrialPropertyRights)Act,issueadministrativeprocedures.

5. Staff, assessors and technical experts

(1) ThereshallbepostedtotheOfficesuchpublicofficersasmaybenecessarytoassisttheDirectorintheproperdischargeofhisfunctions.

(2) TheofficerspostedtotheOfficeshallbepublicofficersandshallbeundertheadministrativecontroloftheDirector.

(3) TheDirectormay, subject to the approval of theMinister,appoint,onanadhocbasis,suchassessorsandtechnicalexpertsonsuchtermsandconditionsashemaydetermine.

6. Registers

(1) TheOfficeshallmaintainseparateregistersforpatents,utilitymodels, layout-designs, breeder’s rights, industrial designs, marks andgeographicalindications.

(2) AlltheentriesandrecordingsprovidedforinthisActshallbeeffectedintheappropriateregister.

(3) Subjecttosection135(1),anypersonmayconsulttheregistersandobtainextracts therefromundersuchconditions,andonpaymentofsuchfee,asmaybeprescribed.

7. Intellectual Property Council

(1) There shallbean IntellectualPropertyCouncilwhich shallconsistof–

(a) a Chairperson, to be appointed by the Minister after consultation with the Prime Minister, who shall betheholderofaMasterofLaws(L.L.M.)orMasterinEconomics,withatleast5yearsprovenexperienceinthefieldof intellectual property right andpossessinganalyticalskills;

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(b) theDirector;(c) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the

subjectofagriculture;(d) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the

subjectofartsandculture;(e) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the

subjectofeducation;(f) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the

subjectofhealth;(g) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the

subjectofinnovation;(h) arepresentativeoftheAttorney-General’sOffice;(i) arepresentativeoftheMauritiusResearchCouncil;(j) a representative of the Customs Department of the

MauritiusRevenueAuthority;(k) a representativeof theAnti-PiracyUnitof thePolice

Force;(l) a representative of the Economic Development

Board;and(m) 2representativesfromtheprivatesector,havingwide

knowledgeandexperience in intellectualproperty, tobe appointed by the Minister.

(2) (a) The members of the Council referred to in subsection(1)(a)and(m)shallholdofficeforaperiodof2yearsandshallbeeligibleforreappointmentforafurtherperiodof2years.

(b) The members of the Council shall be paid suchallowanceastheMinistermaydetermine.

(3) (a) TheCouncilshall–(i) advise the Minister on any matter relating to

intellectualproperty;and

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(ii) ensure coordination among the public andprivatesectorsintheformulationofintellectualpropertypoliciesandenforcementofintellectualproperty rights.

(b) At any meeting of the Council, 9 members shallconstituteaquorum.

(4) (a) TheCouncil shallmeet at least once everymonth atsuchtimeandplaceastheChairpersonshalldetermine.

(b) Where the Chairperson is absent at a meeting, thememberspresentshallelectamembertochairthemeeting.

(c) TheDirectorshalldesignateanofficeroftheOfficetoactasSecretarytotheCouncil.

(5) The Council may set up such committees as it considersnecessarytoassistitinthedischargeofitsfunctions.

(6) Subject to this section, the Council shall regulate itsproceedingsinsuchmannerasitmaydetermine.

8. Industrial Property Tribunal

(1) There shall be an Industrial Property Tribunal which shallconsistof–

(a) aChairperson,whoshallbea lawpractitionerofnotless than 5 years’ standing, having experience in thefieldofindustrialproperty;and

(b) not more than 3 other members, who shall haveexperienceinthefieldofindustrialproperty,financeorbusinessadministration,

tobeappointedbytheMinister,afterconsultationwiththePrimeMinister.

(2) The members, including the Chairperson, of the Tribunalshallholdofficeforaperiodof5years.

(3) For thepurposeofhearinganddetermininganymatter, theTribunalshallconsistoftheChairpersonand2othermembers.

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(4) ThemembersoftheTribunalshallbeappointedonsuchtermsandconditions,andbepaidsuchfees,astheMinistermaydetermine.

(5) TheSecretarytoCabinetandHeadoftheCivilServicemay,withtheapprovalofthePublicServiceCommission,designate–

(a) suchpublicofficersashemayconsiderappropriatetoassisttheTribunalintheexerciseofitsfunctions;

(b) apublicofficertoactasRegistraroftheTribunal.

9. Jurisdiction of Tribunal

(1) TheTribunalshallhavejurisdictiontohearanddetermine–(a) an appeal by any person who feels aggrieved by a

decisionoftheDirectortorejecthisapplicationforacertificate;

(b) an appeal by any person who feels aggrieved by adecisionoftheDirectortorejecthisoppositiontotheregistrationofanindustrialproperty;

(c) anapplicationbyanyinterestedperson,totheTribunal,toinvalidatethegrantofapatentortheprotectionofa plant variety, or the registration of a utilitymodel,a layout-design, an industrial design, a mark or ageographicalindication.

(2) Any appeal to the Tribunal under subsection (1)(a) or (b) shallbe–

(a) filedwithin28daysfromthedatetheaggrievedpersonreceives written notification of the decision of theDirector;

(b) insuchformandmannerastheTribunalmaydetermine.

(3) Anyapplicationforinvalidationundersubsection(1)(c)shallbeinsuchformandmannerastheTribunalmaydetermine.

(4) TheTribunalshallsitatsuchtimeandplaceastheChairpersonmaydetermine.

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(5) The Tribunal shall, subject to this Act, regulate its ownproceedingsandmay–

(a) make such orders for requiring the attendance ofpersons and the production of articles or documents, as it considers necessary for the conduct of itsproceedings;and

(b) takeevidenceonoath.

(6) For the purpose of hearing an appeal, the Tribunal mayconfirm,amendorcanceladecisionmadeby theDirectororgive suchdeterminationasitconsidersappropriate.

(7) For the purpose of hearing an appeal under subsection(1)(a)or(b)oranapplicationundersubsection(1)(c),theTribunalshall,wherenecessary, hear the parties and shall,where appropriate,make an orderdeterminingwhether,andsubjecttowhatconditionsorlimitationsastothemodeorplaceofuseorotherwise,thegrantofapatentortheprotectionofaplantvariety,ortheregistrationofautilitymodel,alayout-design,anindustrialdesign,amarkorageographicalindication,istobepermitted.

(8) Inanyappealundersubsection(1)(b),noadditionalgroundofoppositiontothegrantofapatentortheprotectionofaplantvariety,ortheregistrationofautilitymodel,alayout-design,anindustrialdesign,amarkorageographicalindication,otherthanthosestatedbythepartyinhisnoticeofopposition,shall,exceptbyleaveoftheTribunal,beallowedtobetakenbythepartygivingnoticeofopposition.

(9) Where,aftertheTribunalhasallowedanyadditionalgroundofoppositionundersubsection(8),therespondentdecidestowithdrawhisapplication,heshallgivenoticeaccordinglytotheTribunalandanyotherparty to the appealwithin onemonth from the date theTribunal grantsleaveundersubsection(8),andnocostsshallbeawardedagainsthim.

(10) In any appeal under this section, the Tribunal may, afterhearing the parties to the appeal, order that any industrial property proposed toberegisteredorgranted,bemodified inanymannernotsubstantiallyaffectingitsidentity.

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(11) Theapplicantshalladvertiseanymodificationofanindustrialproperty under subsection (10) in 2 newspapers, one ofwhich shall beapprovedbytheDirectorbeforeitisregisteredorgranted.

(12) (a) Where any party who has given notice of appeal orappliedforaninvalidationdoesnotresideorcarryonbusiness,anddoesnotpossessproperty,inMauritius,theTribunalmayrequirehimtogivesecurity for costs in respect of the proceedings prior to the hearing of theappealorapplicationforinvalidation,and,indefaultofsuchsecuritybeinggiven,maytreattheappealorapplicationforinvalidationashavingbeen abandoned.

(b) WheretheTribunaltreatsanappealorapplicationforinvalidation as having been abandoned under paragraph (a), it shall set asidetheappealorapplication.

PART III – PATENTS, UTILITY MODELS, PATENT COOPERATION TREATY

Sub-Part A – Patents

10. Matters excluded from patent protection

Thefollowingshallbeexcludedfrompatentprotection–

(a) discoveries,scientifictheoriesandmathematicalmethods;(b) literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works and any other

aestheticcreation;(c) schemes, rules or methods for doing business, performing

purelymentalactsandplayinggames;(d) computerprogrammes;(e) methods for the treatmentof thehumanoranimalbodyby

surgeryortherapy,includingdiagnosticmethodspractisedonthehumanoranimalbody;

(f) knownsubstancesforwhichanewusehasbeendiscoveredandnotapplicable to theuse itself,where theyconstituteapatentableinventionundersection11;

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(g) plants and animals, including their parts, other thanmicroorganisms,andessentiallybiologicalprocessesfortheproduction of plants or animals and their parts, other thannon-biologicalandmicrobiologicalprocesses;and

(h) an invention, the primary or intended use of which wouldbe contrary to public order ormorality,whether or not thecommercialexploitationoftheinventionisprohibitedbylaw.

11. Patentable invention

(1) Aninventionshallbepatentablewhereit–(a) isnew;(b) involvesaninventivestep;and(c) isindustriallyapplicable.

(2) An invention shall be new where it is not anticipated by prior art.

(3) An invention shall involvean inventive stepwhere,havingregard to thedifferencesand similaritiesbetween theclaimed inventionandthepriorart,theclaimedinventionasawholewouldnothavebeenobvious toapersonhavingordinaryskill in theartat thefilingdateor,whereapplicable,theprioritydateoftheclaimedinvention.

(4) Aninventionshallbeindustriallyapplicablewhereitcanbemadeorusedinanindustry.

12. Right to patent

(1) The right to a patent shall belong to the inventor.

(2) Where2ormorepersonshavejointlymadeaninvention,therighttothepatentshallbelongtothemjointly.

(3) Where 2 or more persons have made the same inventionindependentlyofeachother,thepersonwhoseapplicationhastheearliestfilingdateor,wherepriorityisclaimed,theearliestvalidlyclaimedprioritydate shall have the right to the patent, provided the application is notwithdrawn,abandonedorrejected.

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(4) (a) Subjecttoparagraph(b),whereaninventionismadeintheexecutionof,orunder,anemploymentcontract,therighttothepatentshall,intheabsenceofanycontrarycontractualprovision,belongtotheemployer.

(b) Where the economicgainsobtainedby the employeraredisproportionatelyhighascomparedtotheemployee’ssalaryandthereasonableexpectationsofgainthattheemployerhadfromhisemployee’sinventiveoutputatthetimetheemployerhiredtheemployee,theemployeeshallbeentitledtoappropriatecompensationwhichshallnotbelessthanonethirdofthenetdirectandindirectgainsobtainedbytheemployerfromtheexploitationoftheinvention.

(5) Where–(a) aninventionismadebyanemployee,otherwisethanin

theexecutionof,orunder,anemploymentcontract;but(b) theemployeeusedmaterial,dataorknow-howofthe

employertomaketheinvention,

the right to the patent shall, in the absence of any contrary contractualprovision,belong to theemployer,but theemployeeshallbeentitled toappropriatecompensationwhichshallnotbelessthanonethirdofthenetdirectandindirectgainsobtainedbytheemployerfromtheexploitationofthe invention.

(6) Any invention claimed in an application for a patent filedby an employee within one year from the date of termination of anemploymentcontractwhichfallswithinthescopeoftheformeremployer’smainbusinessshallbepresumedtohavebeenmadeundertheterminatedcontract,unlesstheemployeeproducesprooftothecontrary.

(7) Anypromisemadeorundertakinggivenbyaninventortohisemployer to theeffect thathewaivesanyremunerationhe isentitled tounderthissectionshallbevoidandofnoeffect.

(8) (a) (i) The obligation of an employer to paycompensation shall arise from the making, and the exploitation, of apatentable invention.

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(ii) The failure or negligence of an employerto successfully procure a patent shall not exempt him from payingcompensationtotheemployee.

(b) (i) Anemployermay,within60daysfromthedateofreceiptofacommunicationfromanemployeeaboutthemakingoftheinvention,givewrittennoticetotheemployeethatheisnotinterestedinthe inventionand that theemployeemayprocure the right to thepatentexclusively.

(ii) Whereanemployerfailstogivethenoticereferredtoinsubparagraph(i),heshallbedeemedtobeinterestedintheinvention.

(c) Where an employee carries out the commercialexploitationofaninvention,theemployershallbeentitledtocompensationthat is proportionate to the economic value of the materials, data or know-howusedbytheemployeeinmakingtheinvention.

(9) Where an employer fails to file an application for a patentwithin one year from the date he receives written notification from anemployeeofthemakingofaninvention,therighttothepatentshallbelongtotheemployee.

(10) Anyrighttoapatentmaybeassignedormaybetransferredbysuccession.

(11) (a) AninventorshallbenamedassuchinthepatentunlessherequeststheDirector,inwriting,nottodoso.

(b) Anypromisemadeorundertakinggivenbyaninventortoanypersontotheeffectthathewillmakearequestunderparagraph(a)shallbevoidandofnoeffect.

13. Application for patent

(1) Anapplicationforapatentshallbe–(a) filedwiththeDirectorinsuchformandmannerashe

maydetermine;and

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(b) accompaniedby thepaymentof suchnon-refundablefeeasmaybeprescribed.

(2) Theapplicationshallinclude–

(a) thenameof,andsuchotherdataasmaybeprescribed

concerning, theapplicant, the inventorandhisagent,ifany;

(b) thetitle,adescriptionoftheinventionandtheclaims,includinganydrawingandanabstract;

(c) where the applicant is not the inventor, a statementjustifyingtheapplicant’srighttothepatent;and

(d) where the applicant’s ordinary residence or principalplaceofbusinessisoutsideMauritius,anaddresswithinMauritiusforserviceofanydocument,inaccordancewithsection136.

(3) (a) Thedescriptionreferredtoinsubsection(2)(b)shall–

(i) explainanddisclose the invention inamannerwhichissufficientlyclearandcompletefortheinvention tobe carriedoutbyapersonhavingordinaryskillintheart;and

(ii) indicate the best mode for carrying out theinvention,whichisknowntotheinventoratthefiling date or,where applicable, at the prioritydateoftheapplication.

(b) Where a patent for an invention is claimed and theprocess formaking that invention is not generally known, includingbymeansofitsdescriptioninthespecificationsofanotherpatentapplication,thepatentapplicationshalldescribe it inamannerwhich is sufficientlyclearandcompleteforthatprocesstobecarriedoutbyapersonhavingordinaryskillin the art.

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(c) Wherethedescriptionprovidessufficientinformationtoallowtheinventiontobemadeandusedbyapersonskilledintheartonthefilingdate,withoutundueexperimentation, thedescriptionof theclaimedinventionshallbeconsideredtobesufficientlyclearandcomplete.

(d) A description referred to in subsection (2)(b) shallcontainaclearidentificationof–

(i) the origin of genetic or biological resourcescollectedinMauritiusanddirectlyorindirectlyusedinthemakingoftheinvention;and

(ii) anyelementoftraditionalknowledgeassociatedornotassociatedwiththoseresources,whichwas,with the prior informed consent of Mauritius,directlyor indirectlyusedinthemakingof theclaimedinvention.

(e) TheDirectormay, at any time before the grant of apatent,requirethedescriptioninaforeignpatentapplicationtobeadaptedtotheordinaryskillintheartofacitizenofMauritiusinordertoensuretechnologydissemination.

(f) (i) The Director shall, in the case of a patentapplication concerningmicroorganisms, consider that paragraph (a) hasbeen compliedwithwhere the applicant submits the applicationwith adeclarationthatthemicroorganismhasbeendepositedwithaninternationaldepositaryauthority,inaccordancewiththeBudapestTreaty.

(ii) TheDirectorshallacceptthedepositanditsdateasindicatedbytheinternationaldepositaryauthority,wheretheapplicantprovides him with a copy of the receipt of the deposit issued by theinternational depositary authority.

(4) Anyclaimundersubsection(2)(b)shall–(a) definethematterforwhichprotectionissought;(b) beclearandconcise;and

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(c) befullysupportedbythedescription,wheretheclaimreasonablyconveys to apersonhavingordinary skillin the art that the applicantwas in possession of theclaimedinventionatthefilingdate.

(5) Theapplicantshallincludedrawingsintheapplicationwheretheyarenecessaryforunderstandingtheinvention.

(6) Anabstractundersubsection(2)(b)shall–(a) beconciseandprecise;(b) onlyserveastechnicalinformation;(c) notbetakenintoaccountforthepurposeofinterpreting

thescopeoftheprotection;and(d) unless otherwise indicated by theDirector, be of not

lessthan50normorethan150words. (7) Wheretheprescribedfeeisnotpaid,theDirectorshallnotifythe applicant, inwriting, that the application shall be considered not tohavebeenfiledunlesspaymentismadewithin2monthsfromthedateofreceiptofthenotification.

(8) (a) An applicant may, before an application is granted,withdrawtheapplicationonpaymentoftheprescribedfee.

(b) Where an application is withdrawn without havingbeenopen forpublic inspectionandno rightshavebeenclaimedorareoutstanding inconnectionwith theapplication,asubsequentapplicationmaybemadeinrespectofthesameinvention.

(c) No priority right may be claimed on the withdrawnapplicationuponthelodgingofthesubsequentapplication.

14. Unity of invention, amendment and division of application

(1) Anapplicationforapatentshallrelatetooneinventiononlyortoagroupofinventionssolinkedastoformasinglegeneralinventiveconcept.

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(2) An applicantmay, inwriting, amend an application at anytimebefore it is grantedwhere the amendmentdoesnot gobeyond thematterclaimedintheinitialapplication.

(3) (a) An applicant may, before the application is openfor public inspection, divide an application into 2 or more divisionalapplicationswhichshallnotgobeyondthematterdisclosedintheinitialapplication.

(b) Every divisional application shall be entitled to thefilingdateor,whereapplicable,theprioritydateoftheinitialapplication.

(4) Where a patent has been granted following an application that did not comply with the requirement of unity of invention undersubsection(1),thenon-complianceshallnotbeagroundfortheinvalidationof the patent.

15. Right of priority

(1) Anapplicationforapatentmaycontainadeclarationclaiming,inaccordancewiththeParisConvention,priorityforoneormoreearliernationalorregionalapplicationsfiled,bytheapplicantorhispredecessorintitlein,orfor,anyStatepartytotheConventionoranymemberoftheWorldTradeOrganization,atanytimenotlaterthan12monthsfromthefilingdateoftheearlierapplication.

(2) (a) Where an application contains a declaration undersubsection (1), theDirectormayrequest theapplicant to furnish,withinsuchperiodasmaybeprescribed,acopyoftheearlierapplicationcertifiedascorrectbytheauthoritywithwhichitwasfiled.

(b) TheDirectorshallaccepttheformandthecontentofthecertificationreferredtoinparagraph(a)asissuedbytheauthoritywithwhichtheapplicationwasfiled.

(c) The Director may retrieve a copy of the earlierapplicationreferredtoinparagraph(a)fromadatabase.

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(3) Where the applicant does not comply with a request undersubsection(2)(a),thedeclarationshallbeconsiderednottohavebeenmade.

(4) Where an application contains a declaration referred to insubsection(1), theapplicationshallnotbeinvalidatedbecauseofanactdone during the preceding twelve-month period, as provided for in theParisConvention,andnosuchactshallgiverisetoathirdpartyrightorright of personal possession.

16. Information concerning foreign application (1) Anapplicantshall,wheresorequestedbytheDirector,furnishthedateandparticularsofanyapplicationforapatentfiledabroadbyhimorhispredecessorrelatingtothesameoressentiallythesameinventionasthatclaimedintheapplication.

(2) Theapplicantshall,inrelationtoaforeignapplicationreferredtoinsubsection(1),furnishacopyof–

(a) any communication received by him concerning theresult of any search or examination carried out inrespectoftheforeignapplication;

(b) thepatentgrantedonthebasisoftheforeignapplication;(c) anyfinaldecisionrejecting the foreignapplicationor

refusingthegrantrequestedintheapplication;and(d) anyfinaldecisioninvalidatingthepatentgrantedonthe

basisoftheforeignapplication.

17. Filing date and classification of patent

(1) TheDirectorshallconsiderthedateofreceiptofanapplicationforapatentasthefilingdatewhere,atthetimeofreceipt,theapplicationisaccompaniedbytheprescribedfeeandcontains–

(a) anexpressorimpliedindicationthatthegrantingofapatentissought;

(b) an indication of the identity of the applicant and theplacewherehemaybecontactedbytheOffice;and

(c) adescriptionoftheinvention.

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(2) (a) Where an application does not, at the time of receipt, comply with subsection (1), the Director shall invite the applicant to file the required correction within such time as he maydetermine.

(b) Where the applicant does not file the necessarycorrectionwithintherequiredtimelimit,theapplicationshallbeconsideredto have been abandoned.

(3) Where the application refers to drawings which are notincluded in the application, the Director may request the applicant tofurnishthemissingdrawings.

(4) Where the applicant complies with a request under subsection(3),theDirectorshallgrantthedateofreceiptofthemissingdrawingsasthefilingdate.

(5) Where the applicant fails to comply with a request undersubsection(3),theDirectorshallgrantasthefilingdate,thedateofreceiptof the application and shall treat any reference to the said drawings as non-existent.

(6) TheDirectorshall,aftergrantingafilingdatetotheapplication,proceed to classify the invention in accordance with the InternationalClassification.

18. Publication of patent application

(1) (a) TheDirectorshall,after18monthsfromthefilingdate–

(i) open an application for a patent for publicinspection;and

(ii) givenoticeintheGazetteoftheopeningoftheapplicationforinspection.

(b) Thenoticereferredtoinparagraph(a)(ii)shallinclude–(i) thenumberandthefilingdateoftheapplication;(ii) thetitleoftheinvention;

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(iii) theprioritydate,whereapplicable;(iv) thenameoftheapplicantorapplicantsandofthe

inventororinventors;(v) the name and address of the approved agent,

ifany;(vi) theInternationalClassification;(vii) one drawing, if any, that depicts the main

elementsoftheinvention;and(viii) theabstract.

(c) The Director may give notice of the opening of theapplicationforinspectiononthewebsiteoftheOffice.

(d) Any interested person shall, on payment of theprescribed fee, receive a copy of a patent application open for publicinspection.

(2) Anapplicantforapatentmay,onpaymentoftheprescribedfee,atanytimefromthefilingdatetilltheendoftheperiodof18monthsreferredtoinsubsection(1),requesttheDirectortoopentheapplicationforpublicinspectionandtogivethenoticereferredtointhatsubsection.

(3) (a) Aninterestedpartymay,withinsuchperiodandsubjecttothepaymentofsuchfeeasmaybeprescribed,fileanoticeofoppositionwiththeDirector.

(b) Anoticeofoppositionshallidentifytheopponentandspecifythegrounds,includingallrelevantevidence,whichtheopponentconsidersrelevanttoobjecttothegrantofthepatent.

(c) TheDirectorshallgiveacopyofthenoticeofoppositiontotheapplicant.

(d) The applicant may, within such time as may beprescribed,fileacounter-statement.

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(e) TheDirectormayconductahearingfortheapplicantand the opponent to argue their case and submit additional evidence, whereavailable,includingoralevidence.

19. Examination of patent

(1) TheDirector shall, after classifying the invention, examinetheapplicationtoverifywhether–

(a) itcomplieswithsection11;and(b) any information requestedunder section16hasbeen

furnished. (2) Forthepurposeofsubsection(1),theDirectorshalltakeintoaccountanyinformationreferredtoinsection13.

(3) (a) Wheretheapplicationdoesnotfulfilltherequirementsof subsection (1), theDirector shall request the applicant to correct thedefectintheapplicationwithinsuchtimeashemaydetermine.

(b) Where a request made under paragraph (a) is notcomplied with within the required time limit, the application shall beconsideredtohavebeenabandoned.

20. Grant or refusal of patent (1) WheretheDirectorissatisfiedthatanapplicationforapatentcomplieswiththeprovisionsofthisAct,heshallgrantthepatent.

(2) Where the Director refuses an application for a patent, heshallnotifytheapplicantinwriting.

(3) Whereapatentisgranted,theDirectorshall–(a) issue to the applicant a certificateof thegrantof the

patentandacopyofthepatent;(b) recordthepatentintheappropriateregister;(c) givenoticeofthegrantofthepatentintheGazette;and(d) on payment of such fee asmay be prescribed,make

availablecopiesofthepatenttothepublic.

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(4) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), the Director may, at therequest of the owner of the patent and subject to the payment of such fee asmay be prescribed,make changes in the text or drawings of thepatentinordertolimittheextentoftheprotectionconferred.

(b) TheDirector shall notmake any changewhich shallresult in the protection conferred under the patent going beyond theprotectionclaimedintheinitialapplication.

21. Rights conferred by patent

(1) (a) Apatentshallconferonitsownertherighttopreventanyotherpersonfromexploitingthepatentedinvention.

(b) Therightsoftheownerofapatentshallbedefinedbytheclaimssetoutintheapplicationforthepatent.

(2) The rights conferred by the grant of a patent shall not extendto–

(a) actsinrespectofarticleswhichareputonthemarketinMauritiusorabroadbytheownerofthepatentorwithhisconsent;

(b) theuseofarticlesonaircrafts,landvehiclesorvesselsofotherStateswhichtemporarilyoraccidentallyentertheairspace,territoryorwatersofMauritius;

(c) actsdoneprivatelyandonanon-commercialscaleorforanon-commercialpurpose,whichdonotsignificantlyprejudicetheeconomicinterestsofthepatentowner;

(d) actsofextemporaneouspreparationinapharmacyasregardsmedicineforanindividualinaccordancewithaprescriptiongivenbyaregisteredmedicalpractitioner,adentalspecialistoradentalsurgeon;

(e) actsdoneforexperimentalandscientificresearchonorwiththesubjectmatterofthepatentedinvention;

(f) actsperformedintheacademicenvironmentwheretheresultsofthoseactivitiesaretobemadeavailableforpublicuse,andtheydonotsignificantlyprejudicetheeconomicinterestsofthepatentowner;

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(g) acts performed by any person who, in good faith,beforethefilingdateor,whereapplicable,theprioritydateoftheapplicationonwhichthepatentisgranted,wasusing the inventionorwasmakingeffectiveandseriouspreparationsforsuchuseinMauritius;or

(h) acts performed by any person to make, construct,use or sell the patented invention solely for any use reasonablyrelatedtothedevelopmentandsubmissionof information required under any law of Mauritiusor a foreign State that regulates the manufacture,construction,useorsaleofanyproduct.

22. Duration of patent

(1) Subjecttosubsection(2),apatentshallexpire20yearsafterthefilingdateoftheapplicationforthepatent.

(2) (a) For the purpose of maintaining a patent or patentapplication,thepatentownershallpaytotheDirectorsuchannualfeeasmaybeprescribed,withinsuchtimeasmaybeprescribed.

(b) Wheretheannualfeereferredtoinparagraph(a)isnotpaidwithintheprescribedtime,theDirectormaygranttothepatentowneradelayof6monthsforthepaymentoftheannualfeeandsuchsurchargeasmaybeprescribed.

(c) Where the prescribed annual fee is not paid inaccordancewiththissubsection–

(i) theapplicationforthepatentshallbeconsideredtohavebeenwithdrawn;and

(ii) the patent shall lapse.

(d) Where theDirector is satisfied that the non-paymentoftheprescribedannualfeewasduetoareasonableexcuse,andthatanyrightswhich third partiesmayhave are not unreasonably infringed, theDirectormay,not later thanoneyear fromthe time thepaymentshouldhavebeenmade,restorethelapsedpatentsubjecttothepaymentofsuchfeeasmaybeprescribed.

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23. Compulsory licence for patent

(1) Subject to subsection (3),where the competent authority issatisfiedthat–

(a) thepublicinterest,includingnationalsecurity,nutrition,healthorthedevelopmentofothervitalsectorsofthenationaleconomy,sorequires;

(b) ajudicialoradministrativebodyhasdeterminedthatthemannerofexploitation,bytheownerofapatentorhislicensee,isanti-competitive,andthattheexploitationof the invention in accordance with this subsectionwouldremedysuchpractice;

(c) the owner of the patent is abusively exercising hisexclusiverightsorneglectingtotakemeasurestopreventhislicenseefromabusivelyexercisingthoserights;or

(d) the invention is not available in sufficient quantitiesor quality or at predetermined reasonable prices inMauritius,

he may, without the consent of the owner of the patent, authorise aGovernmentagencyorathirdpartytoexploitthepatentedinvention.

(2) (a) Subject to subsection (3), where the competentauthorityissatisfiedthat,withoutinfringingafirstpatent,anapplicationfor a secondpatent relates to an inventionwhich involvesan importanttechnicaladvancementofconsiderableeconomicsignificanceinrelationtoaninventionclaimedinthefirstpatent,itmay,onanapplicationfromthenewinventorandwithouttheconsentoftheownerofthefirstpatent,issueacompulsorylicencetotheinventorofthesecondpatentonpaymentoftheprescribedfee.

(b) An application for the issue of a compulsory licenceshallbeaccompaniedbythepaymentofsuchnon-refundablefeeasmaybeprescribed.

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(3) An application for a compulsory licence under subsection(2) shall be accompanied by evidence that the owner of the patent hasreceived,fromthepersonseekingthecompulsorylicence,arequestforanauthorisationtoexploitthesecondpatent,butthatpersonhasbeenunableto obtain such a licence on reasonable commercial terms and conditionsandwithinareasonabletimewhichshall,unlessthecompetentauthorityinexceptionalcircumstancesotherwisedetermines,be6monthsfromthedateonwhichtherequestforauthorisationtoexploitthesecondpatentwasmade.

(4) No evidence of a request for an authorisation referredto in subsection (3) shall be required in cases of national emergency,circumstances of extreme urgency, cases of public non-commercial useorwhere the compulsory licence is to be granted to remedy a practicedetermined,afterjudicialoradministrativeprocess,tobeanti-competitive,wheretheownerofthepatentis,assoonasreasonablypracticable,notifiedofthedecisionofthecompetentauthority.

(5) No request for a compulsory licence on the ground ofinsufficient availability as specified in subsection (1)(d) shall be madebeforetheexpiryofaperiodof–

(a) 4yearsfromthefilingdateof theapplicationfor thepatent;or

(b) 3yearsfromthedateofthegrantofthepatent,

whicheverperiodexpireslast.

(6) A request under subsection (5) shall be refused where theownerofthepatentjustifieshisinactionorinsufficientactionbylegitimatereasons.

(7) Theowner of a patent or any interestedpartymaymake arequesttobeheardbythecompetentauthoritybeforeitmakesadecisionundersubsection(1).

(8) (a) Theexploitationoftheinventionshallbe–(i) limited to the purpose for which it was

licensed;and

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(ii) subject to the payment of an adequateremuneration,tobedeterminedbythecompetentauthority depending on the circumstances of eachcase,totheownerofthepatent.

(b) The competent authority shall, in determining theremunerationunderparagraph(a)(ii),takeintoaccount–

(i) theeconomicvalueofhisdecision;and(ii) theneedtocorrectanti-competitivepractices.

(c) The competent authority shall, in determining theremunerationwithrespecttothecompulsorylicenceforapatentclaimingapharmaceuticalproductoraprocessofmakingapharmaceuticalproduct,prescribeanalternativeprocessofmakingthesameproductwhichisnotknown or is unavailable, by taking into account, where applicable, thetermsandconditionsofthedecisionof30August2003.

(9) The owner of a patent or holder of a compulsory licencemay request the competent authority to vary the terms of the decisionauthorising the exploitation of the patented invention on the ground ofchangedcircumstancesafterhearingtheparties.

(10) The owner of a patent may make a written request to thecompetentauthoritytoterminateacompulsorylicence.

(11) Where, afterhearing theparties, the competent authority issatisfiedthat–

(a) the circumstances which led to its decision undersubsection(1)haveceasedtoexistandareunlikelytorecur;

(b) theholderofacompulsorylicencehasfailedtocomplywiththetermsofitsdecision;or

(c) the need for adequate protection of the legitimateinterestsoftheholderofthelicencedoesnotjustifythemaintenanceofitsdecision,

heshallterminatethecompulsorylicence.

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(12) Acompulsorylicencemayonlybetransferredto–(a) theenterpriseorbusinessoftheholderofthelicence;or(b) thepartoftheenterpriseorbusinesswherethepatented

inventionisbeingexploited. (13) A compulsory licence shall be non-exclusive and shall notexclude–

(a) the exploitation of the invention by the patent ownerhimself, through manufacture in Mauritius or throughimportation,orboth;

(b) theconclusionoflicencecontractsbytheownerofthepatent;and

(c) thecontinuedexercise,bytheownerofthepatent,ofhisrightsundersection21(1).

(14) The exploitation of an invention by the holder of a compulsorylicenceshallpredominantlybeforthesupplyofthemarketinMauritiusexceptwhere–

(a) it is permitted to remedy a practice which is anti-competitiveaccordingtosubsection(1)(b);

(b) the compulsory licence concerns a patent claiminga pharmaceutical product or a process of making apharmaceuticalproduct,andthepurposeofthelicenceistoexportthepatentedproducts;

(c) the products manufactured by the patented processareforaforeignterritoryorcountrywithno,orwithinsufficient, manufacturing capacity, in accordancewith the terms and conditions of the decision of 30 August 2003.

(15) Whereacompulsorylicenceisgranted–(a) the owner of the first patent shall be entitled to a

cross-licence,onreasonableterms,tousetheinventionclaimedinthesecondpatent;and

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(b) the use authorised in respect of the first patent shallbe non-assignable exceptwith the assignment of thesecondpatent.

(16) This section shall apply, where appropriate and with suchmodificationsasmaybenecessary,toapendingapplicationforapatentexceptinthecaseofinsufficientavailabilityofthepatentedproductoroftheproductmanufacturedwiththepatentedprocess.

24. Appeal against decision granting compulsory licence or remuneration

Anapplicantforapatentor theownerofapatentmayappealbyjudicialreviewtotheSupremeCourtagainstadecisionofthecompetentauthority regarding the grant of a compulsory licence or remunerationpayable.

25. Invalidation of grant of patent (1) An interested person may apply to the Tribunal for theinvalidationofapatentwhere–

(a) the matter is excluded from patent protection undersection10;

(b) anyoftherequirementsofsection10,11or14hasnotbeenfulfilled;

(c) the owner of the patent is not the inventor or hissuccessorintitle;or

(d) theownerof thepatent is shown tohaveengaged ininequitableconductinordertobegrantedthepatent.

(2) Wherethegroundforinvalidationisprovedasregardsapartoftheinvention,onlythatcorrespondingclaimshallbeinvalidated.

(3) Aninvalidatedpatentshallbeconsideredasnullandvoidabinitio.

(4) ThedecisionoftheTribunalshallbenotifiedtotheDirectorwhoshallrecorditandforthwithgivenoticeofthedecisionintheGazette.

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Sub-Part B – Utility Models

26. Matters excluded from utility model protectionThefollowingshallbeexcludedfromutilitymodelprotection–(a) discoveries,scientifictheoriesandmathematicalmethods;(b) literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work and any other

aestheticcreation;(c) schemes, rules or methods for doing business, performing

purelymentalactsandplayinggames;(d) computerprogrammes;(e) plants and animals, including their parts, other than

microorganisms,andessentiallybiologicalprocessesfortheproduction of plants or animals and their parts, other thannon-biologicalandmicrobiologicalprocesses;

(f) inventions, theprimaryor intendeduseofwhichwouldbecontrarytopublicorderormorality;and

(g) inventionshavingassubjectmatteraprocessoramethod.

27. Registrable utility model

(1) Aninventionmayberegisteredasautilitymodelwhereitis–

(a) new;and

(b) industriallyapplicable.

(2) An invention shall be new where it is not anticipated by prior art.

(3) Aninventionshallbeindustriallyapplicablewhereitcanbemadeorusedinanindustry.

(4) Sections12to15shallapply,whereappropriateandwithsuchmodificationsasmaybenecessary, toanapplication forautilitymodelcertificateastheyapplytoanapplicationforapatent.

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28. Application for registration of utility modelAnapplicationfortheregistrationofautilitymodelshallbe–(a) filedwith theDirector insuchformandmannerashemay

determine;and(b) accompaniedbysuchnon-refundablefeeasmaybeprescribed.

29. Filing date of utility model (1) TheDirectorshallconsiderthedateofreceiptofanapplicationfortheregistrationofautilitymodelasthefilingdatewhere,atthetimeofreceipt,theapplicationisaccompaniedbytheprescribedfeeandcontains–

(a) anexpressorimpliedindicationthattheregistrationofautilitymodelissought;

(b) an indication of the identity of the applicant and theplacewherehemaybecontactedbytheOffice;and

(c) adescriptionoftheinvention.

(2) (a) Whereanapplicationdoesnot,atthetimeofreceipt,comply with subsection (1), the Director shall request the applicant tocorrectthedefectsintheapplicationwithinsuchtimeashemaydetermine.

(b) Wheretheapplicantdoesnotcomplywithparagraph(a)withintherequiredtimelimit,theapplicationshallbeconsideredtohavebeen abandoned.

30. Examination and registration of utility model

(1) The Director shall, after attributing a filing date to anapplication,examinewhethertheapplicationcomplieswithsection27andanyotherrelevantprovisionofthisAct.

(2) WheretheDirectorissatisfiedthattheprovisionsofthisActhavebeencompliedwith,heshall–

(a) registertheutilitymodel;(b) record the registration of the utility model in the

appropriateregister;

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(c) issuetotheapplicantacertificateofregistrationoftheutilitymodelandacopyofthedescriptionoftheutilitymodel;

(d) publish details relating to the registration of the utility model in theGazette in such formandmannerashemaydetermine;and

(e) makeavailablecopiesoftheutilitymodeltothepubliconpaymentofsuchfeeasmaybeprescribed.

(3) Where an application fails to comply with this Act, theDirectorshallrejecttheapplicationandnotifytheapplicantofhisdecision.

31. Rights conferred by utility model

(1) (a) Autilitymodel shallconferon itsowner the right topreventanyotherpersonfromexploitingtheutilitymodelinvention.

(b) Therightsoftheutilitymodelownershallbedefinedbytheclaimssetoutintheapplicationfortheutilitymodel.

(2) The rights conferred by the registration of a utility modelshallnotextendto–

(a) actsinrespectofarticleswhichareputonthemarketinMauritiusorabroadbytheowneroftheutilitymodelorwithhisconsent;

(b) theuseofarticlesonaircrafts,landvehiclesorvesselsofotherStateswhichtemporarilyoraccidentallyentertheairspace,territoryorwatersofMauritius;

(c) actsdoneprivatelyandonanon-commercialscaleorfornon-commercialpurpose,whichdonotsignificantlyprejudice the economic interests of the utilitymodelowner;

(d) actsofextemporaneouspreparationinapharmacyasregardsmedicineforanindividualinaccordancewithaprescriptiongivenbyaregisteredmedicalpractitioner,adentalspecialistoradentalsurgeon;

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(e) actsdoneforexperimentalandscientificresearchonorwiththesubjectmatteroftheutilitymodelinvention;

(f) actsperformedintheacademicenvironmentwheretheresultsofthoseactivitiesaretobemadeavailableforpublicuse,andtheydonotsignificantlyprejudicetheeconomicinterestsoftheutilitymodelowner;

(g) actsperformedbyanypersonwhoingoodfaith,beforethefilingdateor,whereapplicable,theprioritydateoftheapplicationonwhich theutilitymodel isgranted,wasusing the inventionorwasmakingeffectiveandseriouspreparationsforsuchuseinMauritius;or

(h) acts performed by any person in order to make,construct,useorselltheutilitymodelinventionsolelyfor any use reasonably related to the developmentand submission of information required under anylawofMauritiusora foreignState that regulates themanufacture,construction,useorsaleofanyproduct.

32. Duration of utility model

(1) The registration of a utilitymodel shall be for a period of 6yearsfromthefilingdateoftheapplicationforregistration.

(2) The registration of a utility model may be renewed for 2furtherconsecutiveperiodsof2years–

(a) onpaymentofsuchrenewalfee,withinsuchtime,asmaybeprescribed;and

(b) subjecttocompliancewithsuchconditionsasmaybeprescribed.

(3) Where the renewal fee referred to in subsection (2) is notpaidwithinthetimeprescribed,theDirectormaygranttotheutilitymodelowneradelayof6monthsforthepaymentoftherenewalfeeandsuchsurchargeasmaybeprescribed.

(4) Where the renewal fee is not paid in accordance withsubsection(3),theregistrationoftheutilitymodelshalllapse.

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33. Conversion of patent application or utility model (1) (a) Atanytimebeforethegrantorrefusalofapatent,anapplicantforapatentmay,onpaymentoftheprescribedfee,converthisapplicationintoanapplicationforautilitymodel.

(b) Atanytimebeforeautilitymodelcertificateisgrantedorrefused,theapplicantforautilitymodelcertificatemay,onpaymentoftheprescribedfee,converthisapplicationintoanapplicationforapatent.

(c) Theconvertedapplicationshallbeattributed thefilingdateoftheinitialapplicationforapatentorutilitymodel,asthecasemaybe.

(2) Anapplicationundersubsection(1)(a)or(b)shallnotbemademorethanonce.

34. Invalidation of registration of utility model

(1) An interested person may apply to the Tribunal for theinvalidationoftheregistrationofautilitymodelwhere–

(a) the person requesting the invalidation proves that any oftherequirementsofsection14,26or27hasnotbeenfulfilled;

(b) the utility model owner is not the inventor or hissuccessorintitle;or

(c) theutilitymodelowner is shown tohaveengaged ininequitableconductinordertohavetheutilitymodelregistered.

(2) Wherethegroundforinvalidationisprovedasregardsapartoftheinvention,onlythecorrespondingclaimshallbeinvalidated.

(3) Aninvalidatedutilitymodelshallbeconsideredasnullandvoid ab initio.

(4) ThedecisionoftheTribunalshallbenotifiedtotheDirectorwhoshallrecorditandforthwithgivenoticeofthedecisionintheGazette.

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Sub-Part C – Patent Cooperation Treaty

35. Interpretation of Sub-part C

InthisSub-part–“designated Office”, “elected Office”, “international application”and “receiving Office” have the same meaning as in the Patent CooperationTreaty;“internationalfilingdate”meanstheinternationalfilingdatereferredtoinArticle11ofthePatentCooperationTreaty;

“international preliminary examination” means the internationalpreliminary examination referred to in Article 33 of the PatentCooperationTreaty;

“PatentCooperationTreaty”meansthePatentCooperationTreatydoneatWashingtonon19June1970,asamended;

“priority”means thepriority referred to inArticle8of thePatentCooperation Treaty.

36. International application designating Mauritius

Subject to this Sub-part, an international application designatingMauritiusshallbe treatedasanapplicationforapatentorutilitymodelcertificate filed under this Act, and shall have as its filing date theinternationalfilingdateaccordedunderthePatentCooperationTreaty.

37. Functions of Office (1) The Office shall act as a receiving Office in respect of an international application filed with it, by a resident or national ofMauritius, in such language as may be prescribed and which shall beaccompaniedbysuchtransmittalfeeasmaybeprescribed.

(2) TheOfficeshallactasadesignatedOffice in respectofaninternationalapplicationinwhichMauritiusisdesignatedforthepurposeofobtainingapatentorotherprotectionunderthisAct.

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(3) The Office shall act as an elected Office in respect of aninternational application in which Mauritius is designated, where theapplicantfilesademand for thepurposeof an internationalpreliminaryexaminationunderChapterIIofthePatentCooperationTreaty.

(4) (a) The Office, acting in its capacity as designatedOffice or elected Office, shall not process an international applicationbeforetheexpiryofthetimelimitreferredtoinArticle22ofthePatentCooperation Treaty unless the applicant files with the Office a request forearlycommencementoftheprocessingoftheinternationalapplicationandcomplieswiththerequirementsofArticle22.

(b) WheretheapplicantdoesnotcomplywithArticle22,theinternationalapplicationshallbeconsideredtohavebeenwithdrawn.

38. Entering national phase

An applicant shall, in respect of an international applicationdesignatingMauritiusandbeforetheexpiryofthetimelimitspecifiedinArticle22(1)or 39(1)(a)of thePatentCooperationTreatyor such latertimelimitasmaybeprescribed,paytheprescribedfeetotheOfficeand,wherenecessary,filewithitatranslationoftheinternationalapplicationintoaprescribedlanguage.

39. Reinstatement of rights following failure to enter national phase

(1) Where an international application is considered to have beenwithdrawnundersection37(4)(b),theapplicantmaymakearequesttotheOffice,intheprescribedform,tohavehisrightsreinstatedprovidedhehasareasonableexcuse.

(2) The Office shall, when considering an application undersubsection(1),givetheapplicantanopportunitytomakeobservations,inwriting,onhisapplication,withintheprescribedtimelimit.

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40. Restoration of right of priority

(1) Anapplicantmay,wherehehasan internationalfilingdatewhichislaterthanthedateonwhichthepriorityperiodexpired,butwithintheperiodof2monthsfromthedatethepriorityperiodexpired,requestthattherightofpriorityoftheearlierapplicationberestored.

(2) TheDirector shall restore the right of prioritywith respecttothatinternationalapplicationwherehefindsthatthefailuretofiletheinternationalapplicationwithinthepriorityperiod–

(a) wasunintentional;and(b) occurredinspiteofduecarehavingbeentakenbythe

applicant.

(3) WheretheDirectorrefusestorestoretherightofpriorityofanearlierapplication,theapplicantmay,withintheprescribedtimelimit,makewrittenrepresentationstotheDirectorwhomaythereaftergrantorrefusetherequestoftheapplicant.

41. Processing international application

(1) The Office shall process an international application inaccordancewiththisAct,thePatentCooperationTreatyandtheregulationsmadeunderthePatentCooperationTreaty.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), in the event of conflictbetween thisAct and the Patent Cooperation Treaty or the regulationsmadethereunder,thePatentCooperationTreatyandtheregulationsmadethereundershallprevailoverthisAct.

(3) Further details concerning the processing of internationalapplicationsby,andotherfunctionsof,theOfficeinconnectionwiththePatentCooperationTreaty,includingfeespayable,timelimits,prescribedlanguagesandotherrequirementsinrelationtointernationalapplications,maybeprescribedbywayofregulations.

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PART IV – LAYOUT-DESIGNS OF INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

42. Application for registration

(1) Anapplicationfortheregistrationofalayout-designshallbe–

(a) filedwiththeDirectorinsuchformandmannerashemaydetermine;and

(b) subject to thepaymentofsuchnon-refundablefeeasmaybeprescribed.

(2) Wheretheprescribedfeeisnotpaid,theDirectorshallnotifytheapplicantthattheapplicationshallbeconsideredasnothavingbeenfiledunlesspaymentismadewithin2monthsfromthedateofreceiptofthenotification.

(3) Anapplicationundersubsection(1)shall–(a) contain a brief and precise designation of the

layout-design;(b) indicate the name, address and nationality of the

applicantand,whereapplicable,thehabitualresidenceoftheapplicant;

(c) subjecttosubsection(4),beaccompaniedbyacopyordrawingofthelayout-design,togetherwithinformationdefining the electronic functionwhich the integratedcircuitisintendedtoperform;

(d) specify the date of the first commercial exploitationofthelayout-designanywhereintheworldorindicatewhether the exploitation has been commenced ornot;and

(e) provide particulars justifying the right to protectionundersection46.

(4) Any copy or drawing referred to in subsection (3)(c) may omit such parts of the copy or drawing that relate to the manner ofmanufacture of the integrated circuit, where the parts submitted aresufficienttoallowtheidentificationofthelayout-design.

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43. Filing date of layout-design

(1) The filing date of an application for registration of a layout-designshallbethedateonwhichtheapplicationcontaining–

(a) the identity of the applicant and his contact information;and

(b) graphicrepresentationsofthelayout-designforwhichregistration is sought,

isreceivedbytheOffice.

(2) Where an application does not complywith section 42(3), theDirectorshallpromptlygivewrittennotificationofthenon-complianceto the applicant and request him to file the required correction within 2monthsfromthedateofreceiptofthenotification.

(3) (a) Wherethecorrectionismadebytheapplicantwithin the time limit specified in subsection (2), the date of receipt of theapplicationshallbedeemedtobethefilingdate.

(b) The Director shall communicate the filing date to theapplicant. (c) Wheretheapplicantdoesnotfiletherequiredcorrectionwithinthetimelimitspecifiedinsubsection(2), theapplicationshallbeconsideredtohavebeenabandoned.

44. Registration of layout-design

(1) WheretheDirectorissatisfiedthat–(a) an application complies with the requirements of

section42;(b) thelayout-design–

(i) isoriginal;and(ii) hasnotbeencommerciallyexploited;or(iii) has been commercially exploited for notmore

than 2 years,heshall issue to theapplicantacertificateandrecord theregistrationof the layout-design in the appropriate register.

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(2) Theregisterreferredtoinsubsection(1)shallcontain–(a) thetitleofthelayout-design;(b) thefilingdate;and(c) whereappropriate–

(i) thedateof thefirstcommercialexploitationofthelayout-designanywhereintheworld;and

(ii) thenameandaddressoftherightholderandsuchotherparticularsastheDirectormaydetermine.

(3) Theregistrationofalayout-designshallbepublishedinsuchformandmannerastheDirectormaydetermine.

45. Originality (1) Alayout-designshallbeconsideredtobeoriginalwhereitis–

(a) theresultofitscreator’sownintellectualeffort;and(b) not commonplace among creators of layout-designs

andmanufacturersofintegratedcircuitsatthetimeofitscreation.

(2) A layout-design consisting of a combination of elementsandinterconnectionsthatarecommonplaceshallbeprotectedonlyifthecombination,takenasawhole,isoriginal.

46. Right to protection

(1) (a) Therighttoalayout-designwhichhasbeenregisteredshallbelongtothecreatorofthelayout-design.

(b) The right to a layout-design may be assigned ortransferredbysuccession.

(2) Whereseveralpersonshavejointlycreateda layout-design,therighttothelayout-designshallbelongtothemjointly.

(3) Where 2 or more persons have created the same layout-designindependentlyofeachother, thepersonwhoseapplicationhastheearliestfilingdateshallhavetherighttothelayout-designwherehisapplicationforregistrationisnotwithdrawn,abandonedorrejected.

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(4) Where a creation ismade in the executionof, or under, anemploymentcontract,therighttothecreationshallbelong,intheabsenceofanyexpressprovisiontothecontrary,totheemployer.

(5) (a) Alayout-designshallcontainthenameof thecreatorunless he indicates, in a special written declaration signed by him andaddressedtotheDirector,thathedoesnotwishtobenamed.

(b) Any promise or undertaking made or given by thecreatortoanypersontotheeffect thathewillmakeadeclarationunderparagraph(a)shallbevoidandofnoeffect.

47. Scope of protection (1) The registration of a layout-design shall confer on its registered holder the right to prevent any unauthorised person fromexploitingthedesign.

(2) The rights conferred by the registration of a layout-designshallnotprevent–

(a) thereproductionoruseoftheprotectedlayout-designforprivatenon-commercialpurposes;

(b) actsdoneinrespectoftheprotectedlayout-designforthepurposeofteaching,educationorscientificresearchinacademic,educationalorresearchinstitutions;

(c) thereproductionoruseoftheprotectedlayout-designforthesolepurposeofitsevaluationoranalysis;

(d) the incorporation, in an integrated circuit, of a layout-design created on the basis of evaluation oranalysis andwhich isoriginalwithin themeaningofsection45ortheperformanceofanyactfallingundersubsection(1)inrespectofalayout-designsocreated;

(e) theperformanceof anyact specified inparagraph (c)(ii) of the definition of “exploit” where the integratedcircuit inwhichsucha layout-design is incorporated,or thearticle incorporatingsuchanintegratedcircuit,

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hasbeenputonthemarketinMauritiusorinanotherStatebytherightholderorbyapersonactingwiththerightholder’sconsentorhavinganeconomictiewiththerightholder;

(f) subject to subsection (3), the performance of anyact specified in paragraph (c)(ii) of the definition of “exploit” in respect of an integrated circuitincorporating an unlawfully reproduced layout-designoranyarticle incorporatingsuchan integratedcircuitwhere the person performing or ordering the act didnot know and had no reasonable ground to know,when acquiring the integrated circuit or the articleincorporating such an integrated circuit, that itincorporatedanunlawfullyreproducedlayout-design;

(g) theperformanceofanyactspecifiedinparagraph(c)(ii)ofthedefinitionof“exploit”wheretheactisperformedinrespectofanidenticallayout-designwhichisoriginalandhasbeencreatedindependentlybyathirdparty;or

(h) the use of an integrated circuit in which the layout-design is incorporated, or of an article incorporatingsuch an integrated circuit, in the body or gear of anaircraft, a land vehicle or vessel that temporarily oraccidentally enters the jurisdiction of Mauritius, orthe importation of spare parts or accessories for thepurposeofrepairingsuchaircraft,vehicleorvessel.

(3) Whereapersonreferredtoinsubsection(2)(f)receivesnoticethatalayout-designwasunlawfullyreproduced,he–

(a) may perform an act specified in paragraph (c)(ii) ofthedefinitionof“exploit”onlywithrespecttostockinhandororderedbeforehereceivedthenotice;and

(b) shallbeliabletopaytotherightholderasumequivalenttothereasonableroyaltythatwouldbepayableunderafreshlynegotiatedlicence.

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48. Commencement and duration of protection

(1) Any protection granted in respect of a layout-design underthisActshallcommence–

(a) on the date of the first commercial exploitationanywhere in the world, of the layout-design by orwith theconsentof therightholder,provided thatanapplication for protection is filed by the right holderwith theDirectorwithin the time limit referred to insection44(1)(b)(iii);

(b) on the filing date granted to the application for theregistration of the layout-design filed by the rightholder, if the layout-design has not been previously exploitedcommerciallyanywhereintheworld.

(2) Any protection granted in respect of a layout-design underthisActshalllapseattheendof10yearsfromthedateofcommencementoftheprotection.

49. Invalidation of registration of layout-design

(1) An interested person may apply to the Tribunal for theinvalidationoftheregistrationofalayout-designwhere–

(a) the layout-design is not entitled to protection undersection45;

(b) the right holder is not entitled to protection undersection46.

(2) Wherethegroundforinvalidationisestablishedwithrespectonly to a part of the layout-design, only the corresponding part of theregistration shall be invalidated.

(3) Aninvalidatedlayout-designshallbeconsideredasnullandvoid ab initio.

(4) ThedecisionoftheTribunalshallbenotifiedtotheDirectorwhoshallrecorditandforthwithgivenoticeofthedecisionintheGazette.

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50. Exploitation by Government agency or third person

(1) Wherethecompetentauthority–

(a) is satisfied that the public interest, in particular,nationalsecurity,nutrition,healthorthedevelopmentofothervitalsectorsofthenationaleconomyrequirestheexploitationofaprotectedlayout-designforpublicnon-commercialuse;or

(b) has,onanapplicationbyanyparty,determinedthatthemanner of exploitation of a protected layout-design,bytherightholderorhislicensee,isanti-competitive,andaftersuchdetermination,thecompetentauthorityis satisfied that it is necessary to remedy such anti-competitivepractice,

hemay,uponarequestmade,withouttheconsentoftherightholder,authoriseaGovernmentagencyorathirdpersontoexploitthelayout-design.

(2) The exploitation of the layout-design under subsection (1)shallbe–

(a) limited,inscopeandduration,tothepurposeforwhichitwasauthorised;

(b) non-exclusive;and(c) subject to the payment to the right holder of an

adequate remuneration which takes into account theeconomicvalueoftheauthorisationofthecompetentauthority and, where applicable, the need to correctanti-competitivepractices.

(3) Uponarequestfromtherightholderorthebeneficiaryoftheauthorisation,thecompetentauthoritymay,afterhearingtheparties,varythetermsofthedecisionauthorisingtheexploitationofthelayout-designwherechangedcircumstancesjustifysuchvariation.

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(4) Uponarequestfromtherightholder,thecompetentauthorityshall terminate the non-voluntary licence where he is satisfied that thecircumstances which led to his decision have ceased to exist and areunlikelytorecurorthatthebeneficiaryoftheauthorisationhasfailedtocomplywiththetermsoftheauthorisation.

(5) Notwithstanding subsection (4), the competent authorityshallnotterminateanauthorisationwhereheissatisfiedthattheadequateprotectionofthelegitimateinterestsofthebeneficiaryoftheauthorisationjustifiesthemaintenanceoftheauthorisation.

(6) Whereathirdpersonhasbeendesignatedbythecompetentauthority in accordancewith subsection (1), the authorisationmayonlybe transferred with the enterprise or business of the beneficiary of theauthorisationorwith thepartof theenterpriseorbusinesswithinwhich thelayout-designisbeingexploited.

(7) A request for the authorisation of the competent authorityshallbeaccompaniedbyevidencethattherightholderhasreceived,fromthe person seeking the authorisation, a request for a contractual licencebut that person has been unable to obtain such a licence on reasonablecommercialtermsandconditionsandwithinareasonabletime.

(8) Anyinterestedpersonmay,within2monthsfromthedateofadecisionofthecompetentauthorityunderthissection,makeanapplicationtotheSupremeCourtforajudicialreviewofthedecision.

PART V – PROTECTION OF NEW PLANT VARIETIES

51. Interpretation of Part V

InthisPart–

“breeder”means–(a) apersonwhohasbred,ordiscoveredanddeveloped,aplant

variety;(b) the person who is the employer of a person referred to in

paragraph(a)orwhohascommissionedthelatter’swork;or

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(c) thesuccessorintitleofthepersonreferredtoinparagraph(a)or(b);

“breeder’sright”meanstherightofabreederprovidedforinthisPart;

“memberofUPOV”meansapartytotheUPOVConvention;

“national”,inrelationtoamemberofUPOV,means–(a) wherethememberofUPOVisaState,anationalofthatState;(b) where the member of UPOV is an inter-governmental

organisation, a national of any of the States which aremembersofthatorganisation;

“UPOV”means theUnion for theProtectionofNewVarietiesofPlantsfoundedbytheInternationalConventionfortheProtectionofNewVarietiesofPlantsof1961,asrevised;“variety” means a plant grouping within a single botanical taxon of the lowest known rank, which grouping, irrespectiveof whether the conditions for the grant of a breeder’s right arefullymet, can be defined by the expression of the characteristics resulting from a given genotype or combination of genotypes,distinguished from any other plant grouping by the expression ofat leastoneof thesaidcharacteristicsandconsideredasaunitwithregardtoitssuitabilityforbeingpropagatedunchanged.

52. National treatment

(1) Without prejudice to the rights specified in this Part, thenationalsofamemberofUPOVandthepersonsresidentin,orhavingtheirregisteredofficewithin,theterritoryofamemberofUPOVshall,insofarasthegrantandprotectionofbreeder’srightsinMauritiusareconcerned,enjoythesametreatmentasisaccordedtonationalsofMauritius.

(2) Everypersonreferredtoinsubsection(1)whoappliesforthegrantandprotectionofabreeders’rightinMauritiusshallcomplywiththeobligations,conditionsandformalitiesimposedonnationalsofMauritius.

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53. Conditions for protection

(1) Abreeder’srightshallbegrantedwhereavarietyis–(a) new;(b) distinct;(c) uniform;and(d) stable.

(2) Thegrantofabreeder’srightshallnotbesubjecttoanyfurtherconditionwherethevarietyisdesignatedbyadenominationinaccordancewithsection70andtheapplicantforabreeder’srightcomplieswiththisAct,includingpaymentofsuchnon-refundablefeeasmaybeprescribed.

54. Novelty (1) Avariety shall be considered to be newwhere, at the dateoffilingoftheapplicationforabreeder’sright,propagatingorharvestedmaterial of the variety has not been sold or otherwise disposed of to others,byorwiththeconsentofthebreeder,forthepurposeofexploitationofthevariety–

(a) inMauritiusearlierthanoneyearbeforethefilingdate;or(b) in a State other than Mauritius earlier than 4 years or,

inthecaseoftreesorvines,earlierthan6yearsbeforethefilingdate.

(2) Wheretheapplicationforabreeder’srightismadewithinoneyearfromthecommencementofthisAct,thevarietyshallbeconsideredtobenewnotwithstandingthefactthatpropagatingorharvestedmaterialof the variety has been sold or disposed of to others for the purpose of exploitationofthevariety,inMauritius,within4years,orinthecaseoftreesorvines,within6years,beforethefilingdateoftheapplication.

55. Distinctness

(1) Avarietyshallbeconsideredtobedistinctwhereitisclearlydistinguishablefromanyothervarietytheexistenceofwhichisamatterofcommonknowledgeatthetimeofthefilingoftheapplicationforthegrantofabreeder’sright.

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(2) Whereanapplicationforthegrantofabreeder’srightorfortheenteringofanothervarietyintherelevantregisterofvarietiesismadeandgranted inanyState, it shallbe taken to render thatothervarietyamatterofcommonknowledgefromthedateoftheapplication.

56. Uniformity

Avarietyshall,subjecttoanyvariationthatmaybeexpectedfromthe particular features of its propagation, be considered to be uniformwhereitissufficientlyuniforminitsrelevantcharacteristics.

57. Stability

A variety shall be considered to be stable where its relevantcharacteristicsremainunchangedafterrepeatedpropagationor,inthecaseofaparticularcycleofpropagation,attheendofeachsuchcycle.

58. Application for breeder’s right

(1) Anapplicationforabreeder’srightbyanypersonshallbe–(a) filedwiththeDirectorinsuchformandmannerasthe

Directormaydetermine;and(b) accompaniedby thepaymentof suchnon-refundable

feeasmaybeprescribed.

(2) Theapplicationshallcontain–(a) adescriptionoftheplantvariety;(b) theproposeddenominationfortheplantvarietywhich

qualifiesforapprovalandregistrationundersection70;(c) an address, within Mauritius, for service of any

document where the applicant’s ordinary residenceorprincipalplaceofbusinessisoutsideMauritius, inaccordancewithsection136.

(3) WheretheDirectorissatisfiedthattheapplicationcomplieswith subsections (1) and (2), he shall cause information relating to theapplication for a breeder’s right and proposed denomination to be publishedintheGazetteinsuchformandmannerashemaydetermine.

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59. Filing date of breeder’s right

(1) TheDirectorshallconsiderthedateofreceiptofanapplicationforthegrantofabreeder’srightasthefilingdatewheretheapplicationcomplieswithsection58(1)and(2).

(2) (a) Whereanapplicationdoesnot,atthetimeofreceipt,complywithsection58(1)and(2),theDirectorshallrequesttheapplicanttofiletherequiredcorrectionwithinsuchtimeashemaydetermine.

(b) Where the applicant does not file the necessarycorrectionwithin the time referred to in subsection (2), the applicationshallbeconsideredtohavebeenabandoned.

60. Provisional protection

(1) The interests of an applicant for a breeder’s right shall beprovisionallyprotectedfromthedateofpublicationoftheapplicationforthegrantofabreeder’srighttillthedateofthegrantofthatright.

(2) Theholderofabreeder’srightshallbeentitledtoequitableremuneration from any person who, during the period specified insubsection(1),doesanactwhich,uponabreeder’s rightbeinggranted,requiresthebreeder’sauthorisationasspecifiedinsection64(3)to(5).

61. Right of priority

(1) A breeder who files an application for the protection of avariety inoneof thememberStatesofUPOVshall, for thepurposeoffilinganapplicationwiththeOffice,forthegrantofabreeder’srightforthesamevariety,enjoyarightofpriorityforaperiodof12monthsfromthefilingdateofthefirstapplication.

(2) (a) A breeder who wishes to benefit from the right ofpriorityshall,intheapplicationfiledwiththeOffice,claimthepriorityofthefirstapplication.

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(b) TheDirectorshallrequireabreedertofurnish,within3monthsfromthefilingdateofanapplicationundersubsection(1)forthegrantofabreeder’sright–

(i) a copy of the documents which constitute thefirst application, certified to be a true copy bytheauthoritywithwhichthefirstapplicationwasfiled;and

(ii) samples or other evidence which show thatthevarietywhich is the subjectmatter of bothapplicationsisthesame.

(c) Whereabreederfailstocomplywithsubsection(2)(b),theapplicationshallbedealtwithasifnopriorityisclaimed.

(3) The breeder shall be allowed a period of 2 years from theexpiry of the period of priority or,where the first application is rejected or withdrawn, a period of 3 months from such rejection or withdrawal,to furnish to theOfficeallnecessary information,documentandmaterialrequired for the purpose of the examination of an application under section62.

(4) Any event which occurs within the period specified insubsection(1),suchasthefilingofanotherapplicationorthepublicationoruseofthevarietythatwasthesubjectofthefirstapplication,shallnotconstituteagroundforrejectingtheapplicationorgiverisetoanythirdparty right.

62. Examination of application

(1) The Director shall examine an application to determinewhetheritcomplieswithsections53to57.

(2) Forthepurposeofanexamination,theDirectormay–(a) causethegrowingofthevariety;(b) carryoutothernecessarytests;(c) takeintoconsiderationtheresultsofgrowingtestsor

othertrialswhichhavealreadybeencarriedout;and

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(d) require the breeder to furnish such information,documentsandmaterialasheconsidersappropriate.

(3) TheMinistrymay,forthepurposeofanexaminationundersubsection(1),enterintoanagreementwithanyotherpersonsituatedinoroutside Mauritius.

63. Grant or refusal of breeder’s right

(1) WheretheDirectorisoftheopinionthatanapplicationforabreeder’srightcomplieswithsections53to57,heshallgrantabreeder’sright.

(2) Where the Director refuses an application for a breeder’sright,heshallnotifytheapplicantinwriting.

(3) Whereabreeder’srightisgranted,theDirectorshall–(a) issuetotheapplicantacertificate;(b) registerthebreeder’sright;and(c) causetobepublishedintheGazette,insuchformand

manner as he may determine, information relatingto the grant of the breeder’s right and the approveddenomination.

(4) TheDirectorshallnotrefusetograntabreeder’srightorlimititsdurationonthegroundthatprotectionforthesamevarietyinaforeignStateorbyanintergovernmentalorganisationhasnotbeenappliedfor,hasbeenrefusedorhasexpired.

64. Scope of breeder’s right

(1) Where2ormorepersonshavejointlybred,ordiscoveredanddeveloped,avariety,thebreeder’srightshallbelongtothemjointly.

(2) Where 2 or more persons have bred, or discovered anddeveloped,thesamevariety,independentlyofeachother,thepersonwhofiledanapplicationforabreeder’srightfirstshallhavethebreeder’sright.

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(3) (a) Subjecttosections66and67,anyofthefollowingactsinrespectofthepropagatingmaterialofaprotectedvariety,shallrequiretheauthorisationofthebreederfor–

(i) productionorreproduction(multiplication);(ii) conditioningforthepurposeofpropagation;(iii) offeringforsale;(iv) sellingorothermarketing;(v) exporting;(vi) importing;or(vii) stocking for anyof thepurposes referred to in

subparagraphs (i) to (vi).

(b) A breeder may, on such terms and conditions as hemaydetermine,giveauthorisationfor thepurposeofanyactreferredto in paragraph (a).

(4) Subjecttosections66and67,anyoftheactsreferredtoinsubsection(3)(a)inrespectof–

(a) harvested material, including entire plants and partsof plants, obtained through the unauthorised use of propagating material of the protected variety, shallrequire the authorisation of the breeder, unless the breederhashadreasonableopportunitytoexercisehisrightinrelationtothepropagatingmaterial;

(b) products made directly from harvested material ofthe protected variety fallingwithin the provisions ofparagraph (a), through the unauthorised use of the harvested material, shall require the authorisation ofthe breeder, unless the breeder has had reasonable opportunity to exercise his right in relation to theharvestedmaterial.

(5) (a) Subsections (3) and (4) shall also apply in relation tovarieties–

(i) whichareessentiallyderivedfromtheprotectedvariety,wheretheprotectedvarietyisnotitselfanessentiallyderivedvariety;

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(ii) which are not clearly distinguishable, inaccordancewithsection55, fromtheprotectedvariety;and

(iii) theproductionofwhichrequiresrepeateduseoftheprotectedvariety.

(b) For the purpose of paragraph (a)(i), a variety shall beconsideredtobeessentiallyderivedfromanothervariety(the“initialvariety”)where–

(i) itispredominantlyderivedfromtheothervariety,orfromavarietywhichis itselfpredominantlyderivedfromthe initialvariety,while retainingthe expression of the essential characteristicswhichresultfromthegenotypeorcombinationofgenotypesoftheinitialvariety;

(ii) it is clearly distinguishable from the initialvariety;and

(iii) exceptforthedifferenceswhichresultfromtheactofderivation,itconformstotheinitialvarietyintheexpressionoftheessentialcharacteristicswhichresultfromthegenotypeorcombinationof genotypes of the initial variety.

(c) Essentiallyderivedvarietiesmaybeobtainedby–(i) selectionofanaturalorinducedmutant;(ii) selectionofasomaclonalvariant;(iii) selectionofavariant individual fromplantsof

theinitialvariety;(iv) backcrossing;or(v) transformationbygeneticengineering.

(6) Abreeder’srightmaybeassignedormaybetransferredbysuccession.

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65. Duration of breeder’s right

(1) Subjecttosubsection(2),abreeder’srightshallremainvalidfor25yearsfromthedateofthegrantoftheright.

(2) (a) For the purposeofmaintaining a breeder’s right, theownerofabreeder’srightshallpaytotheDirectorsuchannualfee,atsuchtime,asmaybeprescribed.

(b) Where the annual fee is not paid within the timeprescribed,theDirectormaygranttotheownerofabreeder’srightadelayof6monthsforthepaymentoftheannualfeeandsuchsurchargeasmaybeprescribed.

(c) Where the annual fee is not paid in accordancewiththissubsection,theapplicationforbreeder’srightshallbeconsideredtohavebeenwithdrawnandthebreeder’srightshalllapse.

(d) Wheretheownerofabreeder’srightgivesreasonablejustification for the non-payment of the annual fee and the Directoris satisfied that rights of third parties which may have arisen are notunreasonablyinfringed,theDirectormay,notlaterthanoneyearfromthedatethepaymentshouldhavebeenmadeundersubsection(2)(b),restorethelapsedbreeder’sright.

66. Exceptions to breeder’s right

(1) Abreeder’srightshallnotextendtoanactdone–(a) privatelyandfornon-commercialpurposes;(b) forexperimentalpurposes;or(c) forthepurposeofbreedingothervarieties,andexcept

wheresection64(5)applies,actsreferredtoinsection64(3)and(4)inrespectofsuchothervarieties.

(2) Notwithstandingsection64,abreeder’srightmay,undersuchconditionsasmaybeprescribed,berestrictedinrelationtothevarietiesspecified in a list, to be drawnup by theOffice after consultationwiththe Ministry responsible for the subject of agriculture, of agricultural

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and vegetable crops with a historical common practice of saving seed inMauritius inorder topermitfarmers touse, forpropagatingpurposes on their own holdings, the product of the harvest which they have obtained by planting on their own holdings the protected variety oravariety coveredby section64(5)(a)(i) or (ii),where thisuse iswithinreasonablelimitsandsubjecttothesafeguardingofthelegitimateinterestsof the breeder.

(3) Fruits,ornamentalsandforestplantsshallbeexcludedfromthelistreferredtoinsubsection(2).

67. Exhaustion of breeder’s right

(1) Abreeder’s right shallnotextend toanactconcerninganymaterialoftheprotectedvarietyorofavarietycoveredbysection64(5),whichhasbeensoldorotherwisemarketedinMauritiusbythebreederorwithhisconsent,oranymaterialderivedfromthesaidmaterial,unlesstheactinvolves–

(a) furtherpropagationofthevariety;or(b) anexportofmaterialofthevariety,whichenablesthe

propagationof thevariety, intoacountrywhichdoesnot protect varieties of the plant genus or species towhichthevarietybelongs,unlesstheexportedmaterialisforfinalconsumption.

(2) Insubsection(1)–“material”,inrelationtoavariety,means–(a) propagatingmaterialofanykind;(b) harvestedmaterial,includingentireplantsandpartsof

plants;or(c) anyproductmadedirectlyfromtheharvestedmaterial.

68. Restrictions on exercise of breeder’s right

(1) SubjecttothisAct,theexerciseofabreeder’srightshallnotberestrictedunlesstheOfficeconsidersthatitisinthepublicinteresttodoso.

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(2) WhereanyrestrictionhastheeffectoftheOfficeauthorisinga third party to perform an act forwhich the breeder’s authorisation isrequired,thethirdpartyshallpayreasonablecompensationtothebreeder.

69. Measures regulating commerce

Abreeder’s rightshallbe independentofanymeasure takenbyarelevant authority to regulate the production,certificationandmarketingofmaterialofvarietiesortheimportingorexportingofsuchmaterial.

70. Variety denomination

(1) (a) Avarietyshallbedesignatedbyadenominationwhichshallbeitsgenericdesignation.

(b) Subject to subsection (4), no right in thedesignationregisteredasthedenominationofavarietyshallhamperthefreeuseofthedenominationinconnectionwiththevariety,evenaftertheexpiryofthebreeder’sright.

(2) Adenominationshall–(a) enablethevarietytobeidentified;(b) not consist solely of figures except where this is an

establishedpracticefordesignatingvarieties;(c) notbeliableto–

(i) mislead;or(ii) cause confusion concerning the characteristics,

value or identity of the variety or the identity of thebreeder;and

(d) bedifferentfromeverydenominationwhichdesignates,in the territory of any member State of UPOV, anexistingvarietyofthesameplantspeciesorofacloselyrelatedspecies.

(3) (a) Abreedershall,onmakinganapplicationforabreeder’sright,submitthedenominationofthevarietytotheOffice.

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(b) Where the denomination does not satisfy therequirementsofsubsection(2),theDirectorshall–

(i) refusetoregisterit;and(ii) require the breeder to propose another

denominationwithin such time as theDirectormaydetermine.

(c) TheOffice shall register a denomination at the sametimethatabreeder’srightisgranted.

(4) (a) A variety shall be submitted to every member of UPOVunderthesamedenomination.

(b) TheDirectorshallregisterthedenominationsubmittedundersubsection(3)unlessitconsidersthedenominationunsuitableandrequiresthebreedertosubmitanotherdenomination.

(5) (a) TheDirectorshallensurethattherelevantauthorityofeverymemberofUPOVis informedof thesubmission, registrationandcancellationofavarietydenomination.

(b) Any authority wishing to make observations on theregistrationofadenominationmayaddressitsobservationstotheOffice.

(6) Where,byvirtueofapriorright,theuseofadenominationforavarietyisnotallowedtoapersonwho,inaccordancewithsubsection(7),wouldbeobligedtouseit,theDirectorshallrequirethebreedertosubmitanotherdenominationforthevariety.

(7) Any person who, in Mauritius, offers for sale or marketspropagatingmaterialofavarietyprotectedinMauritiusisobligedtousethe denomination of that variety, even after the expiry of the breeder’srightinthatvariety,exceptwhere,inaccordancewithsubsection(6),priorrights prevent the use.

(8) (a) Where a variety is offered for sale or marketed, itshall be permitted to associate a mark, geographical indication, tradename,businesssignorother similar indicationwitha registeredvarietydenomination.

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(b) Whereanindicationunderparagraph(a)isassociatedtothevariety,thevarietydenominationshallberecognisable.

71. Invalidation of breeder’s right (1) An interested person may apply to the Tribunal for theinvalidationofabreeder’sright.

(2) Abreeder’srightshallbeinvalidatedwhereitisestablishedthat–

(a) anyoftherequirementsspecifiedinsection54,55,56or57wasnotsatisfiedat the timethebreeder’srightwasgranted;

(b) the grant of the breeder’s right was based on false,misleadingor incomplete informationanddocumentsfurnishedbythebreeder;or

(c) thebreeder’srighthasbeengrantedtoapersonwhoisnotentitledtoitandsuchrightisnottransferredtothepersonwhoisentitledtoit.

(3) Aninvalidatedbreeder’srightshallbeconsideredasnullandvoid ab initio.

(4) ThedecisionoftheTribunalshallbenotifiedtotheDirectorwhoshallrecorditandforthwithgivenoticeofthedecisionintheGazette.

72. Cancellation of breeder’s right

TheDirectormaycancelabreeder’srightwhere–(a) therequirementsspecifiedinsection56or57arenolonger

satisfied;or(b) thebreeder, afterbeing requested todo soandwithin such

periodasmaybeprescribed–(i) does not provide the Office with the information,

documents or material necessary for verifying themaintenanceofthevariety;

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(ii) failstopaysuchfeeasmaybeprescribedtomaintainhisright;or

(iii) does not, where the denomination of a variety iscancelledafterthegrantoftheright,proposeanothersuitabledenomination.

PART VI – INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS GOVERNED BY THE HAGUE AGREEMENT

Sub-Part A – Industrial Designs

73. Conditions for protection

(1) (a) Anindustrialdesignshallbeprotectedwhereitisnewand original.

(b) An industrial design shall be considered to be newwhere ithasnotbeendisclosed to thepublicanywhere in theworldbypublication in tangible form, exhibition, use in trade or in any otherway,before thefilingdateor,whereapplicable, theprioritydate,of theapplicationforregistration.

(c) (i) Anindustrialdesignappliedto,orembodiedin,aproductthatisacomponentpartofacomplexproductshallbeconsideredtobenewwherethecomponentpartremainsvisibleduringthenormaluseofthecomplexproduct.

(ii) Insubparagraph(i)–

“normaluse”–

(a) meansusebyanenduser;but

(b) does not include maintenance, servicingorrepairwork.

(d) An industrial design shall not be considered to beoriginal where it does not significantly differ from known designs orcombinationsofknowndesignsfeatures.

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(2) For the purpose of determining novelty and originality, nodisclosureofanindustrialdesignshallbetakenintoconsiderationwhereitoccurred–

(a) within 12 months before the filing date or, whereapplicable,theprioritydate,oftheapplication;and

(b) byreasonoforinconsequenceof–

(i) anabusecommittedbyathirdpartywithregardtotheapplicantorhispredecessorintitle;or

(ii) an act committed by the applicant or hispredecessor in title, other than the filing of anapplicationtoregister,orotherwiseobtainlegalprotection for, the industrial design with anindustrial property authority.

74. Industrial design excluded from protection

Anindustrialdesignshallnotberegisteredwhere–

(a) its features are solely dictated by technical or functionalconsiderations;or

(b) itscommercialexploitationmaybecontrarytopublicorderormorality.

75. Right to registration

(1) The exclusive right to use an industrial design shall beacquiredbyregistration.

(2) Therighttoanindustrialdesign–

(a) shallbelongtothecreatorofthedesign;(b) maybeassignedormaybetransferredbysuccession.

(3) Where 2 ormore persons have created the same industrialdesign, the right to the industrial designshallbelongtothemjointly.

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(4) Where 2 ormore persons have created the same industrialdesignindependentlyofeachother,thepersonwhoseapplicationhastheearliestfilingdateor,wherepriorityisclaimed,theearliestvalidlyclaimedpriority date, shall have the right to the industrial design, provided that the saidapplicationisnotwithdrawn,abandonedorrejected.

(5) Where an industrial design ismade in the execution of anemployment contract, the purpose of which is to create one or moredesigns, therighttotheindustrialdesignshallbelong,intheabsenceofanycontrarycontractualprovision,totheemployer.

(6) (a) Thecreatorofanindustrialdesignshallbenamedassuchintheindustrialdesignunlesshemakesadeclaration,inwriting,totheOfficethathedoesnotwishtobesonamed.

(b) Any promise or undertaking made or given by thecreatorofanindustrialdesigntotheeffectthathewillmakeadeclarationunderparagraph(a)shallbevoidandofnoeffect.

76. Application for registration of industrial design

(1) An application for the registration of an industrial design shall–

(a) befiledwiththeDirectorinsuchformandmannerashemaydetermine;

(b) contain a graphic representation of the industrialdesign;and

(c) beaccompaniedbysuchnon-refundablefeeasmaybeprescribed.

(2) Whereanapplicantisnotthecreatorofanindustrialdesign,therequestshallincludeastatementjustifyingtherightoftheapplicanttothe registration of the industrial design.

(3) Anapplicationmaycontain–

(a) up to 100 industrial designs provided they all refer to products that belong to the same class of theInternationalClassification;and

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(b) a request that publication of the industrial design bedeferredforaspecifiedperiodnotexceeding12monthsfrom the filing date or, where applicable, from theprioritydateoftheapplication.

77. Amendment and withdrawal

(1) (a) Anapplicantmay,subjecttoparagraph(b),amendanapplicationatanytimewhileitisbeingprocessed.

(b) Noamendmentshallbeacceptedwhere it involvesachangein,oradditionto,anyofthedesignscontainedintheapplicationfor registration.

(2) Anapplicantmay,atanytimebeforeanindustrialdesignisregistered,withdrawtheapplicationentirelyorinrespectofoneormoredesigns,onpaymentofsuchfeeasmaybeprescribed.

78. Right of priority

(1) An application for registration may contain a declarationclaiming, in accordancewith the Paris Convention, the priority date ofone ormore earlier applications filed for the same industrial design bythe applicantorhispredecessor in title, inor for anyStateparty to theConventionoranymemberoftheWorldTradeOrganization,atanytimenotearlierthan6monthsfromthefilingdateoftheearlierapplication.

(2) Whereanapplicationcontainsadeclarationclaimingpriority,theDirectormayrequesttheapplicanttofurnish,withinsuchtimeashemaydetermine–

(a) acopyoftheearlierapplication,certifiedascorrectbytheforeignauthority;

(b) a certificate from that authority showing the date offiling;and

(c) anEnglishtranslationofthedocument.

(3) Where theDirector finds that the conditions for the right of priorityortherequirementsforclaimingpriorityhavenotbeensatisfied,thedeclarationclaimingpriorityshallbeconsiderednottohavebeenmade.

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(4) Where an application contains a declaration under subsection(1)–

(a) theapplicationmaynotbe refusedbecauseofanactdoneduring the six-monthperiod, asprovided for intheParisConvention;and

(b) nosuchact shallgive rise toany thirdparty rightorright of personal possession.

79. Filing date of industrial design

The filing date of an application for registration of an industrialdesignshallbetheearliestdateonwhichtheapplicationcontains–

(a) indications allowing the identity of the applicant to beestablishedandallowingtheapplicanttobecontacted;and

(b) graphic representations of the industrial design for whichregistration is sought.

80. Examination of application

(1) (a) The Director shall examine and determine whetheran application for registrationof an industrial design complieswith therequirementsofsection73andwiththedefinitionofindustrialdesigninsection2.

(b) Where the application does not comply with therequirements of section 73 and the definition in section 2, theDirectorshall request the applicant, inwriting, to correct the applicationwithin 2monthsfromthedateofreceiptoftherequestorsuchfurtherperiodashemaydetermine.

(2) Wheretherequiredcorrectionisnotmadewithinthespecifiedperiod,theapplicationshallbeconsideredtohavebeenwithdrawn.

81. Registration and publication of industrial design

(1) (a) Where the conditions referred to in section 73 aresatisfied, the Director shall register the industrial design, publish thedetailsrelatingtoitsregistrationandissuetotheapplicantacertificateofregistrationoftheindustrialdesignonpaymentofsuchregistrationfeeasmaybeprescribed.

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(b) Whereanapplicationdoesnotsatisfytherequirementsofsection73,theDirectorshallrejecttheapplication.

(c) Wherearequesthasbeenmadeundersection76(3)(b)fordefermentofpublication,theDirectorshallensurethat–

(i) the file relating to the application and therepresentation of the design are not open for publicinspection;and

(ii) theapplicationisnotpublisheduntiltheexpiryoftheperiodofdeferment.

(2) TheDirectorshall,attheexpiryoftheperiodofdeferment,givepublicnoticeoftheapplicationintheGazette.

82. Rights conferred by registration of industrial design

(1) Whereanyperson,otherthantheregisteredowner,exploitsa registered industrial design inMauritius, he shall require the writtenconsentoftheregisteredowner.

(2) Whereanindustrialdesignisregisteredforapartofaproductthat is integral and inseparable from that product, any infringement ofthe registered design shall be assessed taking into account the overallappearanceoftheproductembodyingtheregistereddesign,andnotonlythat part in isolation.

83. Limitations and exceptions

Norightconferredbytheregistrationofanindustrialdesignshallprohibit–

(a) an act in respect of a product that embodies the industrial design,aftertheproducthasbeenputonthemarketinMauritiusorabroadbytheregisteredholderorbyapersonactingwith theholder’sconsentorhavinganeconomictietotheholder;

(b) the use of the industrial design in the body or gear of any aircraft,landvehicleorvesselthattemporarilyoraccidentallyenters Mauritius, or the importation of spare parts oraccessories for the purpose of repairing such aircraft, landvehicleorvessel.

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(c) anactdone–(i) privatelyandforanon-commercialpurpose;(ii) for the purpose of teaching, education or scientific

research in academic, educational or researchinstitutions;or

(iii) onlyforexperimentalpurposesrelatingtotheindustrialdesign;

(d) thereproductionofanyfeaturesoftheindustrialdesign–(i) dictatedsolelybyfunctionalortechnicalconsiderations

ornecessarytofulfillatechnicalpurpose;(ii) in their exact form in order to permit the product in

which the design is embodied to be mechanicallyconnected to or placed in, around or against, anotherproductsothateachproductmayperformitsfunction;or

(iii) embodiedinacomponentpartofacomplexproduct,wherethatpartisusedforthepurposeofrepairingthatproductsoastorestoreitsoriginalappearance.

84. Duration of industrial design (1) The registration of an industrial design shall be valid for a periodof5yearsfromthefilingdateoftheapplicationforregistration.

(2) Theregistrationofanindustrialdesignmayberenewedfor3furtherconsecutiveperiodsof5years–

(a) onpaymentoftheprescribedfee;and(b) subject to the conditions determined by theDirector

havingbeencompliedwith.

(3) The Director may allow a delay of 6 months for the latepayment of the prescribed renewal fee subject to the payment of suchsurchargeasmaybeprescribed.

(4) Where the renewal is not effected in accordance with thissection,theregistrationoftheindustrialdesignshalllapse.

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85. Invalidation of registration of industrial design

(1) Any interested person may apply to the Tribunal for theinvalidationoftheregistrationofanindustrialdesignwhere–

(a) theindustrialdesignisnotentitledtoprotectionundersection73;

(b) the right holder is not entitled to protection undersection75;

(c) theregisteredowneroftheindustrialdesignisnotthecreatororhissuccessorintitle.

(2) Where a ground for invalidation is proved with respect toonlyoneorsomeofthedesignsincludedintheregistration,thatdesignorthosedesigns,asthecasemaybe,shallbeinvalidated.

(3) An invalidated industrial design shall be null and void ab initio.

(4) ThedecisionoftheTribunalshallbenotifiedtotheDirectorwhoshallrecorditandforthwithgivenoticeofthedecisionintheGazette.

Sub-Part B – The Hague Agreement

86. Interpretation of Sub-part B

InthisSub-part–“HagueAgreement”means theHagueAgreementConcerning theInternationalRegistrationofIndustrialDesigns;

“1999Act”meanstheActoftheHagueAgreementsignedinGenevaonJuly2,1999;

“Common Regulations” means Common Regulations under the1999Actandthe1960ActoftheHagueAgreement;“Contracting Party” means any State or intergovernmentalorganisationpartytothe1999Act;

“internationalregistration”meansaregistrationmadeinaccordancewiththe1999Act;

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“International Register” means the official collection of dataconcerninginternationalregistrationsmaintainedbytheInternationalBureau.

87. Application for international design registration

An application for international design registration may be fileddirectlywith the InternationalBureauorwith theOffice,on theofficialapplicationformoftheInternationalBureau.

88. Effect of international registration

(1) An international registration that designates Mauritius as a ContractingPartyshall,asfromthedateoftheinternationalregistration,havethesameeffectasanapplicationforregistrationfiledunderthisAct.

(2) Where, in accordancewith the 1999Act and theCommonRegulations–

(a) no refusal has been notified to the International Bureau;or

(b) arefusalhasbeennotifiedtotheInternationalBureau,buthasbeenwithdrawnsubsequently,

theinternationalregistrationshallhavethesameeffect,fromthedateofthe international registration, as a registration of industrial design granted bytheDirectorunderthisAct.

(3) ArecordingmadeintheInternationalRegisterinrespectofaninternationalregistrationdesignatingMauritiusasaContractingPartyshallhavethesameeffectasarecordingintherelevantregister.

(4) (a) Subject to renewal, an international registrationdesignatingMauritiusshallhavethesamedurationofprotectionprovidedunderthisAct.

(b) The renewalshallberequestedfromtheInternationalBureauandberecordedintheInternationalRegister.

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89. Examination of international registration and notification to International Bureau

(1) Where an international registration designating Mauritiusdoesnotcomplywiththeprescribedrequirements,butiscompatiblewithArticle12(1)ofthe1999Act,theDirectorshall,beforetheexpiryoftherefusalperiodapplicableundertheCommonRegulations,notifyarefusalofprotectiontotheInternationalBureauinaccordancewiththeCommonRegulations.

(2) Notwithstanding section 80(1)(b), where a notificationof refusalhasbeen issuedunder subsection (1), theperiodof2monthsreferredtoinsection80(1)(b)shallbereplacedbyaperiodof3months.

(3) Where a notification of refusal has been issued undersubsection(1)andtherefusaliswithdrawnsubsequently,theDirectorshallsendtotheInternationalBureauastatementtothateffect inaccordancewiththeCommonRegulations.

(4) Where no notification of refusal has been issued undersubsection(1),theDirectorshall,withintheprescribedrefusalperiod,sendastatementtotheeffectthatprotectionisgrantedtotheindustrialdesignsthatarethesubjectofinternationalregistrationtotheInternationalBureauinaccordancewiththeCommonRegulations.

(5) WheretheinternationalregistrationisinvalidatedinMauritiusandtheinvalidationisnotsubjecttoappeal,theDirectorshallnotifytheInternationalBureauinaccordancewiththeCommonRegulations.

(6) (a) The holder of the international registration whoreceivedanotification issuedunder subsection (1) shall enjoy the sameremedieswhich are available to the applicant for the registration of anindustrialdesignunderthisAct.

(b) The holder of an international registration involved in aninvalidationprocedurereferredtoinsubsection(5)shallbeaffordedthesameopportunityofdefendingtherightasisavailabletotheholderofanindustrialdesignregisteredunderthisAct.

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90. Conflict between this Act and the Hague Agreement

IntheeventofconflictbetweenthisActandthe1999ActandtheCommonRegulations, theprovisionsof the1999Act and theCommonRegulations shall prevail.

PART VII – MARKS, TRADE NAMES, GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS, MADRID PROTOCOL

Sub-Part A – Marks

91. Registration of mark

(1) The exclusive right to use a mark shall be acquired byregistration.

(2) Nosignshallberegisteredasamarkwhereit–

(a) isdevoidofanydistinctivecharacterorisincapableofdistinguishingthegoodsorservicesofoneenterprisefromthoseofotherenterprises;

(b) consists solelyofa signor indication thatmayservein trade to designate the kind, quality, quantity,intended purpose, value, geographical origin or timeofproductionofgoodsorofrenderingofservices,orothercharacteristicsofgoodsorservices;

(c) consists solely of a sign or indication that has become generic in current language or in the bonafideestablishedpracticesof the trade,or isausualorrecognised technical or scientific name of a product orservice;

(d) consistssolelyofashapethatresultsfromthenatureofthegoodsorprovidesatechnicalresult,functionaladvantageorsubstantialvaluetothegoods;

(e) iscontrarytopublicorderormorality;(f) is likely to mislead, in particular as regards the

geographicaloriginofthegoodsorservicesconcernedortheirnature,qualityorothercharacteristics;or

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(g) contains, as the armorial bearing, the flag or otheremblemofaStatepartytotheParisConventionoraninternational organisation, an official sign indicatingcontrol warranty adopted by any such State ororganisation,orconstitutesanimitationofthosesignsfromaheraldicpointofview.

(3) (a) AmarkshallnotberegisteredwhereitconflictswithathirdpartyrightinforceinMauritius,inparticularwherethemark–

(i) is similar to a mark registered earlier or to amarkhavinganearlierfilingorprioritydate,inrespectofsimilargoodsorservices,orsonearlyresemblessuchamarkas tobe likely tocauseconfusion;

(ii) constitutesareproduction,imitationortranslationliable to create confusion with a mark that is well known in Mauritius in respect of similargoodsorservicesofanotherenterprise;or

(iii) is registered inMauritius forgoodsorserviceswhich are not identical or similar to those inrespectofwhichregistration isappliedforandthe use of themark in relation to those goodsorserviceswouldindicateaconnectionbetweenthose goods or services and the owner of the well knownmark and that the interests of theownerof thewellknownmarkarelikelytobedamagedbysuchuse;and

(iv) cannotbeusedinMauritiusbyvirtueofanylaw.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the Director may, incaseofhonestconcurrentuse,orofothercircumstancesinwhichhefindsitpropertodoso,allowtheregistrationofamarkbymorethanoneowner,subjecttosuchconditionsandlimitationsashemaydetermine.

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(4) The prior user of a mark that is neither registered northe subject of a pending application under this sectionmay oppose anapplicationforregistrationbyanotherperson,ofasimilarmarkforsimilargoodsorservices,wherehesubmitsevidenceofprioruse.

92. Application for registration

(1) Anapplicationforregistrationofamarkshallbe–(a) filedwiththeDirectorinsuchformandmannerashe

maydetermine;and(b) accompaniedby thepaymentof suchnon-refundable

feeasmaybeprescribed.(2) Theapplicationforregistrationofamarkshallinclude–

(a) thenameandaddressoftheapplicantandsuchotherinformationasmaybeprescribed;

(b) where applicable, a statement indicating the type ofmarkandanyspecificrequirementsapplicabletothattypeofmark;

(c) arepresentationofthemark;and(d) a list of the goods or services forwhich registration

of the mark is sought, grouped in accordance withthe applicable class or classes of the InternationalClassification.

93. Right of priority

(1) (a) Anapplicationforregistrationofamarkmaycontaina declaration, by the applicant or his predecessor in title, claiming, inaccordance with the Paris Convention, priority for one or more earlierapplicationsfiledforthesamemarkinrespectofcorrespondinggoodsorservices,inorforanyStatepartytothesaidConventionoranyMemberoftheWorldTradeOrganization.

(b) The priority referred to in paragraph (a) shall be for a periodof6monthsfromthefilingdateoftheapplicationforregistration.

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(2) The applicant may, within 3 months from the declarationclaimingprioritypursuanttosubsection(1),furnish–

(a) a copy of the earlier application certified as correctby the foreign authoritywithwhich itwas filed in alanguageacceptedbytheOffice;and

(b) acertificateissuedbytheforeignauthoritywithwhichtheearlierapplicationwasfiledshowingthedateoftheearlierapplication.

(3) WheretheDirectorfindsthattheconditionsfortherightofpriorityortherequirementsforclaimingpriorityhavenotbeensatisfied,the declaration claiming priority shall be considered not to have beenmade.

94. Filing date of mark

(1) ThefilingdateofanapplicationforregistrationofamarkshallbethedateonwhichtheapplicationisreceivedbytheDirectorprovidedthat,atthetimeofreceipt,itcontainsthemattersspecifiedinsection92.

(2) Where the application does not contain a requirement, theDirectorshall–

(a) notify theapplicant inwritingof theomissionwhichshallbecorrectedwithinaperiodof2monthsfromthedateofreceiptofthenotification;and

(b) grant, as the filing date, the date of receipt of therequiredcorrectionwheresuchcorrectionismade.

(3) Wherenocorrectionismade,theapplicationshallbetreatedasifithasnotbeenfiled.

95. Division, withdrawal and amendment

(1) (a) The applicant may divide his application into 2 or moreapplications inorder toseparate thegoodsorservicesspecifiedin theinitialapplication.

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(b) Everydivisionalapplicationmadeunderparagraph(a)shallretainthefilingdateand,whereapplicable,therightofpriorityoftheinitialapplication.

(c) Afteradivision,everyapplicationshallbeindependentandanypublicationoftheapplicationeffectedpriortothedivisionshallbeeffectiveforeachdivisionalapplication.

(2) An applicantmay, at any time before amark is registered,withdrawhisapplication,limitthelistofgoodsorservicescoveredintheapplicationoramendhisapplicationprovidedthattheamendmentdoesnotsubstantiallyaffecttheidentityofthemark.

96. Examination, publication, opposition and registration

(1) The Director shall examine and determine whether anapplicationcomplieswiththerequirementsofsection92andwhetherthemarkforwhichregistrationissoughtcomplieswiththedefinitionofmark.

(2) WheretheDirectorfindsthattherequirementsofsection92havenotbeensatisfied,heshallrequesttheapplicantto–

(a) furnishadditionalinformation;or(b) amendtheapplication,

withinsuchperiodasmaybeprescribed.

(3) Where the applicant fails to comply with a request undersubsection(2),theapplicationshalllapse.

(4) Where the requirements referred to in subsection (1) aresatisfied,theDirectorshallforthwithaccepttheapplicationandcauseittobepublishedintheGazette.

(5) (a) Any person may, within such period as may beprescribedand subject topaymentof theprescribed fee, lodgewith theDirectoranoppositiontotheregistrationofamark.

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(b) Anoppositionshallbebywayofnoticeandshallstatethe grounds of opposition.

(c) The applicant shall send to the Director and theopponentacopyofanycounter-statementtotheoppositiontogetherwiththegroundsonwhichherelies.

(d) Wheretheapplicantdoesnotsendacounter-statementunderparagraph(c),heshallbedeemedtohaveabandonedtheapplication.

(e) Where the applicant sends a counter-statement, theDirector shall, afterhearing theparties,whereheconsidersappropriate,decidewhetherthemarkmayberegistered.

(6) (a) After an application is published and until theregistrationofthemark,theapplicantshallhavethesameprivilegesandrightswhichhewouldhavehadifthemarkhadbeenregistered.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), it shall be a validdefencetoanactionbroughtunderthatparagraphinrespectofanactdoneaftertheapplicationwaspublished,wherethedefendantestablishesthatthemarkcouldnothavebeenvalidly registeredat the time theactwasdone.

(7) (a) Where the Director refuses an application for theregistrationofamark,heshallnotifytheapplicantinwriting.

(b) (i) The applicant may, within 6 months fromthedateof receiptof thenotification referred to inparagraph (a),makewrittenrepresentationstotheDirectortoreconsidertheapplicationfortheregistrationofamark.

(ii) Where the applicant fails tomake anywrittenrepresentations within the period referred to in subparagraph (i), theapplicationforregistrationshallbeconsideredtohavebeenabandoned.

(c) TheDirectorshall,withinonemonthfromthedateofreceiptofthewrittenrepresentations,informtheapplicantofhisdecisionand the reasons thereof.

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(8) Where the Director finds that the conditions referred to insubsection(1)aresatisfied,and–

(a) the registration of the mark has not been opposedwithintheprescribedtimelimit;or

(b) theregistrationofthemarkhasbeenopposedandtheoppositionhasbeendecidedintheapplicant’sfavour,

heshallregisterthemark,publishthedetailsrelatingtotheregistrationandissuetotheapplicantacertificateofregistration.

97. Duration of mark

(1) Theregistrationofamarkshallbeforatermof10yearsfromthefilingdateoftheapplicationforregistration.

(2) Theregistrationofamarkmayberenewedforconsecutiveperiodsof10years–

(a) onpaymentofsuchrenewalfee,atsuchtime,asmaybeprescribed;and

(b) subject to such conditions as the Director maydetermine.

(3) Wheretherenewalfeereferredtoinsubsection(2)isnotpaidwithinthetimeprescribed,theDirectormaygranttotheownerofamarkadelayof6monthsforthepaymentoftherenewalfeeandsuchsurchargeasmaybeprescribed.

(4) Where the renewal is not effected in accordance with thissection,theregistrationofthemarkshalllapse.

(5) (a) Whereamarkhaslapsedundersubsection(4)andbeenremovedfromtheregister,thepreviousregisteredownerofthemarkmay,withinoneyear from thedateof expiryof the registrationof themark,makeanapplicationtotheDirectorfortheregistrationofthemark.

(b) Where the previous registered owner of the markmakesanapplicationunderparagraph(a),heshallhaveprecedenceoverany other personwhoappliesfortheregistrationofthemark.

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(c) Where a person, other than the previous registeredowner of a mark, applies, within the one-year period referred to in paragraph (a), for the registration of the mark which has lapsed, theapplicationshallnotbeprocesseduntiltheexpiryoftheone-yearperiodunless the previous registered owner of themarkmakes an applicationunder paragraph (a).

(6) WheretheDirectorissatisfiedthat–(a) therehasbeen,during3yearsimmediatelypreceding

theremovalofthemarkfromtheregister,bonafideuseofthemark;or

(b) no deception or confusion is likely to arise from theuse of the mark which is the subject matter of theapplicationforregistration,byreasonofanyprevioususeofthemark,

heshallregisterthemark.

98. Rights conferred by registration of mark

(1) No person shall, without the written agreement of theregisteredowner,usearegisteredmarkinrelationtogoodsandservicesforwhichithasbeenregistered.

(2) Every registered owner of amark shall, in addition to anyotherrights,remediesoractionsavailabletohim,havetherighttoinstituteCourtproceedingsagainstanypersonwho,withouthiswrittenagreement,usesthemark,ordoesanyactlikelytocauseaninfringement.

(3) Aregisteredownermay,wheretheuseofanysignsimilartotheregisteredmark,orwheretheuseofsuchsigninrelationtogoodsandservicessimilartothoseforwhichthemarkhasbeenregistered,islikelytocauseconfusioninthepublic,instituteCourtproceedingsinaccordancewithsubsection(2).

(4) The rightsconferredby the registrationofamarkshallnotextendtoactsinrespectofarticleswhichhavebeenputonthemarketinMauritiusbytheregisteredownerorwithhisconsent.

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99. Invalidation of registration of mark

(1) An interested person may apply to the Tribunal for theinvalidationoftheregistrationofamark,totallyorpartially,where–

(a) theregisteredsigndoesnotcomplywiththedefinitionofamark;or

(b) themarkdoesnotcomplywithsection91(2)or(3). (2) Theinvalidationoftheregistrationofamarkshallbeeffectivefromthedateofregistrationofthemark.

(3) ThedecisionoftheTribunalshallbenotifiedtotheDirectorwhoshallrecorditandforthwithgivenoticeofthedecisionintheGazette.

100. Removal on ground of non-use

(1) An interested person may request the Director to remove from the relevant registeramark in respectofanygoodsor services inrespectofwhichitisregisteredonthegroundthatuptoonemonthbeforethefilingoftherequest,themarkhad,afteritsregistration,notbeeninusebytheregisteredowneroralicenseeduringacontinuousperiodofnotlessthan 3 years.

(2) Notwithstandingsubsection(1),amarkshallnotberemovedfromtheregisterwheretheDirectorissatisfiedthatthere–

(a) werereasonablecircumstancesthatpreventedtheuseofthemark;and

(b) was no intention not to use or abandon themark inrespectofthosegoodsorservices.

101. Collective mark

(1) Anapplicationfortheregistrationofacollectivemarkshall–

(a) designatethemarkasacollectivemark;and(b) beaccompaniedbyacopyoftheagreementgoverning

theuseofthecollectivemark.

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(2) The registered owner of a collectivemark shall notify theDirectorofanychangemadeintheagreementreferredtoinsubsection(1),whichshallbekeptonrecordandbepublishedwheretheDirectorfindsitappropriate.

(3) Acollectivemarkshallnotbethesubjectofalicence.

(4) An interested person may apply to the Tribunal for theinvalidation of the registration of a collective mark in any of thecircumstancesspecifiedinsubsection(5).

(5) The Tribunal shall invalidate the registration of a collectivemarkwhereanyinterestedpersonrequestingtheinvalidationprovesthatthe–

(a) markisbeingusedexclusivelybytheregisteredowner;(b) registered owner is using or permitting its use in

contraventionofthetermsoftheagreementreferredtoinsubsection(1)(b);

(c) registeredowner isusingor ispermitting itsuse inamanner liable to deceive any person as to the originor any other common characteristics of the goods orservicesconcerned.

(6) Theinvalidationoftheregistrationofacollectivemarkshallbeeffectivefromthedateofregistrationofthemark.

(7) ThedecisionoftheTribunalshallbenotifiedtotheDirectorwhoshallrecorditandforthwithgivenoticeofthedecisionintheGazette.

102. Certification mark

(1) (a) An application for the registration of a certificationmarkshallbeaccompaniedbyacopyoftheagreementgoverningtheuseofthemark.

(b) TheDirectorshallpublishtherelevantparticularsoftheapplicationandagreementintheGazetteandmaketheagreementavailableforpublicconsultationonpaymentofsuchfeeasmaybeprescribed.

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(2) TheregisteredownerofacertificationmarkshallnotifytheDirectorofanychangemadeintheagreementreferredtoinsubsection(1)whichshallbekeptonrecordandbepublishedintheGazettewheretheDirectorfindsitappropriate.

(3) Theholderofacertificationmarkshallnotusethemarktocertifyhisowngoodsorservices.

(4) An interested person may apply to the Tribunal for theinvalidation of the registration of a certification mark in any of thecircumstancesspecifiedinsubsection(5).

(5) TheTribunalshallinvalidatetheregistrationofacertificationmarkwheretheregisteredholder–

(a) hascontravenedsubsection(3);or

(b) hasallowedtheuseofthemark–

(i) incontraventionoftheagreementreferredtoinsubsection(1);or

(ii) inamannerliabletodeceiveastotheorigin,oranyothercommoncharacteristics,ofthegoodsorservicesconcerned.

(6) The invalidation of the registration of a certification markshallbeeffectivefromthedateofregistrationofthemark.

(7) ThedecisionoftheTribunalshallbenotifiedtotheDirectorwhoshallrecorditandforthwithgivenoticeofthedecisionintheGazette.

103. Cancellation of registered mark and limitation of goods and services

Theownerofaregisteredmarkmayapplyforthecancellationofthemarkoralimitationinrespectofsomeorallofthegoodsorservicesforwhichitisregistered.

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Sub-Part B – Trade Names

104. Protection of trade name (1) Nonameordesignationshallbeusedasatradenamewhere–

(a) by its nature or theuse towhich itmaybeput, it iscontrarytopublicorderormorality;or

(b) itisliabletodeceiveanypersonastothenatureoftheenterpriseidentifiedbythatname.

(2) Notwithstanding any other enactment providing for anobligation to register trade names, such names shall be protected, evenbeforeorwithoutregistration,againstanunlawfulactcommittedbya third party.

(3) Forthepurposeofsubsection(2),theuseofanexistingtradenamebyathirdpartyasatradenameoramarkorcollectivemark,ortheuseofasimilartradenameormarkwhichislikelytomisleadthepublic,shallbeunlawful.

Sub-Part C – Geographical Indications

105. Scope of protection

(1) Where there are homonymous geographical indications foridentical products, the Director shall, in cases of permitted concurrentuseoftheindications,determinethepracticalconditionsunderwhichthehomonymous indications shall be differentiated from each other, takingintoaccount theneed toensure theequitable treatmentof theproducersconcernedandthatconsumersarenotmisled.

(2) The following shall not be protected as geographicalindications–

(a) anindicationtheuseofwhichneedstobepreventedonthegroundofpublicorderormorality;

(b) a geographical indication that is not, or that ceasestobe,protectedinitscountryoforigin,orwhichhasfallenintodisuseinthatcountry;and

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(c) anindicationthatisidenticalwiththetermcustomaryincommonlanguageinMauritiusasthecommonnamefortherelevantgoodsorservices.

106. Application for geographical indication

(1) Anapplicationfortheregistrationofageographicalindicationshallbe–

(a) filedwith theOffice insuch formandmanneras theDirectormaydetermine;and

(b) subjecttopaymentofsuchnon-refundablefeeasmaybeprescribed.

(2) A group of producers, or a legal entity that groups the producers, that operates in a specified geographical area to produce specifiedgoods,oraGovernmentdepartment,onbehalfofthegroupofproducers or legal entity, may apply for registration of a geographicalindication.

(3) Anapplicationfortheregistrationofageographicalindicationshallcontain–

(a) thename,addressanddomicileofthepersonfilingtheapplication;

(b) the geographical indication for which registration issought;

(c) the geographical area to which the geographicalindicationapplies;

(d) thegoodsdesignatedbythegeographicalindication;(e) thespecificcharacteristicsofthegoodsforwhichthe

geographicalindicationisused;(f) theareaandmethodofproductionofthegoods;(g) the linkbetween the characteristicsof thegoods and

theareaandmethodofproduction;(h) the manner in which the specific characteristics are

controlled;

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(i) theCodeofPracticewhichestablishestherulesfortheuseofthegeographicalindication;

(j) proofthatthenameoftheproductisprotectedinthecountryoforigin;

(k) the InternalControlPlan relating to thegeographicalindication.

(4) Anapplicantmay,atanytime,withdrawhisapplicationfortheregistrationofageographicalindication.

107. Filing date of geographical indication

(1) TheDirectorshallconsiderthedateofreceiptofanapplicationfortheregistrationofageographicalindicationasthefilingdatewheretheapplicationcomplieswithsection106.

(2) (a)Where an application does not, at the time of receipt,complywithsection106,theDirectorshallrequesttheapplicanttofiletherequiredcorrectionwithinsuchtimeashemaydetermine.

(b) Where the applicant does not file the necessarycorrectionwithintherequiredtimelimit,theapplicationshallbeconsideredto have been abandoned.

108. Examination, publication, opposition and registration

(1) The Director shall examine and determine whether anapplicationcomplieswith therequirementsofsections105and106andwhether the geographical indication for which registration is soughtcomplieswiththedefinitionofgeographicalindication.

(2) Where the Director finds that the conditions referred to insubsection(1)aresatisfied,heshallcausetheapplicationtobepublishedinsuchmannerashemaydetermine.

(3) (a) Aninterestedpersonmay,withinsuchtimeandsubjecttopaymentofsuchfeeasmaybeprescribed,givenoticetotheDirectorofhisoppositiontotheregistrationofthegeographicalindicationonthegroundthatarequirementofsection105or106hasnotbeensatisfied.

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(b) The Director shall send a copy of the notice ofoppositiontotheapplicant.

(c) Theapplicantshall,withintheprescribedperiodandinsuchmannerastheDirectormaydetermine,sendtotheDirectorandtheopponent,acounter-statementof thegroundsonwhichhe relies forhisapplication.

(d) Where the applicant sends a counter-statement inaccordancewithparagraph (c), theDirectormayhear thepartieswhereheconsiders it appropriate,beforemakinghisdecisionon thenoticeofopposition.

(e) Where the applicant does not send the counter-statementwithintheprescribedperiodandinthemannerdeterminedbytheDirector,theapplicationshalllapse.

(4) Where the Director finds that the conditions referred to insubsection(1)aresatisfied,heshall–

(a) registerthegeographicalindication;(b) issuetotheapplicantacertificateofregistration;and(c) givenoticeoftheregistrationintheGazette.

(5) Where the application fails to comply with the conditionsspecifiedinsubsection(1),theDirectorshallrefusetheapplication.

109. Scope of exclusive right

No person other than a group of producers or a legal entity that groupstheproducersandcarryingonanactivityintherelevantgeographicalareashallhavetherighttousearegisteredgeographicalindicationinthecourseoftradewithrespecttothegoodsspecifiedintherelevantregister.

110. Limitations and exceptions

(1) (a) Section 98(3) shall apply to geographical indicationsprotectedunderthisAct.

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(b) Where registration of a mark has been applied for andthemarkhasbeenregisteredingoodfaith,orwhererightstoamarkhavebeenacquiredthroughuseingoodfaith,beforethecommencementofthisAct,orbeforethegeographicalindicationisprotectedinitscountryoforigin–

(i) the registration or the validity of the registration ofthatmark;or

(ii) therighttousethatmark,shallnotbeaffectedonthegroundthatthemarkisidenticalwith,orsimilarto,ageographicalindication.

(2) NothinginthisActshallpreventcontinuedandsimilaruseinMauritiusofaforeigngeographicalindicationbyanynationalorresidentofMauritiuswhohasusedthatgeographicalindicationinconnectionwithgoodsorservicesinMauritius,inacontinuousmannerwithregardtothesameorrelatedgoodsorservices–

(a) foratleast10yearspreceding15April1994;or(b) ingoodfaithatanytimebeforethatdate.

111. Duration of geographical indication

(1) The registration of a geographical indication shall be for atermof10yearsfromthefilingdateoftheapplicationforregistration.

(2) (a) The registration of a geographical indicationmay berenewedforconsecutiveperiodsof10yearsonpaymentofsuchrenewalfee as may be prescribed and on such conditions as the Director maydetermine.

(b) TheDirectormay, on an application for the renewalof the registration of a geographical indication, request the applicant tofurnishsuchotherinformationanddocumentsashemaydetermine.

(3) Wheretherenewalfeeisnotpaidwithintheprescribedtime,theDirectormaygranttotheregisteredowneradelayof6monthsforthepaymentoftherenewalfeeandsuchsurchargeasmaybeprescribed.

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(4) Where the renewal is not effected in accordance with thissection,theregistrationofthegeographicalindicationshalllapse.

112. Invalidation of registration of geographical indication

(1) An interested person may apply to the Tribunal for theinvalidationoftheregistrationofageographicalindicationwhere–

(a) itdoesnotqualifyforprotection;(b) thegeographicalareaspecifiedintheregistrationdoes

notcorrespondtothegeographicalindication;or(c) theindicationoftheproductsforwhichthegeographical

indication is used or the indication of the quality,reputation or other characteristic of such products ismissingorunsatisfactory.

(2) In any proceedings under this section, the interested person referred to in subsection (1) shall give notice of the request forinvalidationto–

(a) thepersonwhofiledtheapplicationforregistrationofthegeographicalindicationorhissuccessorintitle;and

(b) the group of producers or legal entity referred to insection106(2),havingtherighttousethegeographicalindication.

(3) Anypersonreferredtoinsubsection(2)(b)oranyotherpersonhavingan interest in themattermay,withinsuchperiodas theTribunalmaydetermine,applytojoinintheproceedings.

(4) Where the registration of a geographical indication isinvalidated,theregistrationshallbeconsiderednullandvoidabinitio.

(5) ThedecisionoftheTribunalshallbenotifiedtotheDirector.

(6) Where the registration of a geographical indication isinvalidated, theDirector shall record thedecisionof theTribunal in theappropriateregisterandcauseanoticetothateffecttobepublishedintheGazette.

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113. Rectification of register (1) Anypersonwhohasaninterestinageographicalindicationmay apply to theDirector for rectificationof the register on anyof thegroundsspecifiedinsubsection(2).

(2) Thegroundsreferredtoinsubsection(1)shallbeasfollows–

(a) thegeographicalareaspecifiedintheregisterdoesnotcorrespondtothegeographicalindication;

(b) theindicationofthegoodsforwhichthegeographicalindicationisusedismissingorunsatisfactory;

(c) the indication of the quality, reputation or othercharacteristicofthegoodsismissingorunsatisfactory.

(3) TheDirectorshallrectifytheregisterwhereheissatisfiedthatsuchrectificationisnecessary.

114. Cancellation of registration

(1) ApersonwhohasaninterestinageographicalindicationmayrequesttheDirectortocanceltheregistrationofthegeographicalindicationonthegroundthatitdoesnotqualifyornolongerqualifiesforprotectionbyvirtueofsections105and106.

(2) WheretheDirectorcancelstheregistrationofageographicalindication,heshallremovefromtheregistertheentryrelatingthereto.

Sub-Part D – Madrid Protocol

115. Interpretation of Sub-Part D

InthisSub-part–“basicapplication”meansanapplicationforregistrationofamark,filedwiththeOfficeunderthisAct,andwhichisusedasabasisforthefilingofaninternationalapplicationundertheMadridProtocol;

“basicregistration”meansamarkregisteredwiththeOfficeunderthisAct,andwhichisusedasabasisforthefilingofaninternationalapplicationundertheMadridProtocol;

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“CommonRegulations”meanstheCommonRegulationsundertheMadridAgreementandMadridProtocol;

“internationalapplication”meansanapplicationtoobtainregistrationofamarkundertheMadridProtocol;

“InternationalRegister”meanstheregisterrelatingtothecollectionofdataconcerninginternationalregistrationofmarksandmaintainedbytheInternationalBureau;

“subsequentdesignation”means–(a) a request for extension of protection (territorial extension)

underArticle3ter(2)oftheMadridProtocol;or(b) adesignationrecordedintheInternationalRegister;

“Madrid Protocol” means the Protocol Relating to the MadridAgreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks,adoptedinMadridonJune27,1989,asamended;“officeoforigin”meanstheofficewithwhichthebasicapplicationhasbeenfiledorintheregisterofwhichthebasicregistrationhasbeeneffected,asthecasemaybe.

116. Language Any communication, including an international application, fortransmissionto theInternationalBureauthroughthe intermediaryof theOfficeshallbeintheEnglishlanguage.

117. Examination of international application of which Mauritius is country of origin

Where an international application is filed with the Office fortransmissiontotheInternationalBureau,theOfficeshallverifywhether–

(a) itmaybeconsideredastheofficeoforigininrespectofthatapplication;and

(b) theparticulars furnishedare inaccordancewith theMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulations.

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118. Certification

(1) Where the Office determines that it may be considered astheofficeoforigininrespectofaninternationalapplicationandthattheparticularsfurnishedareinaccordancewiththeMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulations,theDirectorshall–

(a) certifytheapplication;

(b) indicatethedateofreceipt;and

(c) forwardtheapplicationtotheInternationalBureau.

(2) WheretheOfficedeterminesthatitcannotbeconsideredastheofficeoforigininrespectofaninternationalapplicationandthattheparticularsfurnishedarenotinaccordancewiththeMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulations,theDirectorshallinformtheapplicantaccordingly.

(3) The certification and transmission of an internationalapplicationtotheInternationalBureaushallbesubjecttotheprescribedhandling fee.

119. Handling fee

Theprescribedhandlingfeeforthecertificationandtransmission,totheInternationalBureau,ofaninternationalapplicationoriginatingfromMauritiusshallbepaidtotheDirector.

120. Ceasing of effect of basic application or basic registration

Where, in accordancewithArticle 6 of theMadrid Protocol, theregistrationresultingfromthebasicapplication,orthebasicregistration,ceasestohaveeffect,theDirectorshall–

(a) informtheInternationalBureauaccordingly;and

(b) request the cancellation of the international registration inrespectofthegoodsandservicesaffected.

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121. Publication of application for international registration and opposition

(1) The Director shall, in such manner as may be prescribed,publishanapplicationfor internationalregistrationwhereMauritius isadesignated party.

(2) (a) An interestedpersonmay lodgewith theDirectoranopposition to the international registration.

(b) An opposition referred to in paragraph (a) shall be dealt withinaccordancewithsection96.

122. Ex officio provisional refusal of protection

(1) Where a mark which is the subject of an internationalregistrationcannotbeprotectedunderthisAct,theDirectorshall,beforetheexpiryoftherefusalperiodprovidedforunderArticle5oftheMadridProtocol, notify the International Bureau of the provisional refusal ofprotectionforthemark.

(2) The holder of an international registration shall enjoy thesameremediesasifthemarkhadbeenfiledforregistrationdirectlywiththeOffice.

123. Provisional refusal of protection based on opposition

(1) WhereanoppositionisfiledwiththeDirectorinrespectofaninternationalregistrationdesignatingMauritius,theDirectorshall,beforetheexpiryoftherefusalperiodprovidedforunderArticle5oftheMadridProtocol,notifythefacttotheInternationalBureauasaprovisionalrefusalofprotectionbasedonanopposition,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulations.

(2) The holder of the international registration shall enjoy thesameremediesasifthemarkhadbeenfiledforregistrationdirectlywiththeOffice.

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124. Statement of grant of protection

(1) Where all procedures havebeen completed and there is noground for theDirector to refuse protection, theDirector shall, as soonaspossibleandbeforetheexpiryoftherefusalperiodprovidedforunderArticle 5 of the Madrid Protocol, send to the International Bureau astatementtotheeffectthatprotectionisgrantedtothemarkinMauritius.

(2) Where the Director is satisfied that the conditions forprotectionof themark are in accordancewith section91, he shall sendto the InternationalBureauastatement thatprotection isgranted to that markinMauritius.

(3) The statement referred to in subsection (1) shall be sentbeforetheexpiryoftherefusalperiodprovidedforunderArticle5ofthe MadridProtocol.

125. Decision following provisional refusal of protection

(1) WheretheDirectorhasnotifiedtheInternationalBureauofaprovisionalrefusalofprotectioninaccordancewithsection122or123andaftercompletionoftheprocedures,theprovisionalrefusalhasbeentotallyorpartiallywithdrawn,theDirectorshallsendtotheInternationalBureau,asthecasemaybe–

(a) a statement to the effect that the provisional refusalhasbeenwithdrawnandthatprotectionofthemarkisgrantedinMauritiusforallthegoodsandservicesforwhichprotectionhasbeenrequested;or

(b) astatementindicatingthegoodsandservicesforwhichprotectionofthemarkisgrantedinMauritius.

(2) Where the Director has sent to the International Bureau anotification of total provisional refusal in accordancewith section 122, heshall–

(a) whereallprocedures relating to theprotectionof themarkhavebeencompleted;and

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(b) whereheconfirmsrefusaloftheprotectionofthemarkin theContractingParty concerned for all goods andservices,

sendtotheInternationalBureauastatementtothateffect.

126. Decision affecting protection of mark following statement

Whereastatementissentinaccordancewithsection124andthereis a decisionwhich affects the protection of amark in an internationalregistrationdesignatingMauritius,theDirectorshall–

(a) to the extent that he is aware of the decision, send to theInternationalBureauafurtherstatementindicatingthegoodsandservicesforwhichthemarkisprotectedinMauritius;or

(b) communicateanyotherinformationregardingtheprotectionofthemark.

127. Effect of international registration

(1) AninternationalregistrationshallhavethesameeffectasanapplicationforregistrationofamarkfiledwiththeOfficeasregardsthedate of the international registration.

(2) WheretheDirector–

(a) does not notify a refusal to the International Bureau in accordancewiththeMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulations;

(b) notifiesarefusalwhichissubsequentlywithdrawn;and

(c) sendsthestatementofgrantofprotection,

themarkwhichissubjecttointernationalregistrationinMauritiusshallbeconsideredtobeprotectedinMauritiusasfromthedateoftheinternationalregistration.

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128. Invalidation

WhereaninternationalregistrationisinvalidatedinMauritiusandthe invalidation is no longer subject to appeal, theDirector shall notifytheInternationalBureauinaccordancewiththeMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulations.

129. Record in International Register

A record made in the International Register for an internationalregistrationshallbeconsideredrecordedintheregisteroftheOfficewhereMauritiusisadesignatedContractingParty.

130. Collective and certification marks

WhereMauritius is designated in an international application fortheregistrationofacollectivemarkoracertificationmark,theregulationsgoverning the use of the collectivemark or certificationmark shall besubmitted directly by the applicant to the Office within the prescribed timelimit.

131. Replacement

(1) (a) Where a mark registered with the Office is also thesubject of an international registration and both registrations are in thenameofthesameperson,theinternationalregistrationshallbedeemedtoreplacethenationalregistrationwiththeOffice,withoutprejudicetoanyrightsacquiredbyvirtueofthelatter,providedthat–

(i) the protection resulting from the internationalregistrationextendstoMauritius;

(ii) all thegoodsandserviceslistedinthenationalregistrationare thesameas in theinternationalregistrationinrespectofMauritius;

(iii) the extension of the international registrationto Mauritius takes effect after the date of theregistrationofthemarkinMauritius.

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(b) TheholderoftheinternationalregistrationmayrequesttheDirector to takenoteof the internationalregistrationon therelevantregisterandtheDirectorshalltakenoteaccordingly.

(2) ArequestmadetotheDirectorundersubsection(1)shallbemadeontheprescribedformandbesubjecttopaymentoftheprescribedfee.

(3) (a) WheretheDirectorhastakennoteofaninternationalregistration under subsection (1)(b), he shall notify the InternationalBureauaccordingly.

(b) The notification to the International Bureau shallindicate–

(i) thenumberoftheinternationalregistration;(ii) whereonlysomeofthegoodsandserviceslisted

in the international registration are concerned,thosegoodsandservices;

(iii) thefilingdateandnumberoftheapplicationforregistrationofthemarkinMauritius;

(iv) the registration date and number of theregistrationinMauritius;

(v) the priority date, if any, of the registration in Mauritius;and

(vi) all information relating to other rights, if any,acquiredbyvirtueoftheregistrationinMauritius.

132. Transformation

(1) Where an international registration designating Mauritius is cancelled at the request of the Office of origin in accordance with Article 6(4) of the Madrid Protocol, in respect of all or some of thegoodsandservices listed in the international registration,anapplicationmay bemade to theDirector,within 3months from the date onwhichthe international registrationwas cancelled, by the personwhowas the holder of the international registration at the date of its cancellation,

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for registration of the same mark (“an application resulting fromtransformation”), in respect of goods and services covered by the list of goods and services contained in the international registration for whichprotectionhasbeenrequestedinMauritius.

(2) Subjecttosubsections(3),(4),(5)and(6),theprovisionsofthisActapplicabletoanapplicationforregistrationfileddirectlywiththeDirector shall applywith suchmodificationsasmaybenecessary to anapplicationresultingfromtransformation.

(3) Anapplication resulting fromtransformationshallbemadeontheprescribedformandshallinclude–

(a) a statement that the application is made by way oftransformation;

(b) theinternationalregistrationnumberoftheinternationalregistrationwhichhasbeencancelled;

(c) thedateoftheinternationalregistration,orthedateofthesubsequentdesignation,asappropriate;

(d) thedateonwhichthecancellationoftheinternationalregistrationwasrecorded;

(e) where applicable, the date of any priority claimedin the international application and recorded in theInternational Register.

(4) An application resulting from transformation shall beaccompanied by the payment of such non-refundable fee as may beprescribed.

(5) (a) Whereamark isprotected inMauritiusonorbeforethe date on which an international registration is cancelled and all therequirementsrelatingtoanapplicationresultingfromtransformationhavebeenmet,theDirectorshallregisterthemark.

(b) The date of registration shall be the date of the cancelled international registration or the date of the subsequentdesignations,asappropriate,andtheregistrationshallenjoyanypriorityenjoyedbythecancelledinternationalregistration.

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(6) (a) Where a mark is not protected in Mauritius on orbefore thedateonwhich the registrationwascancelled,anyproceduresormeasures undertaken on or before the date on which an applicationresultingfromtransformationisfiledforthepurposeoftheinternationalregistrationshallbeconsideredashavingbeenundertakenforthepurposeoftheapplicationresultingfromtransformation.

(b) The filing date of the application resulting fromtransformationshallbethedateoftheinternationalregistrationorthedateof the subsequent designation, as appropriate.

133. Conflict between this Act and the Madrid Protocol

IntheeventofanyconflictbetweentheprovisionsofthisActandthoseoftheMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulations,theprovisionsoftheMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulationsshallprevail.

PART VIII – MISCELLANEOUS

134. Change in address, application and ownership

(1) Anapplicationbyaninterestedpartyforachangein–(a) theaddressofanapplicantortheownerofaregistered

right;(b) theapplication for,orownershipof,apatent,aplant

variety,autilitymodel,a layout-design,an industrialdesignoramarkshallbemadeinwritingtotheDirectoronpaymentofsuchfeeasmaybeprescribedandshallbe entered in the relevant register.

(2) Where the Director accepts a change referred to in subsection (1), he shall enter the change in the relevant register and causeittobepublishedintheGazette.

(3) Anychangereferredtoinsubsection(1)shallnothaveanyeffectagainstthirdpartiesuntilanentryismadeundersubsection(2)intherelevant register.

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(4) Where,onanapplicationundersubsection(1)forachangein the ownership of the registration of a mark or collective mark, the Director determines that the change is likely to deceive or causeconfusion, particularly with regard to the nature, origin,manufacturingprocess, characteristics, or suitability for their purpose, of the goods or services in relation towhich themarkor collectivemark is intended tobeusedorisbeingused,hemayrefuseit.

135. Licence

(1) Any licence for an industrial property right, other thana geographical indication, or an application for such a licence, shall besubmittedtotheDirectorwhoshallrecorditandpublishnon-confidentialinformationinrelationtheretointheGazette,butshallkeepthetermsandconditionsofthelicenceconfidential.

(2) Thelicenceshallhavenoeffectagainstthirdpartiesuntiltherecordingiseffected.

136. Agents WheretheresidenceorprincipalplaceofbusinessofanapplicantisoutsideMauritius,alawpractitionerresidentandpractisinginMauritius,oranagentapprovedbytheMinister,shallrepresenthim.

137. Protection of rights (1) The holder of an industrial property right may, subject tosubsection(2),applytotheSupremeCourtforremedyagainstanyotherpersonwhohasinfringed,orislikelytoinfringe,thatright.

(2) NoproceedingsunderthisActbytheownerofanindustrialpropertyrightoranexclusivelicenseeshallbeinitiatedaftertheexpiryofaperiodof5yearsfromthedateonwhichtheclaimantbecameaware,orhadreasontoknow,oftheinfringingact.

138. Appeal to Supreme Court

(1) Anypersonwho is dissatisfiedwith a determination of theTribunalasbeingerroneousinlawmayappealtotheSupremeCourt.

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(2) AnappealunderthissectionshallbeprosecutedinthemannerprovidedbytherulesmadebytheSupremeCourt.

(3) Any appeal to the Supreme Court shall be made within 21daysfromthedeterminationoftheTribunal.

139. Offences

(1) Theperformanceofanyactreferredtoinsections21,31,47,64,82,98and109inMauritiusbyanypersonotherthantheownerofthetitleofprotectionorthelicenseeandwithouttheagreementoftheownershallbeunlawful.

(2) Any personwho knowingly performs any act in breach ofsubsection(1)shallcommitanoffenceandshall,onconviction,beliabletoafinenotexceeding250,000rupeesandtoimprisonmentforatermnotexceeding5years.

140. Unfair practice (1) (a) Anyactinbreachofsections21,31,47,64,82,98and109shallamounttoanactofunfairpracticeandmaygiverisetoaclaimindamages.

(b) ACourtmay,inadditiontodamages,grantsuchotherremedyorreliefasitmayconsiderappropriate.

(2) Anyclaimarisingoutofanunfairpracticeshallbeprosecutedin accordance with the Protection against Unfair Practices (IndustrialPropertyRights)Act.

(3) In any action under subsection (1), the Court may,notwithstandinganyother enactment,order the forfeitureor removalofanyarticleormatter,asthecasemaybe,thatwasusedin,isrelatedtoorgaveriseto,anactofunfairpractice,astheCourtmaydetermine.

141. Regulations (1) TheMinistermaymakesuchregulationsashethinksfitforthepurposesofthisAct.

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(2) Anyregulationsmadeundersubsection(1)mayprovide–

(a) for the procedure for the grant of patents and theregistrationofutilitymodels,layout-designsofintegratedcircuits,breeders’ rights, industrialdesigns,marksandgeographicalindications,andmattersrelatedthereto;

(b) forthepaymentoffees;(c) foranymatternecessary for,orconsequential to, the

implementationofthisAct;and(d) thatanypersonwhocontravenesthemshallcommitan

offenceandshall,onconviction,beliabletoafinenotexceeding250,000rupees.

142. Consequential amendment

TheProtectionagainstUnfairPractices(IndustrialPropertyRights)Actisamended–

(a) insection2–(i) inthedefinitionof“unfairpractice”–

(A) by repealing paragraph (a) and replacing it bythefollowingparagraph–

(a) section 140 of the IndustrialPropertyAct2019;

(B) byrepealingparagraphs(b)and(c);

(ii) byinserting,intheappropriatealphabeticalorder,thefollowingnewdefinition–“industrial property enactments” means thisAct andtheIndustrialPropertyAct2019;

(b) insections5(2)and6(2),byinserting,afterparagraph(c),thefollowingnewparagraph–

(ca) a utility model, layout-design or geographicalindication;

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143. Repeals

ThefollowingActsarerepealed–(a) theGeographicalIndicationsAct;(b) theLayoutDesigns(Topographies)ofIntegratedCircuitsAct;(c) thePatents,IndustrialDesignsandTrademarksAct.

144. Savings and transitional provisions

(1) An application for the grant or registration of an industrialpropertywhichhasbeengrantedunderarepealedenactmentshall,onthecommencementofthisAct,bedeemedtohavebeengrantedunderthisAct.

(2) An application for the grant or registration of an industrialpropertywhichhasbeenmadeunderarepealedenactment,butnotbeendealtwithatthecommencementofthisAct,shallbeconsideredtohavebeenmadeunderthisActandprocessedaccordingly.

(3) AnymatterreferredtotheControlleroftheIndustrialPropertyOffice under the repealed enactment butwhich has not been dealtwithat the commencementof thisAct shall bedealtwithby theDirector inaccordancewiththisAct.

(4) Any certificate issued under the repealed enactment beforethecommencementofthisActforthegrantorregistrationofanindustrialproperty and which is in force at the commencement of thisAct shallremainvaliduntilitsexpiry.

(5) The registration of an industrial property which has beenrenewedundertherepealedenactmentshall,onthecommencementofthisAct,remainvaliduntilitsexpiry.

(6) The hearing of an appeal or other matter before the Industrial Property Tribunal established under the repealed enactmentwhich–

(a) hasstartedandispendingatthecommencementofthisActshallcontinueasiftherepealedenactmentwasstillinoperation;or

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(b) hasnotstartedatthecommencementofthisActshall,where it falls under the jurisdiction of the TribunalunderthisAct,betransferredtotheTribunal.

(7) TheDirectorshallbethecustodianoftheregistersmaintainedbytheIndustrialPropertyOfficeundertherepealedenactmentandofanyotherrelevantrecords.

(8) Any personwho, at the commencement of thisAct, is theholderofapublicofficeunderarepealedenactmentshallbeconsideredtohavebeenappointedtoacorrespondingpublicofficeunderthisAct.

(9) Where thisAct does notmake provision for the necessarytransitionfromarepealedenactment,theMinistermaymakeregulationsforsuchtransition.

(10) Inthissection–“arepealedenactment”meansanenactmentwhichisrepealedundersection143;“the repealed enactment” means the Patents, IndustrialDesignsandTrademarksAct.

145. Commencement

(1) Subjecttothissection,thisActshallcomeintooperationonadatetobefixedbyProclamation.

(2) DifferentdatesmaybefixedforthecomingintooperationofdifferentsectionsofthisAct.

Passedby theNationalAssemblyon the thirtiethdayofJuly twothousand and nineteen.

Bibi Safeena Lotun (Mrs) Clerk of the National Assembly

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By Authority: Government PrintinG DePArtment, LA tour KoeniG 82/08/19 – 1169