Morocco, New Ip Law No. 17-97

As of December 18th, 2004, with new law 17-97 there are new provisions for the protection of Layout-Designs (Topographies) of Integrated Circuits. The term of protection is now 10 years from the filing date and the protection applies only to the layout-design as such and not to the process, concept, system, technique and coded information embodied within. The protection of an Industrial model or design is 5 years from filing date and may be extended for another two consecutive 5-year periods. A grace period of 6 months from expiry, for late renewals, is granted.