Morocco, New Ip Law No. 17-97

As of December 18, 2004, the new IP law No. 17-97 will be in force. The following changes, among others, will apply: – a patent is valid for 20 years and annuities are to be paid every year, with a grace period of 6 months. – One patent application will cover both the jurisdictions of Casablanca and Tangier. – Integrated circuits are protected for 10 years as of the filing date – Documents are to be filed within three months – Pharmaceuticals compositions and products, and remedies are now patentable – Plant varieties are no longer eligible for patent protection and are governed by the law no. 9/94 pertaining to the protection of vegetable varieties.