The registry is responsible for the administration of Industrial Property rights in The Gambia.

Its functions include:

• Administration of Intellectual Property Rights;
• Provision of Technological Information to the Public;
• Promotion of Inventiveness and Awareness in The Gambia; and
• Provision of Training in Industrial Property.

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Intellectual Property refers to the creations of the mind for example inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names and images used in commerce etc.

Intellectual property is divided into two categories:

• Industrial Property
• Copyright and related rights

WHAT ARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Intellectual property rights are like any other property right. They allow creators or owners of patents, trademarks or copyrighted works, to benefit from their own work or investment in the creation.

The Industrial Property Office registers the following Industrial Property Rights:

1. Patent
2. Trademark
3. Utility Model
4. Collective Marks
5. Industrial Designs

The procedure for registration is that the appropriate form must be completed and the required fees paid. The Industrial Property applicable laws are as follows:

The Gambia is a member state of African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Existing Acts and Regulations include;

• Industrial Property Act 2007
• Industrial Property (Amendment Act) 2015
• Industrial Property Regulations 2010
• Industrial Property Regulations 2011
• The Gambia Intellectual Policy and Strategy 2018- 2023 is finalized by stakeholders and now awaiting Cabinet approval

This is the office responsible for the registration and overseeing of the following;

• Leases
• Assignments
• Conveyances
• Mortgages
• Caveat
• Memorandum of Deposit
• Deed of Release
• Partnership Deed
• Transfer of Shares
• Vesting Deed
• Power of Attorney
• Lease Contracts
• Deed of Rectifications
• Deed of Gift
• Searches

The following are the required fees for the registration of the various deeds:

FEES

This office performs the following:

1. Civil Marriages;
2. Prepares spinster and bachelor certificates; and
3. Authenticates Muslims and Church marriages.