Application success rate at Egypt’s ETPO
Trademark oversight in the country is managed by the Egyptian Trademarks and Patent Office (ETPO).
Over the past five years, Egypt has recorded an average trademark registration success rate of 38.64%. While showing some improvement in recent years, the overall rate remains relatively low when compared to global and regional standards.
Egypt's position indicates a quite challenging environment for applicants, with higher chances of refusal or procedural delays. This underscores the importance of thorough preparation and strategy when filing in Egypt.
Comparison to regional and global averages
With a five-year average of 38.64%, Egypt currently ranks well below the global average and trails many nearby jurisdictions. For comparison, countries such as the United Arab Emirates (80.27%), Qatar (89.02%), and Saudi Arabia (62.94%) offer significantly higher success rates for trademark registrations. Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.
Country | Office code | Success rate |
|---|---|---|
Egypt | ETPO | 38.64% |
United Arab Emirates | Ministry of Economy | 80.27% |
Qatar | MOCI | 89.02% |
Saudi Arabia | SAIP | 62.94% |
The United States | USPTO | 56.91% |
Key factors influencing trademark outcomes in Egypt
Strict examination criteria: ETPO conducts substantive examinations to assess distinctiveness and conflicts with prior marks. The relatively low success rate suggests these assessments may be applied more conservatively compared to other jurisdictions.
Developing administrative systems: While efforts to modernize Egypt’s IP framework are underway, the current systems still face inefficiencies that can contribute to lower approval rates and longer timelines.
Need for greater clarity and support: Applicants often face procedural uncertainties or lack of detailed guidance, which can lead to unintentional errors during filing.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in Egypt
Given the relatively low average success rate of 38.64%, registering a trademark in Egypt requires some preparation and understanding of ETPO procedures. To improve your likelihood of approval, it’s recommended to begin with a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential conflicts. Ensure that your mark is distinctive and not merely descriptive, and clearly define the goods and services associated with your application.
Partnering with a trademark attorney familiar with the ETPO landscape can significantly improve your chances. They can help anticipate objections, prepare your application thoroughly, and represent you throughout the process if issues arise.
If you are currently preparing to submit your first trademark application, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to strengthen your chances of success, with multiple pieces of advice directly from our trademark lawyers with years of experience. You can also take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive expert feedback on your trademark and guidance on the best steps forward.
