Rwanda’s current intellectual-property framework is Law No. 055/2024. ORG administers trade marks, patents, utility models, industrial designs and voluntary copyright-related registrations and publishes IP forms and procedures.

A company name does not provide the same protection as a trade mark. Conduct clearance searches before adopting or launching a brand, then file in the classes covering the present and reasonably expected goods and services. A Rwandan trade mark registration runs for ten years from filing and may be renewed. Consider the Madrid Protocol where a coordinated international filing strategy is appropriate, but confirm the designations and local objections.

Technology and creative assets require contractual protection as well as registration. Employment, consultancy, software-development, design, research, distribution and licence agreements should identify background IP, ownership of new work, permitted use, confidentiality, source materials, open-source components, improvements, warranties and enforcement responsibility. Do not assume that payment automatically transfers every right.

Before market launch, prepare an IP schedule covering brands, domains, software, content, designs, inventions, know-how, licences and data rights. Confirm ownership and assignments, file priority rights, register material licences where required and put confidentiality and access controls around trade secrets.