WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  RESTRICTED 
WT/ACC/LBR/9 
11 June 2012 
 (12-3093) 
Working Party on the 
Accession of Liberia Original:   English 
 
 
  
ACCESSION OF LIBERIA 
 
Implementation of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related 
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) 
 
  The following submission, dated 16 May 2012, is  being circulated at the request of the 
Government of the Republic of Liberia. 
 
_______________ 
 
 WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
General Obligations IP Agreements to which the country adheres 
Compliance with Articles 1 through 12 and Article 19 
of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial 
P r o p e r t y  i n  r e s p e c t  o f  P a r t s  I I ,  I I I ,  a n d  I V  o f  t h e  
TRIPS Agreement. TRIPS Article 2. Liberia observes to Article 1 through 12.  Under 
Article 2 (3) (a, b, c and d) of the TRIPS Agreement, 
which states the Paris Convention of 1967, Article 6 ter 
on [marks: prohibitions, concerning state emblems, 
official hallmarks, and emblems of intergovernmental 
organizations].  Liberia adheres to this ‘Article’, which is found in the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 
2012, industrial property portion Subchapter "C" 
(Distinctive Signs), Part I: Marks and Trade names Section 3.44.          
Under Paris, Article 1(2), industrial property has as its object patents, utility models, industrial designs, 
trademarks, service marks, tr ade names, indications of 
source or appellations of origin, and the repression of 
unfair competition. Liberia adheres to Article 1(2), under Paris 
Convention for the protection of industrial property of 
1967 mentioned in the TRIPS Agreement.  However, 
under the new Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 
2012, the protection of industrial property is found 
under Chapter 3, Part I, Subchapter "A" for Patent, Subchapter "B" for Industrial Designs, Subchapter "C" 
Part I for Distinctive Signs (Marks and Trade Names), 
Subchapter "D" for Geographical Indications, which covers indications of source or appellation of origin.  
Subchapter "E" is the protection against unfair 
competition.  
In Paris.  Article 1(3), industrial property applies not only to industry and commerce proper, but to 
agricultural and extractive industries and to all 
manufactured or natural products, e.g., wines, grain, tobacco leaf, fruit, cattle, minerals, mineral waters, 
beer, flowers, and flour. Article 1(3) of the Paris Convention is also found 
under Subchapter "D" (Geographical Indications) 
Section 3.73. 
Under Paris, Article 2, na tionals of Members are to 
enjoy in other Members the advantages that their 
respective laws grant to nationals, and shall have the same protection and the same legal remedy against 
any infringement of their rights if they conform to the 
conditions and formalities imposed upon the Member's 
nationals. Liberia does adhere to Article 2 of the Paris 
Convention.  Under the Act of 2012, it is found under 
Subchapter "A", Part I, Section 3.8 (2) (a),(b) (ii and iii). Indeed, Liberia abides to this Article in that 
Liberia is a member of the Paris Convention.  
Therefore, nationals from other members’ countries 
are to enjoy protection and legal remedy in Liberia. 
Paris.  Article 3, requires that nationals of non-Member countries domiciles or that have "real and 
effective" industrial or commercial establishments in a Member country be treated as nationals of a Member 
country. Liberia adheres to Article 3 of the Paris Convention. 
This is found under Chapter 3, Part II, Section 3.26 of 
the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  
Under Paris, Article 4.a right of priority is to be given an applicant for a patent, for registration of a utility model, an industrial design, or of a trademark who has 
filed the equivalent of a regular national filing under 
the domestic legislation of  a Member country.  The 
periods of priority are to be 12 months for patents and 
utility models, and 6 months for industrial designs and 
trademarks.  The Article discusses the technical details of granting priority in depth. (a) Under the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 
2012, Subchapter "A", Part I, section 3.7 (1), fully discussed Article 4 of the Paris 
Convention (Right of Priority).    
(b)  Section 3. 7 (2) of the said Act of 2012, it is 
also spelled out that the effect of the claiming 
of priority shall be as provided in the Paris 
Convention, and an application filed within the priority period shall not be refused or 
invalidated by reason of any acts occurring 
during that period. 	 WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Article 4 bis states that patents obtained for the same 
invention in various members of the Paris Union are 
independent of each other. Liberia adheres to this Article. It is found under 
Chapter 3, Section 3.6 of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012.  
Article 4 ter requires that inventors have the right to be 
named as such in the patent. Article 4 bis of the Paris Convention is mentioned 
under the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012 Section 3.4 (Right to Patent; Naming of Inventor).  
Specifically, Section 3.4 (1)  The right to a patent shall 
belong to the inventor.   Whereas, Section 3.4 (9) states 
that the inventor shall be named as such in the patent 
unless he/she indicates to the Director General in 
writing that he/she wishes not to be named.  	
Under Article 4 quater  restrictions or limitations on the 
sale of a patented product or a product produced by a 
patented process cannot be the grounds for refusing a 
patent or invalidating one already issued.  Under Article 5(A)(1), importation of a patented product 
manufactured in a Paris Union country cannot be the 
basis of forfeiture of the pa tent.  Article 5(A)(2) and 
(3) authorize countries to us e compulsory licensing as 
a means to prevent abuses, su ch as the failure to work, 
but they may not forfeit a patent unless the grant of a compulsory license would not be sufficient to prevent 
the abuse.  Proceedings fo r forfeiture or revocation 
cannot be institute until two y ears after the grant of the 
first compulsory license. (a) Liberia adheres to Article 4 quater  of the Paris 
Convention. This adhering is found under 
subchapter "A" section 3.10 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
(b) Liberia adheres to Article 5(A)(1) of the Paris 
Convention.  This Article is found under 
Section 3.11 [3](d) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
(c) Liberia adheres to Article 5(A)(2) of the Paris 
Convention. It is found under Chapter 3, Subchapter "A", Part I, Section 3.13 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 5(A)(4) prohibits application for a compulsory license for failure to work until four years have passed 
since tile application was filed or three years from date of grant and no compulsory license is to be granted if 
the patentee justifies the failure to work.  Licenses are 
to be non-exclusive, and may not be transferred except with the enterprise or goodwill that exploits the 
license.  Article 5(B) prohibits forfeiture of industrial 
designs for failure to work or for importing articles corresponding to thos e that are protected. (a) Article 5(A)(4) is mentioned in the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  It is found 
in Section 3.13, subsection (1)(a)(iv) and subsection (4) and (5) in the said Act of 2012. 
(b) Liberia adheres to Article 5(B) of the Paris 
Convention.  This is found under Chapter 3, Part I, Subchapter "B", Section 3.36 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  
Article 5(C) prohibits cancellation of a mark for unjustified non-use before a reasonable period of time 
has passed and permits the proprietor to use differing elements that do not diminish  the distinctive character 
of a mark without invalidating the registration or 
diminishing the protection granted the mark.  Concurrent use of the mark by co-proprietors is 
permitted so long as the public is not mislead. Liberia adheres to Article 5(C)(1) (2) and (3) of the 
Paris Convention.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.44 (3) (4) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Under Article 5(D), protection of patents, registered trademarks, and industrial designs cannot be conditioned upon indication or mention of such patent, 
trademark registration, or industrial design protection. This is found under Chapter 3 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 5 bis requires that a grace period of at least six 
months be provided for the payment of maintenance fees for industrial prop erty, but a surcharge is 
permissible.  Countries are authorized to restore 
patents that lapsed for non-payment of fees. Liberia adheres to Article 5 bis of the Paris 
Convention.  This is found under Section 3.12, subsection 2 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 
2012. WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Article 5 ter prohibits a Paris Member from making 
use of patented devices aboard a vessel, aircraft, of 
land vehicle temporarily or accidentally in the territory 
or the Member. Liberia adheres to this Article, which is found under 
the Act of 2012, Subchapter "A", Part I, Section 
3.11(3) (h). 
Article 5 quater  requires that process patent owners 
have all the rights against an imported product 
produced by the patent process that they would have 
with respect to products manufactured at home. Liberia adheres to Article 5 quater  of the Paris 
Convention.  It is found under Section 3.11(1) of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  
Article 5 quinquies  requires that Paris Members protect 
industrial designs. Liberia adheres to Article 5 quinquies  of the Paris 
Convention.  It is found under Section 3.36 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 6 makes the conditions for filing and registration of trademarks subject to domestic 
legislation but also makes filing and registration independent of those in other countries, including the 
country of origin. Liberia adheres to Article 6 of the Paris Convention.  
It is found under Section 3.44, Subchapter "C", 
Distinctive Signs, Part I of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 6 bis requires parties, ex officio if legally 
possible or at the request of  an interested party, to 
refuse to register or, for a period of at least 5 years, to 
cancel the registration of a trademark confusingly 
similar to a well-known mark.  No time limit is placed 
on a mark used in bad faith. Liberia adheres to Article 6 bis of the Paris 
Convention.  This Article  is found under Section 
3.49(b), Subchapter "C", Part I of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  
Article 6 ter requires Members to refuse to register or 
to invalidate the registration that includes, without 
authorization, armorial bear ings, flags, state emblems, 
official signs and hallmarks, etc.  An exception is 
provided for owners of rights acquired in good faith 
before the Convention entered into force for that country. Liberia adheres to Article 6 ter of the Paris 
Convention.  This Article is found under Part I, 
Subchapter "C", Section 3.44( 2) (a) (viii) of the Act of 
2012. 
Article 6 quater  makes the assignment of a mark valid 
if the portion of the business or goodwill of the 
business together with the exclusive right to manufacture and sell the goods bearing the mark are 
also transferred.   Liberia Adheres to Article 6 quater  of the Paris 
Convention.  It is found under Subchapter "C", Part I, 
Section 3.47(5) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 6 quinquies  requires that trademarks duly 
registered in a Member be accepted for filing in other 
Members, with certain reservations, and establishes 
the conditions under which a trademark may be denied 
registration or may be invalidated.   Liberia adheres to Article 6 quinquies  by indicating in 
the Act of 2012, Subchapter "C", Part I, Section 3.46 
subsection 5, which states that "Where an application 
for registration of a mark invokes the benefit of Article 
6quinquies  of the Paris Convention, the Director 
General shall decide on the registration by applying, as 
appropriate, the provisions of that Article". 
Article 6 sexties  states that Paris Members undertake" 
to protect service marks without being required to 
provide for their registration. Liberia adheres. This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.47, subsections (c) and (d) of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 6 septies  requires that trademark owners be able 
to oppose or request cancellation of a registration of 
their trademarks applied for by their agent or 
representative without their authorization "unless the agent or representative justifies his action. Liberia adheres to Article 6 septies  of the Paris 
Convention.  Under Chapter 3, Subchapter "C", 
Section 3.46 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 
of 2012.  WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Article 7 states that the nature of the goods to which a 
trademark is applied may in no case be an obstacle to 
the registration of the trademark. (Duplicate language 
is in TRIPS Article 15.4.) Liberia adheres to Article 7 of the Paris Convention 
and the duplication of Article 15.4 of the TRIPS 
Agreement.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Subchapter "C", Part I, Section 3.45 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 7 bis requires that Members permit registration 
of collective marks belonging to associations the 
existence of which is not contrary to the law of the country of origin, even wh ere the association is not 
established in the country where protection is being 
sought. Liberia adheres to Article 7 bis of the Paris. 
Convention.  It is found under the Act of 2012, 
Subchapter "C", Part I, Section 3.50(1). 
	
Article 8 requires that trade names be protected by 
Members without the necessity of registration, 
whether or not the names are part of a trademark. Liberia adheres to Article 8.  It is found under the Act 
of 2012, Subchapter "C", Part I, Section 3.53 (1). 
Article 9 requires seizure on importation or exclusion 
or goods bearing a trademar k or trade name without 
authorization, unless a country's laws provide for 
neither remedy, in which case domestic actions and 
remedies must be available. Liberia adheres to Article 9 of the Paris Convention.  
This is found under Section 3.93, Chapter 3, 
Subchapter "C", Part I of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012. 
Article 10 applies the obligation of Article 9 to the 
direct or indirect use of false indications of source of goods, or false indication of the producer, 
manufacturer, or merchant of such goods. Liberia adheres to Article 10 which applies the 
obligation of Article 9 of the said Paris Convention.  It is found under Part I, Chapter 3, Subchapter "C".   
Article 10 bis requires Members to provide protection 
against unfair competition, including against acts that create confusion of various kinds about the goods or 
activities of a competitor, that consist of false 
allegations about a competitor, or that are apt to mislead the public regarding a competitor's goods. Liberia adheres to Article 10 of the Paris Convention.  
It is found under Subchapter "D", Section 3.74 (b) of the Act of 2012. 
 
Article 10 ter requires that Members undertake to 
assure to foreign nationals effective legal remedies to 
repress actions referred to in Articles 9, 10 and 10 bis, 
and to allow federations and associations representing 
foreign businesses, on the basis of reciprocity, to take 
action in court and before administrative authorities to repress such acts.   Liberia adheres to Article 10 ter of the Paris 
Convention.  This is found under Chapter 3 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  Article 9 is found under Section 3.53(3), Article 10 is found under 
Section 3.73, and Article 10 bis is found under Section 
3.84 and emphasized under 3.74 (b).  
Article 11 requires that temporary protection. 
consistent with domestic legislation, be afforded to 
patentable inventions, utility models, industrial designs and trademarks in respect of goods exhibited 
at official or officially  recognized international 
exhibitions held in their territory. Liberia adheres.  It is found under Chapter 3 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 12 requires Members to establish industrial 
property offices for patents. utility models, industrial designs and trademarks for the communication to the 
public through publication of a periodic journal of the 
names of patent owners with a brief designation of 
their inventions, and the reproduction of trademarks. Liberia adheres. It is mentioned under Chapters One 
and Two of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Article 19 authorizes Members to enter into separate 
and special industrial property agreements among 
themselves, so long as those agreements do not 
contravene the provisions of Paris. Liberia adheres to Article 19 of the Paris Convention.  
National treatment, with exceptions allowed in the 
Paris, Berne and Rome Conventions.  Article 3. Liberia adheres to Article 3 of the TRIPS Agreement 
and is applying same to other nationals. 
Most favoured nation treatment, with enumerated 
exceptions.  Article 4. Liberia abides by Article 4 (Most Favoured Nation 
Treatment).  
Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Cita tion to copyright and related laws 
Compliance with Articles I through 21 of the Berne 
Convention with the exception of Article 6 bis, Article 
9.1. Liberia adheres to Article 1 through 21 of the Berne 
Convention.  This is found under Chapter 4, Part I, 
Section 4.1.  
Article 2 defines "literary and artistic works" as "every production in the literary, scientific and artistic domain whatever may be the mode or form of its 
expression," giving examples. Limitations related to 
speeches are provided in Article 2 bis. Liberia adheres to Article 2 of the Berne Convention.  
The said Article 2 of the Berne Convention is mentioned in the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012, which is found 
under Chapter 4, Part I, subsection 4.3 (1). 
Article 3 requires that protection be provided to the works of authors who are nationals of Berne Union 
members and to works of nationals of non-Union 
countries if those works are published in a Union member simultaneously with publication in the 
non-Union country.   Liberia adheres to Article 3.  It is found under Chapter 
4, Part I, Section 4.2(1) (a) and (b) of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 4 requires that protection be provided 
cinematographic works not falling under Article 3 if the maker has a headquarters or habitual residence in a 
Union member and to works of architecture or artistic 
works incorporated into a building or structure in a 
Union member. Liberia adheres to Article 4. It is found under Chapter 
4, Part I, Section 4.2(1) (c) and (d) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 5 requires that authors enjoy the rights required 
by Berne and any other rights a country provides 
works on a national treatment basis without being subject to any formalities. Liberia adheres. It is found under Chapter 4 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 7 requires that the term of protection for 
copyright be 50 years following the death of the 
author.  Special terms are authorized for 
cinematographic works, anonymous or pseudonymous 
works, photographic works and works of applied art.  
Article 8 gives authors of protected works the exclusive right to make or  authorize the making of 
translations of the work. (a) Liberia adheres to Article 7 of the Berne 
Convention. It is found under Chapter 4, 
Part I, Section 4.21 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
(b) Article 8 of the Berne Convention also found 
part of the Act of 2012 under Chapter 4, Part I, Section 4.25, subsection (1) of the Act 
of 2012. 
Article 9 requires that authors be given the exclusive right to authorize reproduction of the work in any 
manner or form with only limited exceptions that do not conflict with the normal exploitation of the work 
and do not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate 
interests of the author. Liberia adheres to Article 9 of the Berne Convention.   
It is found under Chapter 4, Section 4.27, subsection 
(4), paragraph (1) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Articles 10 and 10 bis define certain authorized "free 
uses of works". Liberia adheres to Article 10 and 10 bis of the Berne 
Convention. These Articles ar e found under Chapter 4, 
Part I, Section 4.9 (1) and Section 4.10, subsection (1) 
and (2) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  Also, under the same Chapter 4, Section 4.13(1) 
Illustrations for teaching is indicated. In reference to 
Article 10 bis of the Berne Convention, it is found 
under Chapter 4, Section 4.15, items (a) (b) (c) and (d) 
of the said Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Articles 11, 11 bis, and 11 ter require that authors of 
dramatic, dramatico-musical and musical works and any translation thereof and authors of literary and 
artistic works, the exclusiv e right to authorize the 
public performance of their works, including by broadcast, public recitation and any communication to 
the public. Liberia adheres to these Articles mentioned in the 
Berne Convention. Article 11 of the Berne Convention is found under Chapter 4, Part II, Section 4.27 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.Article 11 bis 
is found under Chapter 4, Part II, section 4.27(1)(f) for broadcasting and other wireless communications. 
Ephemeral recordings is found under Section 4.18 of 
the said Act of 2012, wherea s, Compulsory licenses is 
found under the same Chapter 4, Section 4.20, 
subsection (1) and (2), and Section 4.29. 
Article 12 requires that au thors of literary or artistic 
works have the exclusive right to authorize adaptations, arrangements and other alterations of their 
works. Liberia adheres to Article 12 of the Berne Convention.  
It is found under Chapter 4, Part I, Section 4.7, subsection (1) (b) and (c) of  the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012.  
Article 13 authorizes countries to impose reservations 
and conditions on the exclusive right granted authors of musical works or written works that are recorded. Liberia adheres to Article 13 of the Berne Convention.  
It is found under Chapter 4, Section 4.24 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Articles 14 requires that authors of literary and artistic 
works have the exclusive right to authorize the 
cinematographic adaptation and reproduction of their works and the distribution, public performance and 
communication to the public of the adaptation or 
reproduction, without the lim itations authorized under 
Article 13(1). Liberia adheres to Article 14 of the Berne Convention.  
It is found under Chapter 4, Section 4.7 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012.   
Article 14 bis specifies that a cinematographic work is 
to be protected as an orig inal work without prejudice 
to any work that is adapted or reproduced and the 
author of the cinematographic work is to enjoy the 
same rights as the author of any other work. This is found under Chapter 4, Section 4.22 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 14 ter requires "droit de suite" in connection 
with subsequent sales works of art and manuscripts. This is found under Chapter 4, Section 4.8, subsection 
(2) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 15 requires that ownership of a work, for 
purposes of litigation, be presumed to be that which appears on the work in the usual manner. This is found under Chapter 4, Section 4.23 of 
the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 16 requires that infr inging copies of a work be 
subject to seizure whether domestically produced or 
imported.   Liberia adheres.  It is found under Chapter 4, Part III, 
Section 4.32 (1) (a) (b) of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012. 
Article 18 requires that copyright protection be applied 
to all works which, at the moment Berne becomes 
effective, have not fallen into the public domain in the 
country of origin through the expiry of the term of 
protection. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 4 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.   WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Article 19 authorizes Union members to provide 
greater protection than that required by the 
Convention. This is found under Chapter 4 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Article 20 authorizes Union members to enter into special agreements among th emselves to provide more 
extensive rights than those provided by Berne. Liberia adheres to Article 20.  It is found under 
Chapter 4, Section 4.6 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Protect computer programs, whether in source or 
object code, as literary works under the Berne 
Convention.  Protect compilations of data, whether in machine readable or other form are to be protected as 
intellectual creations if they constitute such.  Article 
10. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 4, 
Section 4.16 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 
of 2012. 
Provide rental rights at l east for computer programs 
and cinematographic works with certain exceptions.  
Article 11. Rental rights for computer programs and 
cinematographic works is provided for in the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012 under Chapter 4, 
Part I, Section 4.7, subsection (1), item (e) and 
subsection (3). 
Provide a term of protection of fifty years from the death of tile author (Berne Article 7.1 and TRIPS 
Article 9.1) or, for works the term of which is not 
measured by the life of the author, a term of 50 years 
from the end of the calen dar year of authorized 
publication, or, if not published within fifty years from 
making, fifty years from th e end of the calendar year 
of making.  Article 12. This is found under Chapter 4, 
Section 4.16 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 
2012. 
Confine limitations and exceptions to exclusive rights to certain special cases which do not conflict with a 
normal exploitation of the work and do not unreasonably prejudice the right holder's legitimate 
interests.  Article 13.   Liberia adheres to Article 13 of the TRIPS Agreement.  
This is found under Chapter 3, Section 3.82 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Provide performers with the right for 50 years from the date of a performance to prevent unauthorized 
fixation of their unfixed performances and of 
reproductions of such fixations and to prevent the 
unauthorized broadcast by wireless means and communication to the public of their live 
performances.  Article 14.1 and 5. This is found under Chapter 4, Section 4.27 (1) (f) and 
subsection (5) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Provide phonogram producers with the right for 50 years from the date of first authorized fixation to prohibit unauthorized reproduction of their 
phonograms, directly or indirectly, and to prohibit 
rental of copies of their phonograms once sold or otherwise distributed.  Article 14.2, .4, and .5. This is found under Chapter 4, Section 4.28 (3) of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Providing broadcasting organizations with the exclusive rights for 20 years of fixation, reproduction 
of fixations, and rebroadcasting by wireless means of 
their  broadcasts and the communication to the public 
of broadcasts of their broadcasts or provide to the 
owners of the copyright in the material broadcast the possibility of exercising such rights.  Article 14.3 
and 5. This is found under Chapter 4, Section 4.30 (2) of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Trademarks Citation to appropriate law 
Provide trademark or servic e mark protection for any 
sign, or combination of signs capable of distinguishing 
the goods or services of one undertaking from those of 
other undertakings.  Article 15.1. Liberia adheres to Article 15.1 of the TRIPS 
Agreement.  It is found under Chapter 3, Subchapter 
"C", Part I, Section. 
Not deny registration for a mark based solely on the 
nature of the goods or servi ces to which a trademark is 
to be applied.  Article 15.4. Liberia adheres to Article 15.4 of the TRIPS 
Agreement.  It is found under Chapter 3, Subchapter 
"C", Section 3.4 of the Liberia Intellectual Property 
Act of 2012. 
Trademarks must be published before or shortly after registration to permit opposition or opportunity to apply for cancellation.  Article 15.5. This provision is found under Chapter 3, Section 3.46 
of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Provide trademark owners the exclusive right to 
prevent unauthorized use iden tical or similar marks for 
similar goods or services of other parties if confusion is likely to result.  Article 16.1. Liberia adheres. It is found under Chapter 3, 
Subchapter "C", Part I, Section 3.44, subsection (2) (b) 
(i) and Section 3.47 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Presume confusion where an identical mark is used 
without authorization on identical goods or services.  
Article 16.1. Liberia adheres to Article 16.1 of the TRIPS 
Agreement.  It is found under Chapter 3, Subchapter 
"C", Part I, Section 3.44, subsection (5) and Section 3.47(1) (e) of the 2012 Act. 
Provide protection for well know trademarks and service marks in accord ance with Article 6 bis, of the 
Paris Convention, even where use is on goods or 
services which are not similar to those in respect of which a trademark is registered if the latter use would 
imply a connection with the right holder or would be 
likely to damage the right holder's interests.  Article 
16.2 and .3. Liberia adheres.  It is found under Chapter 3, Part I, 
Section 3.44, subsection 2(b) (ii) of the Act of 2012. 
Allow only limited exceptions to the rights conferred 
by a trademark such as fair use of descriptive terms.  
Article 17. Liberia adheres.  It is found under Chapter 3, Part I, 
subsection "C", section 3.47 (4) of the Liberia  
Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  
Provide a period of protection for registration of at least seven years, renewable indefinitely.  Article 18. Due to jurisdictional matter, a period for protection for 
registration is 10 years and a grace period of six 
months shall be allowed for renewal. Section 3.48, 
Chapter 3, Subchapter "C", Part I of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Allow cancellation for non-use only after a period of 
three years of uninterrupted non-use unless valid 
reasons exist for the non-use, including government interference with use.  Article 19.1. Liberia adheres.  It is found under Chapter 3, Part I, 
Subsection "C", Section 3.49, subsection 2(a) (b) of 
the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
No encumbering of the use of a trademark by special requirements.  Article 20. This is found under Chapter 3 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  
May establish conditions for licensing but compulsory 
licensing not permitted and owner of registered mark 
must be able to assign it w ith or without transfer of 
business.  Article 21. This Article is found under Chapter 3, Subsection "C", 
Part I, Section 3.47(5) of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012. WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Geographical Indications Citation  to appropriate law or laws 
Provide means to prevent deceptive use of 
Geographical indications identifying location where a 
given quality, reputation or other characteristic of a 
good is attributable to its location.  Article 22.1 and 2. 
Refuse to register or invalidate registrations of 
trademarks containing geog raphical indications except 
in instances in which such marks have been used continuously for at least 10 years or in good faith 
before 15 April 1994.  Article 22.3. (a) Liberia adheres. This is found under Chapter 
3, Sections 3.73 and 3.74 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act 2012. 
(b) This is found under Chapter 3, Section 
3.82(a) and (b) of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012.  
Protect against use of geographical indications even 
when literally true but which falsely represent that the goods originate in another territory.  Article 22.4 Liberia adheres to Article 22.4 of the TRIPS 
Agreement.  This is found under Chapter 3, Section 3.75(2) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 
of 2012. 
Protect, with certain exceptions, appellations or origin for wines and spirits even against use accompanied by 
expressions such Liberia adheres to Article 23.1 of the TRIPS 
Agreement.  This is found under Chapter 3, Section 
3.74(c) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 
of 2012. 
Protect, with certain exceptions, appellations or origin for wines and spirits even against use accompanied by 
expressions such as 'kind," type," "style," etc.  Article 23.1 and 24. This is found under Chapter 3, Section 3.74(c) of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012 (same as 
above). 
Refuse or invalidate, with certain exceptions 
trademark registrations containing geographical 
indications for wines and spirits if they do not originate in the place named.  Article 23.2 and 24. Liberia adheres to Articles 23.2 and 24 of the TRIPS 
Agreement.  This is found under Chapter 3 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Industrial Designs Citation to appropriate law 
Provide, with certain exceptions, protection for new or original, independently created industrial designs.  
Article 25.1. Liberia adheres to Article 25.1 of the TRIPS 
Agreement.  It is found under Chapter 3, Subchapter 
"B", section 3.37(2) of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012. 
Ensure that requirements for securing protection for textile designs are not prohibitive of such protection.  
Article 25.2. This is found under Chapter 3 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Protection should last at least 10 years.  This is found under Chapter 3 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Patents Citation to appropriate law 
Provide patents for any inventions, whether products 
or processes, in all fields of technology if they are new, involve an inventive step and are industrially 
applicable.  Exceptions are permitted for plants and 
animals, except for microorganisms and non-biological and microbiological processes.  Exemptions 
are also permitted for reasons of ordre public and 
morality.  Article 27. Liberia adheres.  It is found under Chapter 3, 
Subchapter "A", Part I, S ection 3.11(4) (a) (b) (c) of 
the Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Provide patent owners with the right to prevent others 
from making, using, offering for sale, selling or 
importing a patented product or from using a patent 
process or using, offering for sale, selling or importing a product produced directly using such process.  
Article 28.1. This Article is found under the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012, Section 3.11 (2) (i) (ii). 
Give patent owners the right to assign the rights in the patent, or transfer the righ ts by succession, or license 
them.  Article 28.2. Liberia adheres.  It is found under Section 3.4, 
subsection (4), Chapter 3, Part I of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Require applicants to disclose the invention so that 
one skilled in the art can carry it out and may require 
indication of the best mode and information on corresponding foreign applications.  Article 29. This Article is found under the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012, Section 3.5 (a) (i), Chapter 3, 
Subsection "A", Part I. 
Ensure that any exceptions to exclusive patent rights do not unreasonably conflict with normal exploitation 
of the patent and do not unreasonably prejudice the 
legitimate interests of the patent owner, taking third 
party interests into account.  Article 30. This Article is found under Chapter 3, Part I, 
Subchapter "A", Section 3.13 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Compulsory licenses can be issued only when enumerated conditions are met, including such things 
as notice, remuneration, limitations on use and transfer of the license, etc.  Article 31. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Subchapter "A", Part I, Sect ion 3.13(1) (a) (ii) or (iii) 
and subsection (d) respectively of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Provide an opportunity for judicial review of decisions 
to revoke or forfeit a patent.  Article 32. This Article is found under Chapter 3, Part V, Section 
3.114, subsection (1) of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012. 
Provide a patent term of at  least 20 years from the 
filing date.  Article 33. This Article is found under Chapter 3, Subchapter 
"A", Part I, Section 3.12 of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012. 
Shift the burden of proof in process patent infringement actions to the defendant in instances in 
which tile product produced by the process is new or where it is substantially likely that the identical 
product was made using the process and the patent 
owner has been unable through reasonable efforts to determine the process used.  Article 34. Liberia adheres to this Article.  It is found under 
Chapter 3, Part III, Section 3.99 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Integrated-Circuit Layout Designs Citation to appropriate law 
Provide protection for original layout designs of 
integrated circuits that ar e registered or have been 
commercially exploited anywhere in the world.  Articles 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the Washington Treaty as 
incorporated into TRIPS by Article 35. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, Part 
III, Section 3.27 subsection (3) of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Make unlawful, except in certain circumstances, the 
reproduction, importation, sale or other distribution of 
a protected layout design or an integrated circuit embodying such design or an article containing such a 
microcircuit.  Article 6 of  Washington and Article 36 
of TRIPS. This is found under Chapter 3, Part III, Section 3.30 
Subsection (1) (a) and (b) of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012. 
Provide such protection for a term of 10 years from the films, of an application for registration or from 
first commercial exploitation.  Article 38. This is found under Chapter 3, Part III, Section 3.33 
items (a) and (b) of the Liberia Intellectual Property 
Act of 2012.  WT/ACC/LBR/9 
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  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Undisclosed Information Citation to appropriate law or laws 
Provide protection for undisclosed information that is 
secret (not generally known or readily ascertainable); 
has commercial value because of its secrecy., and has 
been subject to reasonable steps to keep it secret.  Article 39.2. Liberia adheres.  It is found under Chapter 3, Part II 
Subchapter "E", Section 3.89, subsection (3), items (a) 
(b) and (c) of the Liberia Intellectual Property 
Act of 2012. 
Protect data submitted to obtain marketing approval 
for pharmaceutical or agricultural chemicals utilizing a 
new chemical entity.  Article 39.3. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, Part I 
Section 3.11, Subsection 3(h) (i) of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Enforcement Citation to ap propriate law or laws 
- General Provisions  
Provide for effective action against infringement of 
intellectual property rights without creating barriers to 
legitimate trade or opportunities for abuse.  Article 41.1. Liberia adheres.  It is found under Chapter 3, 
Subchapter "F", Part I, Section 3.90 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Provide enforcement procedures that are fair and 
equitable and are not unnecessarily complicated or 
costly and do not entail unreasonable time-limits or unwarranted delays.  Article 41.2.  This Article is found under Chapter 3, Subchapter "F", 
Section 3.103 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 
of 2012. 
Provide decisions on the merits based upon the 
evidence presented in th e case to the parties, 
preferably in writing with the reasons explained.  
Article 41.3. This is found under Chapter 3, Part IV, Section 3.108, 
subsection (1) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 
of 2012. 
Provide for appeals to judicial bodies of final administrative decisions an d of at least the legal 
aspects of initial judicial decisions on the merits of a 
case.  Article 41.4. Liberia adheres. For judicial bodies of final 
administrative decisions, it is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.12, and where the decision is by a Court the 
appeal shall be consistent with the provision of 
Section 3.104(2) of the Liberia Intellectual Property 
Act of 2012.  Whereas, the legal aspects is found under Chapter 3, Subchapter "G", Section 3.128 of the 
said Act of 2012.  
Civil and Administrative Procedures and Remedies Liberia adheres. Civil and Administrative procedures 
and remedies are found under both Industrial Property 
and Copyright laws of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Provide a procedure that allo ws plaintiffs to bring an 
action for infringement; requires that defendants be 
notified; permits both side to present evidence in support of their position; and protects confidential 
information.  Article 42.  It is found under Chapter 3, Section 3.97 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Authorize judges to order production of evidence 
necessary to substantiate a party's claims where that 
party has been unable to obtain such evidence from the 
opposing party.  Article 43.1.  Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, Part 
III, Section 3.98(1) of the Liberia Intellectual Property 
Act of 2012.  
Authorize judges to enjoin  a defendant, except the 
government, from infringing intellectual property 
rights.  Article 44.1. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  WT/ACC/LBR/9 
 Page 13 
 
 
  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Authorize judges to order the payment of monetary 
damages adequate to compensate for the injury done 
by the infringement.  Article 45.1. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.90(2) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 
of 2012. 
Authorize judges to order infringer to pay right 
holders enforcement costs and recovery of profits and/or statutory damages.  Article 45.2.  This is found under Chapter 3, Section 3.100, 
subsection (1) and (2) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Authorize additional remedies including seizure of 
infringing goods, and the materials and implements 
the predominant use of which is infringement.  Article 46. This is found under Chapter 3, Section 3.101, 
subsection (3) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 
of 2012. 
Authorize indemnification of defendant, including attorneys' fees in the even t of abuse by plaintiffs.  
Article 48.1. This is found under Chapter 3, Section 3.103 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012.   
Exempt public authorities and officials from liability in connection with the administration of intellectual property laws only where the actions are taken or 
intended in good faith within the scope of tile relevant 
authority.  Article 48.2. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Ensure that administrative remedies conform to the 
principles in the preceding Articles.  Article 49. Liberia adheres. It is found in both laws (industrial 
property law and copyright law). 
- Provisional Measures  
Authorize judges to grant temporary restraining orders and provisional relief to prevent infringement and to 
preserve evidence.  Article 50.1. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.97, subsection (1) of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012. 
Authorize judges to require the complaining party to indemnify the defending party against harm if the 
decision on the merits finds the provisional relief 
unjustified.  Article 50.3. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.97, subsection (2) (a) and (b) of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Provide for notice, for formal action by the plaintiff 
after temporary restraining orders, etc.  Article 50.4. Liberia adheres.  It is found under Chapter 3, Section 
3.114, subsection (1) of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012. 
- Border Measures  
Provide for suspension of release by customs authorities of goods suspected of bearing a counterfeit trademark or of being a piratical copyrighted work, 
either at the request of a right holder.  Members are 
authorized to extend such protection to holders of 
other forms of intellectual property, Article 51. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.106, subsection (2) of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Require right holders initiating border measures to 
provide evidence of a prim a facie infringement and a 
description of tile goods sufficient for customs authorities to recognize them.  The right holder must 
be notified within a reasonable time is action will be 
taken on his behalf.  Article 52. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.108, subsection (2)(c) of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Authorize authorities to require the right holder requesting border measures to  post a bond sufficient to 
protect the defendant and to prevent abuse.  Article 53. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.110, item (c) of the Liberia Intellectual 
Property Act of 2012. WT/ACC/LBR/9 
Page 14  
 
  TRIPS Agreement Liberia 
Requires prompt notification of the right holder and 
the importer when action under Article 51 is taken.  
Article 54. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.111, subsection (1) (2) and (3) of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Requires that customs authorities be notified within a 
maximum of 20 days of the receipt of notice that proceedings on the merits have begun or the 
suspension is to be revoked.  Article 55. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.113, subsections (1 ) and (2) of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Authorities must be authorized to require the right holder to compensate the importer or owner of the goods subject to border measures if goods were 
wrongfully detained or if proceedings leading to a 
decision on the merits are not begun within tile allotted time.  Article 56. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.117 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Right holders must be allowed to inspect the detained goods in order to substantiate the right holder's claims.  
Importers must be given similar authority.  Members 
may give the right holder the names and addresses of 
those involved in the importation when infringement is 
found to exist.  Article 57. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.112 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 
of 2012. 
 
Establishes the conditions that must be in place if 
customs authorities are authorized to act ex officio, including the ability to ask the right holder for 
information at any time; the requirement to notify the 
importer promptly of the suspension; and the requirement that public officials be liable if they act in 
bad faith.  Article 58. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3 of the 
Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Competent authorities must be able to order destruction or disposal other than by re-export of infringing goods where appropriate.  Article 59. Liberia adheres.  This is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.115 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2012. 
Members are authorized to except from border 
measures small quantities of infringing goods of a 
non-commercial nature carried  in personal luggage or 
shipped in small consignments.  Article 60. Liberia adheres.  It is found under Chapter 3, 
Section 3.118 of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act 
of 2012.  
- Criminal Procedures  
Provide criminal procedures and penalties, sufficient to act as a deterrent, for wilful trademark 
counterfeiting or copyright piracy on a commercial 
scale.  Authorizes extensio n of criminal actions to 
other forms of intellectual property where 
infringements are wilful and on a commercial scale.  
Article 61. Liberia adheres. Criminal procedures for industrial 
property on a commercial scale is found under 
Chapter 3, Part VI, Section 3.122 while criminal 
procedure for copyright on a commercial scale is found under Chapter 4, Section 4.34 of the Liberia 
Intellectual Property Act of 2012.  
 
   
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