Morocco’s Growing Role in Global Intellectual Property Landscape

Thursday 02 January 2025 - 10:02

Morocco has made remarkable strides in the field of intellectual property, particularly in patents and industrial designs, as revealed by the latest report from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The country’s progress is underscored by a significant increase in the number of patents granted in 2023, marking a year of notable achievement in its pursuit of scientific excellence.

In 2023, Morocco granted a total of 644 patents, representing a rise of 65 patents compared to the previous year. This growth is a clear indicator of the country's commitment to innovation, with 142 patents awarded to Moroccan residents and 502 granted to non-residents. This distribution highlights the international interest in Morocco’s growing innovation ecosystem, further solidifying its position as an attractive destination for scientific research and technological development investment.

Patent filings showed a slight decline, with a total of 2,802 applications in 2023, down by 111 from the previous year. However, local filings remained stable, with Moroccan residents submitting 450 applications and non-residents filing 2,074. These figures reflect a growing confidence from international investors in the Moroccan innovation landscape, while also demonstrating the local desire to protect intellectual property.

One area where Morocco has particularly excelled is industrial designs. The country ranks 5th globally in terms of industrial designs registered per GDP, with 1,341 designs per 100 billion dollars. This achievement places Morocco among the world’s leaders, alongside countries like China, South Korea, and Turkey, highlighting the dynamism of Morocco’s industrial sector.

Furthermore, Morocco has shown a strong trend towards international trademark protection. Approximately 15.2% of trademark applications from Morocco are aimed at securing protection globally. This trend reflects the increasing intent of Moroccan businesses to safeguard their brands in international markets, aligning with the country’s strategic vision to boost its economy and enhance the competitiveness of local brands globally.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The average time for processing patent applications until a final decision is reached is approximately 23.1 months, which is relatively long. However, ongoing efforts to improve administrative efficiency and accelerate procedures suggest that Morocco is poised to make further progress, potentially optimizing the handling of intellectual property cases in the near future.

Compared to other similar economies, Morocco strikes a well-regarded balance between fostering local innovation and attracting international investment. While countries like Iran and Turkey rely more on foreign-origin patent applications, Morocco has focused on developing its internal capabilities while remaining open to global engagement. This dual approach reflects Morocco’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global intellectual property landscape, positioning the country for continued growth and recognition in the years to come.