LAW N° 31/2009 OF 26/10/2009 ON THE PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY
We, KAGAME Paul,
President of the Republic;
THE PARLIAMENT HAS ADOPTED, AND WE SANCTION, PROMULGATE THE
FOLLOWING LAW AND ORDER IT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL
GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA
THE PARLIAMENT:
The Chamber of Deputies in its session of 11 February 2009;
The Senate in its session of 12 January 2009;
Given the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of June 4, 2003, as amended and
completed to date; especially in its articles 29, 43, 51, 62, 66, 67,88, 89, 90, 93, 95, 108, 118
and 201;
Given the Law n° 17/1983 of August 18, 1983 on accession of Rwanda to the Convention
establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), signed in Stockholm, July
14, 1967;
Given the Law n° 17/1983 of August 18, 1983 on accession of Rwanda to the Paris
Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property;
Given the Law n° 18/1983 of August 18, 1983 on accession of Rwanda to the Bern
Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works;
Given the Law of May 26, 1996 on accession of Rwanda to the World Trade Organisation
(WTO);
Given the law n°18/2004 of June 20, 2004 on code of civil, administrative and commercial
procedures of Rwanda as modified and completed to date;
Having reviewed the Law of February 25, 1963 on Patents;
Having reviewed the Law of February 25, 1963 on Factory or Trade marks;