Intellectual Property
FN & PARTNERS advises clients on protecting, defending and enhancing the value of their trademarks, creations and innovations.
Chad is a member of the African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI). A single filing with OAPI — trademark, trade name, design or patent — takes effect in all member states, with no additional national formality. Literary and artistic works are protected by copyright from the moment they are created.
An unregistered trademark, a logo created by a contractor without an assignment of rights, or software developed without a contract are all fragile assets. The firm helps companies and creators identify what is worth protecting, secure ownership of their rights, and then enforce and exploit them.
Issues We Handle
- Trademark filing and protection
- Licensing and assignment agreements
- Counterfeiting litigation
- Valuation of intangible assets
Clients We Serve
- Companies
- Creators and innovators
- Investors
How We Work
Strategy and filings
Prior-rights searches, choice of signs and classes, assistance with OAPI filings through accredited agents, monitoring of renewals.
Ownership of rights
Assignment clauses in employment, commission and service contracts; rights in software, websites, content and graphic works.
Exploitation
Licence, franchise, distribution and technology-transfer agreements, and confidentiality agreements.
Enforcement
Oppositions, formal notices, infringement seizures, and actions for infringement and unfair competition.
Our Approach
A protection strategy tailored to the real economic value of the client’s intangible assets.
Legal Framework
- Bangui Agreement establishing the African Intellectual Property Organisation, as revised
- OAPI implementing regulations and procedures
- Chadian legislation on copyright and related rights
- Paris and Berne Conventions and the TRIPS Agreement
- Rules on unfair competition and civil liability
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the firm guides clients through trademark protection procedures at national and regional level.
Yes. Registration with OAPI automatically covers all of the organisation’s member states, including Chad. Protection outside that area requires additional steps.
Without a written assignment clause, the contractor in principle keeps the copyright, even if paid. It is therefore essential to provide in writing for the assignment of rights, its scope and its duration.
First gather evidence and check the validity and scope of your own rights, then choose the appropriate response: formal notice, negotiation, infringement seizure or court action.
This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation calls for specific analysis: please contact the firm before making any decision.
Let’s discuss your situation
A first conversation helps define your need and outline the options available.
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