A report published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) revealed that Morocco has recorded a notable increase in the number of invention patents granted. In 2023, the country issued a total of 644 patents, an increase of 65 patents from the previous year.
Towards scientific excellence, Morocco is approaching slowly, but surely. Of these granted patents, 142 were granted to Moroccan residents, while 502 were awarded to non-residents. This distribution highlights the sustained international interest in innovation in Morocco, thus consolidating its position as a preferred destination for investments in scientific research and technological development, according to the report. “Global Intellectual Property Indicators 2024”.
In terms of patent filings, although a slight decline was observed with a total of 2,802 applications in 2023 (a decrease of 111 compared to the previous year), local filings remained at a stable level. Moroccan residents submitted 450 applications, while non-residents submitted 2,074. These figures demonstrate a growing confidence of international investors in the Moroccan innovative ecosystem, while highlighting the desire of local actors to protect their creations. .
In the field of industrial designs, Morocco has particularly distinguished itself on a global scale. It ranks fifth in terms of registered industrial designs relative to GDP, with 1,341 designs per $100 billion. This figure reflects the vitality of the Moroccan industrial sector and strengthens the country’s position among world leaders such as China, South Korea and Turkey.
Speaking of trademarks, a growing trend towards international protection has been noticed. In detail, 15.2% of applications filed from Morocco seek protection on a global scale. This dynamic reflects the increased desire of Moroccan companies to secure their brands on international markets and is part of the country’s strategic vision aimed at boosting the national economy and strengthening the competitiveness of local brands internationally.
Despite these advances, certain challenges persist. The average time for processing patent applications until the final decision is approximately 23.1 months, a relatively long time gap. However, the efforts undertaken to improve administrative efficiency and speed up procedures suggest future progress, which could facilitate and optimize the processing of files.
Compared to other similar economies, Morocco displays a valued balance between strengthening local innovation and attracting international investment. While other countries such as Iran and Turkey rely relatively on patent applications from abroad, Morocco strives to develop its internal capabilities while remaining open to the world.
