New Agreement with WIPO to Enhance IP Protection and Cultural Heritage Rights
25 Jul 2025 | Newsletter
Morocco has signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to strengthen cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights, with particular emphasis on copyright, neighboring rights, and the legal protection of cultural heritage.
Signed in Geneva in July 2025, the agreement supports Morocco’s national IP strategy by providing access to technical expertise, emerging legal tools, and international platforms such as WIPOCONNECT, WIPO’s digital system for rights management and improved copyright administration.
A central component of the agreement is the promotion and protection of “Label Maroc,” a cultural label aiming at formally recognizing and safeguarding Morocco’s intangible heritage. Through the framework of the Moroccan Industrial and Commercial Property Office (OMPIC), this initiative helps preserve emblematic cultural elements such as the caftan and zellige (traditional tilework), which are already registered as part of the country’s national heritage.
In addition, the agreement aims to build the capacity of the Moroccan Copyright Office (BMDA) in key areas, creating new opportunities for artists and the wider cultural sector. Upcoming joint initiatives include expert missions and knowledge exchange programs focused on reinforcing Morocco’s copyright system and supporting the fair compensation to creators.
While UNESCO offers symbolic recognition of cultural heritage, WIPO provides legal mechanisms that allow states to assert and defend their cultural assets in cases of unauthorized commercial use or misrepresentation. This agreement equips Morocco with the institutional tools to pursue legal action and ensure better control over the use of its heritage.
The collaboration reflects Morocco’s broader efforts to integrate intellectual property into its cultural and economic development strategy, underscoring the role of IP law in protecting national identity and fostering sustainable cultural industries.