The TUSIP aims to contribute to effective IP protection to the benefit of the Tunisian entrepreneurs, creators, researchers and producers. To this end, various activities will be implemented to strengthen the legal framework of IP protection such as contributing to the implementation of the National IP Strategy, updating the industrial property and GI legislations as well as creating the legal framework for the establishment of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) in Tunisia.

Furthermore, activities for strengthening the capacities and service delivery of the main IP authorities regarding registration and administration are planned.

In response to the need to raise awareness of IP rights, with the aim of using them as a means of economic development, the project will focus on reinforcing IP Academy capacities, as well as the capacity of innovation and export promotion entities, in regard to IPRs and country branding. Enhancing the awareness on Geographical Indications (GIs) and their management in agri-food and handicraft sectors is also foreseen.

Finally, to contribute to effective enforcement of IPRs, TUSIP will work together with the ministry of trade and export development, Tunisian judiciary and customs authorities through training sessions on inspection and the fight against piracy and counterfeiting and will support them in developing guidelines and materials.

1 Why Tunisia? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Why IP | 5 Who benefits? | 6 Project Facts

The National Development Plan 2016-2020 of Tunisia aims to turn the country into an economic hub, through achieving diversification of the economy with greater export potential and job creation. More specifically, it aims to “Promote innovation and creativity” by doubling the number of patents, and increasing expenditure dedicated to scientific research to 1.2% of GDP in 2020. This objective should be met by “increasing the contribution of scientific research and technology innovation to social and economic development” and “enhancing capacities and resources allocated to the national research and innovation system”.

Tunisia strives to establish the country as a pioneer in digital economy in the region. The above-mentioned National Development Plan also establishes the ‘Digital Tunisia 2020 National Strategic Plan’. Under this, the national Start-up Tunisia Strategy was formalized with the Start-up Act in 2019, with the vision of “Making Tunisia a start-up friendly country at the crossroads of the Mediterranean region, the MENA region and Africa”. Tunisia is the first African country with such an affirmative start-up policy and system.

Despite the reform-oriented policies and institutions, the Tunisian innovation and IP system is rather disjointed and would benefit from being defined under a National Strategy for Innovation and/or IP.

Therefore, although all of the main IP legislation and institutions are available in Tunisia, the definition and coordination of the national IP system and enhanced capacity of its stakeholders will be key to allowing the country to benefit from IP opportunities and move towards economic growth.

1 Why Tunisia? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Why IP | 5 Who benefits? | 6 Project Facts

Project duration

January 2022 – December 2025

Total budget

CHF 1,500,000

Donor agency

Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

Implementing institution
Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI)

Main partners

• Ministère du Commerce et du Développement des Exportations (MCDE)
• Institut National de la Normalisation et de la Propriété Industrielle (INNORPI)
• Direction Générale de la Production Agricole (DGPA)
• Organisme Tunisien des Droits d’Auteur et des Droits Voisins (OTDAV)

Tunisia country context

Population: 11.7 million (2019)

Area: 163,610 km²

Annual GDP growth: 1.0% (2019)

GDP per capita: USD 3,317 (2019)

1 Why Tunisia? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Why IP | 5 Who benefits? | 6 Project Facts