Legal structures to protect intellectual property rights are relatively strong; however, the legal framework requires updates to reflect recent developments. Investors report that enforcement remains somewhat weak, though infringements and theft are not widespread.  Lesotho respects international intellectual property laws and is a member of both the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the African Intellectual Property Organization. Intellectual property protection is governed by the Industrial Property Order of 1989, the Copyright Act of 1989, and the Lesotho Copyright Regulations 139 of 2015, all of which conform to the Paris Convention and Berne Convention standards. The law protects patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and copyrights, but does not extend to trade secrets or semiconductor chip layout designs. The Law Office oversees enforcement of the Industrial Property Order, while the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Business Development, and Tourism is responsible for enforcing copyright, reflecting the law’s focus on artistic works. 

The Deeds Registry carries out registration.

Lesotho is not listed in USTR’s Special 301 Report, nor does it host a Notorious Market.

For additional information about treaty obligations and points of contact at local IP offices, please see WIPO’s country profiles at https://www.wipo.int/directory/en/.

In any foreign market companies should consider several general principles for effective protection of their intellectual property. For background, link to our article on Protecting Intellectual Property and Stopfakes.gov for more resources.

Resources for Rights Holders 
Contact at Mission:
Name of Economic Officer:  Sean Lawlor
Title: Political and Economic Affairs Chief 
Tel: (266) 2231 2666
Email:  LawlorSM@state.gov
 

Local Lawyers List:
Naledi Chambers Incorporated
1st floor Metropolitan Building
Kingsway,
Maseru
Lesotho
Tel: (266) 2231 4986
Fax :(266) 2231 0521 
E-mail: naledichambersinc@tlmail.co.ls