We have been advised that, on May 8, 1998, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau deposited its instrument of accession to the Bangui Agreement to become a member of the African Organization for Intellectual Property (OAPI), with effect from July 8, 1998. Therefore, OAPI registrations obtained after July 8, 1998 will automatically be protected in Guinea-Bissau. We have also been advised that, although it is expected that OAPI registrations obtained prior to July 8, 1998 will be extendible to Guinea-Bissau, the provisions for such extensions have not yet been issued. We shall keep our clients advised as we receive more information.