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Business risks

Australian companies are advised to spend time investigating the market, obtain professional advice where appropriate and thoroughly investigate the issues in entering the market and establishing business relationships.

Australian firms wishing to operate in this country should commit to the highest level of corporate behaviour and familiarise themselves with Australia's law and penalties pertaining to bribery of foreign officials.

Bribery of foreign public officials is a crime. Australian individuals and companies can be prosecuted in Australia for bribing foreign officials when overseas. Further information on the regulations governing bribery of foreign public officials is available.

For further information on frauds, scams, personal and asset security, intellectual property protection and other business risks please visit www.austrade.gov.au/Legal-issues/default.aspx

IP Protection

Mauritian laws protect copyright, patents, industrial designs, marks (trademarks, trade names, service marks, collective marks), layout-designs of integrated circuits and geographical indications.

Legislation includes:

  • Patent, Industrial Designs and Trademark Act 2002 (PIDTA)
  • Protection Against Unfair Practice Act 2002 (PAUP)
  • Layout Designs (Topographies) of Integrated Circuit Act 2002
  • Geographical Indications Act 2002 (GI Act)
  • Copyright Act 1997

Arbitration

Mauritius became an International Arbitration Centre following an agreement between the Government of Mauritius, the London Chamber of International Arbitration (LCIA) and the Mauritius International Arbitration Centre Limited (MIAC). This agreement provided for the establishment and operation of a new arbitration centre in Mauritius.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration based in the Hague has also opened its only office outside Netherlands in Mauritius. This provides testimony to the significant role the Mauritian Arbitration Centre is set to play in future as a regional Arbitration Centre of excellence and further consolidates Mauritius as a secure platform for regional and global business.

Foreign lawyers are authorised by the International Arbitration Act to represent parties and to act as arbitrators in international arbitrations in Mauritius.

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OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.

  • International Readiness Indicator

    checklist

    Austrade's International Readiness Indicator is an online tool to help Australian businesses determine whether they are ready for exporting.

    International Readiness Indicator

  • How Austrade can help

    Austrade provides information and advice to assist Australian companies reduce the time, cost and risk of exporting.

    Assistance from Austrade

  • Contact Austrade

Site Information

Austrade makes no warranty, express or implied as to the fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability for the accuracy or usefulness of any information contained in this document. Any consequential loss or damage suffered as a result of reliance on this information is the sole responsibility of the user.