Business & Commercial Law in Morocco

The Regulatory Framework of Commercial Law in Morocco

Morocco’s commercial legal landscape has undergone massive reforms to encourage global trade, simplify investment procedures, and build a secure corporate ecosystem. The cornerstone of this framework is Law No. 15-95 forming the Commercial Code, which regulates commercial acts, merchant status, commercial instruments, and corporate restructuring.

Doing business in northern Morocco—driven by the fast expansion of the Tangier Med port hub, Tangier Free Zone (TFZ), and Tangier Automotive City (TAC)—requires solid legal guidance. Working with a commercial lawyer in Tangier ensures full compliance with local regulatory requirements, corporate compliance audits, and commercial litigation strategies.

Merchant Rights, Duties and registration

Moroccan law guarantees freedom of enterprise. Any local or foreign individual or corporate entity can acquire merchant status by carrying out commercial transactions as their habitual occupation. The Commercial Code defines merchants and mandates strict compliance criteria:

• Commercial Registry (RC) Registration: Must be filed within three months of opening a commercial establishment. In Tangier, this is processed at the commercial court.
• Mandatory Bookkeeping: According to Law No. 9-88, merchants must maintain standard accounting logs for fiscal validity and evidence in court.
• Document Retention: All trade archives, letters, and invoices must be securely preserved for 10 years.

Drafting and Negotiating Commercial Contracts

Commercial contracts are legally binding in Morocco under Article 230 of the Dahir of Obligations and Contracts. An imprecise contract exposes a business to significant liabilities and disputes. Our office in Tangier provides full assistance in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, including:

1. Distribution Agreements

Establishing a distribution network in Morocco requires careful legal planning:

• Franchise Contracts: These fall under the general law of obligations. They must be drafted to protect trademarks and know-how transfer.
• Commercial Agency: Regulated by Articles 393 onward of the Commercial Code. The agent is a professional proxy negotiating and executing sales on behalf of the principal.
• Exclusive Concessions: The supplier commits to supply only the concessionaire within a specified territory (e.g. Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima).

2. Commercial Leases and Law No. 49-16

Moroccan commercial leases are strictly governed by Law No. 49-16. Essential elements of the law include:

• Right to Lease Renewal: Acquired after 2 consecutive years of occupancy (or immediately if a premium fee was paid and recorded).
• Eviction Compensation: Landlords refusing lease renewal must pay eviction compensation equivalent to the commercial value of the business.
• Rent Revision: Under Law No. 07-03, rent can be revised every 3 years, capped at 10% unless otherwise agreed.

Intellectual Property Protection in Morocco

Protecting assets like trademarks, patents, and designs is governed by Law No. 17-97 on the Protection of Industrial Property (amended by Law 23-13). Businesses in Morocco must register trademarks with the Moroccan Industrial and Commercial Property Office (OMPIC) to ensure exclusive rights.

Our firm performs trademark searches, files national and international applications, and handles infringement and unfair competition claims before commercial courts.

Commercial Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Commercial disputes are handled by specialized Commercial Courts (established by Law No. 53-95). Representation by a registered attorney is mandatory. When urgent action is required, we use fast-track procedures:

• Commercial Injunctions (Référé): To obtain urgent preservation measures or stop unfair business practices within days.
• Payment Orders: A fast track to recover undisputed debts backed by invoices or promissory notes.
• Arbitration & Mediation: We draft arbitration clauses to resolve disputes confidentially outside the public court system.

Our Working Methodology & Approach

Every case or commercial transaction undergoes rigorous analysis structured around three key phases: first, an in-depth legal audit and risk assessment of all contracts and documentation; second, an amicable negotiation and mediation phase to resolve issues swiftly and cost-effectively; and third, resolute judicial advocacy before Moroccan courts, actively managing hearings, expert appraisals, and the full enforcement of court rulings.