São Tomé e Príncipe lacks a comprehensive framework for consumer protection that applies to online transactions.

São Tomé e Príncipe has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.

São Tomé e Príncipe has not adopted national legislation based on the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.

São Tomé e Príncipe has not adopted national legislation based on the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signature.

Self-certification is allowed in São Tomé e Príncipe for radio transmission, electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). São Tomé e Príncipe allows foreign companies to self-certify that they comply with these standards through a Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).

Law No. 03/2016 establishes a comprehensive data protection framework and addresses matters such as data processing notifications, data protection principles, data processor agreements, and essential data subject rights.

A basic legal framework on intermediary liability for copyright infringement is absent in São Tomé e Príncipe's law and jurisprudence.

A basic legal framework on intermediary liability beyond copyright infringement is absent in São Tomé e Príncipe's law and jurisprudence.

Arts. 7 and 8 of Decree No. 20/2012 impose that the purchasers of SIM cards register their names and national identity numbers before the telecommunications operators.

São Tomé e Príncipe is a party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

São Tomé e Príncipe has a copyright regime under the Copyright Code of 2017. However, the exceptions do not follow the fair use or fair dealing model, therefore limiting the lawful use of copyrighted work by others. Art. 75 lists the exceptions, which include reproduction and making available to the public by means of social communication and for the purposes of information; reproduction for scientific research purposes; reproduction as part of teaching activities; and reporting current events, among others.

São Tomé e Príncipe has ratified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty.

São Tomé e Príncipe has ratified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Performances and Phonograms Treaty.

Decree-Law No. 23/2016 - Intellectual Property Code establishes a comprehensive framework for the effective protection of trade secrets in São Tomé e Príncipe, including definitions, penalties, and applicable remedies. According to Art. 278, the disclosure, acquisition, or use of a competitor's business secrets without consent constitutes an offence punishable under this Code, provided the information meets the following criteria:
i) it is secret, meaning it is not generally known or readily accessible, in its entirety or in the specific configuration and assembly of its components, to individuals within circles that typically handle such information;
ii) it possesses commercial value due to its secrecy; and
iii) it has been subject to reasonable measures, under the circumstances, by the lawful holder of the information to maintain its secrecy.
Art. 280 stipulates fines ranging from DBS 5 million to DBS 50 million (approx. USD 200 to USD 2,200) for individuals, and DBS 25 million to DBS 250 million (approx. USD 1,110 to USD 11,150) for corporate entities.

There is an obligation for passive infrastructure sharing in São Tomé e Príncipe to deliver telecom services to end users under Art. 8.8 of Decree No. 6/2013. It is practised in both the mobile and fixed sectors based on commercial agreements.