Patent Process

January 12, 2010
Intellectual Property News and Interesting Facts

The patent process can vary greatly from country to country. In South Africa you have the option to approach your application as a two-step process, giving you a certain amount of freedom and time to finalise your invention and associated planning with peace of mind.

The first step in the patent process is to file a South African provisional patent application to obtain the earliest possible date from which to claim rights to your invention. The second step is to file a complete patent application within 12 months of filing the provisional patent application.

The rights you are protecting date back to the filing date of your South African provisional patent application, while you still have the opportunity to make changes and determine the financial feasibility of your invention before filing for the complete patent.

Contact Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated for any queries regarding the patent process. We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the best routes and to guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.