Intellectual Property

Zanzibar
Smit & Van Wyk Patent, Trademark & Registered Designs

Zanzibar Patents

Zanzibar patents are valid for 10 years from the filing date and annual renewal fees are payable from the first anniversary of the filing date. We provide a full range of Intellectual Property legal services in Zanzibar and all African countries where protection is available. We work with a network of trusted and knowledgeable agents to develop the best possible solution to each of our clients’ needs for patents in Africa. Our patent department specialise in the identification, protection, prosecution and enforcement of patents in Zanzibar and our registered patent attorney’s cover a number of technical disciplines, including: mechanical, electrical, electronic and software engineering as well as biotechnology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals and chemical engineering.

Types of Patents:

  • Patents of Invention
  • National Phase PCT Application

Novelty:

Absolute novelty required.

Patentability:  

Methods of medical diagnosis, treatment or surgery are not patentable.

Examination:

Formal examination.

Patent Duration / Renewals:

Zanzibar patents have a duration of 20 years from date of filing. Annual renewal fees are payable from the first anniversary of the filing date.

Patent Filing Requirements

Non-PCT applications:

  • Simply signed Power of Attorney (can be late filed)
  • Specification, claims, drawings and abstract with English translation (required upon filing)
  • Deed of assignment (can be late filed)
  • Certified copy of the priority document (if applicable) with verified English translation (must be filed within 3 months of the filing date)

PCT applications:

  • Simply signed Power of Attorney (can be late filed)
  • Specification, claims, drawings and abstract with English translation (required upon filing)
  • Deed of assignment (can be late filed)
  • Published International application (required upon filing)
  • International Search Report and International Preliminary Report on Patentability (can be late filed)

International and Regional Systems

PCT

Zanzibar is a signatory of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The Patent Cooperation Treaty ensures that by filing one international patent application, that applicants can simultaneously seek protection for an invention in other PCT member countries. A PCT National Phase entry provides a unified procedure for filing patent applications to protect intellectual property in each of its contracting states.

Paris Convention

Zanzibar is a member of the Paris Convention where each contracting state must grant the same IP protection to nationals of other contracting states, and provides for the right of priority in the case of patents, trademarks and designs. The Paris Convention is an international agreement which helps creators ensure that their intellectual property is protected in other countries. It applies to IP in the widest sense as it covers patents, trademarks and industrial designs to name a few.

Contact Request