Filing requirements Nigerian patents must contain: the applicant’s full name and address; (if the applicant is a foreigner) an address for service in Nigeria; a description of the invention (with drawings, if appropriate); claims; declaration by the inventor providing his name and address; a Power of Attorney (without legalisation or certification); (if priority is claimed): … Read more
Oct 13th, 2022New South African Design Package South African design registrations may now be couriered within 4 months of filing, and our new “package” couples registration and lifetime renewals. South African designs are quick and affordable, especially where registration and renewals “to term” are packaged together. About South African designs Time to courier of certificate: 4 months … Read more
Oct 6th, 2022A SANi Patent is a combination South African patent and Nigerian patent, which fills the large “gaps” left by ARIPO and OAPI regional patents. Despite covering only two countries, the SANi patent has a higher GDP than ARIPO and OAPI patents combined, and should be the first option for applicants extending their patent rights to … Read more
Sep 29th, 2022On 27 July 2021 the South African Patent Office granted patent no. 2021/03242 for a “Food container and devices and methods for attracting enhanced attention”. The patent was filed by Stephen L. Thaler and cites “DABUS, The invention was autonomously generated by an artificial intelligence” as the inventor. Most patent attorneys regard this as an … Read more
Sep 22nd, 2022S&Z and the GlobalIPCo system processes Vicennial Renewals for South African, Nigerian and SANi patents. Nigerian Patent Vicennial Renewal To renew a Nigerian patent for one year costs 8,204.25 Nigerian Naira (about US$ 20) in official fees. The Nigerian Patent Office permits pre-payment of Nigerian patent renewals, and the total fees to renew a Nigerian … Read more
Sep 22nd, 2022The most effective and affordable way to cover Africa (with pre-paid renewals for all 20 years) is to file a SANi Vicennial Patent through S&Z / the GlobalIPCo system – a system that files about 5,000 African patents per year. For only $1,750 (fixed cost, professional and official fees included), you can obtain and maintain … Read more
Sep 16th, 2022To obtain patent protection in Africa, your best options are to file: a SANi Patent (South Africa & Nigeria Combination Patent); an ARIPO Patent (Regional patent); and an OAPI patent (Regional patent). SANi Patent ARIPO Patent OAPI Patent GDP Highest Middle Lowest Population Middle Highest Lowest Examination No Yes No Time to grant 4 months … Read more
Sep 14th, 2022After increasing South African patent filings by about 5,000 patents per year, GlobalIPCo now aims to do the same in Nigeria. Nigerian patents are quick GlobalIPCo has developed an online system for filing Nigerian patents. As with South African patents, Nigerian patents are not subject to substantive examination by the Nigerian Patent Office and are … Read more
Sep 13th, 2022Have you invented something but don’t have the money for a patent attorney? Or, do you want to test the idea first before paying a lot of money to have it protected? Or, do you just want to get a Patent Pending number for marketing and deterrence? Then, the iptica system is what you need. … Read more
Aug 20th, 2022South African patents are simple. Don’t complicate them. Our tips: 1. File online through GlobalIPCo2. Amend only when you wish to institute infringement proceeding3. Pay all renewal fees upfront4. Secure grant within 4 months of filing Discounted pricing for law firms If you are a foreign patent firm, you can obtain a granted South African … Read more
Jan 20th, 2022South African patents offer incredible value and should be a default selection during the PCT national phase. Here are some tips on how to reduce the cost of South African patents: Delay amendments Many applicants incur significant costs vetting South African patents and amending them prior to grant. This is generally not necessary. Firstly, if … Read more
Dec 31st, 2021Amazingly, COVID increased South African patent filings by +35% in 2021, which exceptional growth continued into 2022. How? The significant increase in South African patent filings is largely due to law firms choosing to file South African patents through the GlobalIPCo online system, and to the South African Patent Office’s efforts in significantly reducing the … Read more
Dec 27th, 2021Patent firms can now take back control of your own renewals. License a tried and tested renewal system to manage your renewals; select your own agents; add & process your own renewals; and integrate into your own payment system. Control your own data and provide your clients with online access to instruct their renewals online … Read more
Dec 19th, 2021The GlobalIPCo system has revolutionised South African patents. Established in 2017, the GlobalIPCo system now has +3,500 users and manages more than 8,300 applications. In November 2021, GlobalIPCo filed +500 South African patents, representing nearly half of all new South African patents filed. Benefits of using the GlobalIPCo system The GlobalIPCo system gives users control … Read more
Dec 18th, 2021About half of South African patents are now filed using the GlobalIPCo patent management system. Since June 2021, the number of South African patents filed using the GlobalIPCo system has increased by around 40% per month, compounded. In November the GlobalIPCo system filed 521 South African complete patents, representing about 50% of all (1,235) South … Read more
Dec 11th, 2021