Would this not be the most efficient way to implement substantive examination of patents in developing countries (especially in Africa)? conduct formal examination of patents only before grant to make the patent process simple, quick and affordable; if the patentee wishes to institute infringement proceedings, require the patentee to request substantive examination; upon requesting substantive … Read more
Dec 29th, 2022Widespread adoption of online systems is causing exponential growth in African patent filings. South African patent filings grew by 73% over the past two years (2020-2022) with 35% of South African patents now filed through the GlobalIPCo online system (with S&Z as its South African agent). In 2022, GlobalIPCo added: Nigerian patents; SANi Combination Patents, … Read more
Dec 26th, 2022A SANi Patent, which covers South Africa and Nigeria, is the easiest, quickest and most affordable way to secure patent protection in Africa. The SANi Patent fills the “gaps” between the ARIPO and OAPI Patents and issues certificates of grant within 5-9 months of filing. SANi Patent options To maximise the efficiency of a SANi … Read more
Dec 16th, 2022Automation of CIPC’s patent system From Tuesday 12 December 2022, the South African Patent Office will start issuing Notices of Acceptance electronically. Only one small step left – electronic certificates. The South African Patent Office has made great strides in automating its patent system. Starting with payment of patent renewals online, a couple of years … Read more
Dec 12th, 2022Easily obtain accurate costing for SANi, ARIPO and OAPI patents. Simply: Select the type(s) of patent (SANi, ARIPO or OAPI) required; If SANi patent is selected, choose: whether to file the patent by sending an instruction by email to S&Z Patent Attorneys, or via the GlobalIPCo online system (with or without law firm discount); whether … Read more
Dec 9th, 2022GlobalIPCo and S&Z are putting a powerful team together for filing African patents. Africa is best covered by filing SANi, ARIPO and OAPI patents. The SANi patent is a combination patent covering South Africa and Nigeria, the ARIPO patent covers 20 (generally, Anglophone) countries) and the OAPI patent covers 17 (generally, Francophone countries). The team … Read more
Nov 25th, 2022Between them, the SANi, ARIPO and OAPI Patents cover most of Sub-Saharan Africa. The only notable exclusions (Angola, D.R. Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia) being countries with highly bureaucratic (or, non-existent) patent systems: Although, the SANi patent covers a territory with a GDP greater than ARIPO and OAPI Patents combined, the ARIPO Patent covers … Read more
Nov 18th, 2022The most effective way to secure patent protection in Africa is to file either Regional Patents or Combination Patents: SANi Patents are the best option, covering territories with a greater GDP than ARIPO and OAPI Patents combined; ARIPO Patents are the second best option, covering 20 (largely, Anglophone) African States. The total Population of ARIPO … Read more
Nov 10th, 2022The GlobalIPCo system now enables filing of Nigerian patents online. See our comprehensive Nigerian patent manual. To file a Nigerian PCT national phase patent online, follow these easy steps: Step 1: Input PCT details Add your reference (optional) and PCT details. This information is available from the WIPO website. Although Nigerian PCT national phase patents … Read more
Oct 27th, 2022A Vicennial Renewal is a single payment that renews a patent for the entire 20-year term. Not all countries permit payment of Vicennial Renewals, but they are available in South Africa and Nigeria. Can Vicennial Renewals be paid for all patents? GlobalIPCo and S&Z process Vicennial Renewals for all South African, Nigerian and SANi Patents. … Read more
Oct 21st, 2022Filing 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 in official fees. The Nigerian Patent Office permits pre-payment of Nigerian patent renewals, and the total fees to renew a Nigerian patent “to term” … Read more
Sep 22nd, 2022