The 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 (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 Yes 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, 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, 2021