Patent registration process in South Africa

Fortunately for inventors, the patent registration process in South Africa is one of the simplest, quickest and cheapest in the world.

But, start off by doing your homework properly: search through the online patent databases to check that the feature you have invented is in fact new worldwide.

Although you can start by filing a complete patent, in 99% of cases, it is best first to file a South African provisional patent application, which reserves your patent rights in most countries of the world. This only costs $49 through GlobalIPCo and $99 through Iptica. You don’t need detailed drawings or a prototype (although this is advisable if you are unsure whether your invention actually works). See our provisional patent drafting and filing guide.

After the provisional patent application has been filed, you need no longer keep your invention secret. But remember that the next step is to complete your patent. In 12 months’ time, you can either file a South African complete patent through a patent attorney or file an international (PCT) patent.