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. If you are unsure how to begin, call us and one of our patent attorneys will point you in the right direction – confidentiality guaranteed.

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 R19,950 (excl. vat) and takes about two weeks. You don’t need detailed drawings or a prototype (although this is advisable if you are unsure whether your invention actually works).

For us to draft your patent, we just need to understand the features of your invention (and potential substitute / alternative features). But, we will draw this out of you during discussions, whether in a meeting, over the phone or via video Skype. Although we are based in Johannesburg, nearly half of our clients live in Cape Town, Durban, East London, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth. We are set up to service inventors nationally.

Our industrial designer will prepare the drawings using your 3D CAD model and one of our patent attorneys will draft and bounce a provisional patent specification off you until you are happy with the application.

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 for R22,950 (excl vat) or an international (PCT) patent for as little as R45,000. But we will discuss these options with you to ensure that you follow the most appropriate and cost effective strategy.