Register SA national phase patent online

The GlobalIPCo online patent filing system provides for:

• filing of South African national phase patent applications up to 34 months from the priority date;
• payment by credit card; and
• monitoring and management of prosecution of your South African national phase patent application to grant via an online dashboard.

The GlobalIPCo system was the #1 filer of South African patents in 2022 and 2023.

Since the GlobalIPCo system electronically files South African national phase patent applications directly with the South African Patents Office (CIPC), the cost to file a South African national phase patent is now only US$399.

The deadline for filing South African national phase patent applications online is 34 months from the PCT patent priority date ‐ although, South Africa is a “31 month” country, the GlobalIPCo filing system submits a request to the South African Patent Office to extend this deadline for a further 3 months without additional charge.

How to file a South African national phase patent application online

Download the Guide or view the manual for filing a South African Patent using the GlobaliPCo system.

STEP 1: Login to the GlobalIPCo South African national phase patent filing system

Visit the GlobalIPCo, click “Start” and register / login:

STEP 2: Enter PCT patent details

Start by adding your reference associated with the SA national phase patent application (optional). This will make future correspondence easier to track. All our communications and invoices will include your reference.

Then, complete the PCT details:

• PCT patent title
• PCT application number
• PCT publication number (i.e. the WO number)
• PCT filing date
• Classification and abstract – only the first four letters / numbers of the class(es) cited in the PCT patent application should be used. South Africa does not classify national phase patents in more specific subclasses. The PCT patent abstract (in English) should also be copied into the abstract field

Article 19 and 34 amendments properly lodged with WIPO will automatically extend to the South African national phase patent application.

Note: All inputs must be entered in English. If the PCT patent application was filed in another language: (i) input the English translation; and (ii) upload an English translation of the PCT patent specification (see Step 6).

STEP 2: Applicant and inventor

Insert the applicant’s name, physical address and country. No correspondence from the South African Patents Office will be sent to this address. Instead, all correspondence from CIPC will be directed to S&Z Patent Attorneys (as the address for service for this patent application). If the applicant is a company, the name and capacity (e.g. “director”) of the signatory should also be provided.

Each national phase patent application may include multiple applicants, and trusts are permitted as applicants.

Also, provide the inventor’s name and country.

Note: Upon filing, the South African patent application must mirror the PCT application on file at WIPO. In other words, any additional assignment, change of applicant name, correction or amendment of the patent specification can only be effected by a separate (fixed cost) application made after filing to record a change / assignment, correct an error or amend the claims.

STEP 3: Priority

Add the PCT priority details (number, date and country). If the priority document was lodged with WIPO, no copy needs to be submitted to the South African Patent Office – not even an English translation of the foreign language priority document.

STEP 4: Forms for signature

Forms for signature can be downloaded or requested by email:

• Power of Attorney authorising S&Z Patent Attorneys to file the application in the applicant’s name;
• Form P3; and
• Form P26.

These forms may be printed, signed, scanned and uploaded to the system. Alternatively, applicants may use the e-signing facility and sign online. No commissioning, legalisation or notarisation of any of the forms is required, neither do we require the original signed forms to be couriered to us.

Note: The GlobalIPCo system only permits payment, and files the South African national phase patent application after all the required forms (including signed forms) have been uploaded.

STEP 6: Document upload

The document upload system details all documents (including translated / signed documents) required to file the South African national phase patent application. The application will not be filed until all required documents are uploaded.

Where the applicant is not the inventor, proof of assignment must be uploaded. Either use the Confirmatory Deed of Assignment downloaded from the GlobalIPCo system, or submit other proof (e.g. contract of employment) sufficient to satisfy the South African patent registrar.

STEP 7: (Optional) Review by a South African patent attorney & Pay

Optionally, request a registered South African patent attorney to review the South African national phase inputs and uploaded documents before filing for only US$49. This will ensure that the application is correctly filed.

Finally, accept the T&Cs and make payment of $399 by credit card.

Your South African national phase patent application will immediately be filed with the South African Patents Office (CIPC) and the GlobalIPCo system will send you a patent application number (together with a copy of the filing receipt) within a business day of filing.

Prosecution to grant

Prosecution of your South African national phase patent to grant is easily managed and instructed via the online dashboard, which also details estimated dates for upcoming events. Only South African pharmaceutical patents are examined. All other patents should be accepted within 6‐9 months of filing. Publication must be arranged within 3 months of acceptance ‐ S&Z Patent Attorneys will arrange this at a cost of US$70. The South African patent registration certificate should be received within 2 months of publication, which registration certificate will be scanned and emailed to you. The original patent registration certificate can also be couriered to you for US$110. Should you require additional assistance during prosecution, S&Z Patent Attorneys (as the exclusive GlobalIPCo agent in South Africa) will be glad to assist.