Africa – IP Registrations & Renewals
IP registrations and renewals on the African continent are like no other: with 54 sovereign territories and two regional filing systems (OAPI and ARIPO), knowing how best to proceed is no easy matter. Often, multiple options are available (being combinations of national applications and regional applications).
To complicate matters even further: in some cases, local (national) legislation does not always permit the filing of applications at all! (For example: it is not possible to file a Cameroonian national phase patent application – an OAPI patent application designating Cameroon must be pursued.) Beyond even this: Africa is home to several thousand languages and dialects – finding an agent who, quite literally, speaks your language is no small task. There are so many rules and exceptions – it is easy to get lost in the detail. It is essential to have the right experts to guide you through the maze.
The application costs vary dramatically, depending on a number of factors including these:
| Patent Applications | Trade Mark Applications |
|---|---|
| ★ excess claim & length fees | ★ specification length |
| ★ multiple priority claims | ★ multiple priority claims |
| ★ translation fees | ★ translation fees |
| ★ particular combinations of countries | ★ particular combinations of countries |
| ★ formalities & legislation (some states) |
Fee estimates are calculated based on each of these variables. Fortunately, we are here to simplify all of these issues for you.
At Margo® Attorneys, leave it with us, and consider it done. While we are rooted firmly in South Africa, we have established relationships with African associates in each of the 54 territories, which enables us to serve as a single, familiar point of contact. With the Margo® team, African applications have never been simpler or more affordable!
Interested In African IP?
If you’re considering filing IP applications in any African state(s), we invite colleagues to share with us:
-
★ full details of all priority cases – this includes the full patent specification / full trade mark specification. Full disclosure is critical!
★ a description of which territories are of interest to your client.
ARIPO COUNTRIES
OAPI COUNTRIES
MU
We will use that detail to provide a detailed proposal of options available to you (there is often more than one), including advance cost estimates. These are prepared in confidence, and without charge. There is nothing to lose in doing so – approach the experts, with confidence.