Patents: Zimbabwe

General Information

International Agreements : Paris Convention, Harare Protocol (ARIPO) & PCT.

Patent Types : Non-Convention, Paris Convention, PCT International & PCT National/Regional.

Novelty Requirements : Non disclosure prior to priority date.

Claiming priority : Yes

Examination : Formal examination (no substantive)

Protection Period : 20 Years

Publication : Yes - One publication in Patent Journal.

Oppositions : Yes - 3 months are allowed for 3rd party objections.

Annuitiy Payments : Yearly renewal payments from 4th year.

Grace period for payments : 6 months with fines.

Compulsory Licensing : Procedure is available.

Working or nominal working of Patents/Inventions : Advisable. 

Filing Requirements

Patent Filing Requirements

1. Three (3) copies of specification, claims & Drawings.
   
2. Power of attorney. 
   
3. Deed of Assignment.
   
4. Certified copy of priority application.

For PCT National Phase application, ONLY specifications and power of attorney.

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