Tanzania Patent Registration Procedure

Filing of patent in Tanzania
The Non-convention, convention and PCT national phase applications are filed with the office of the Registrar of Patents.

Examination of patent in Tanzania
Applications are subjected to formal examination, which takes place automatically.

Publication of patent in Tanzania
After examination, if the Registrar is satisfied that the necessary requirements have been met, he shall publish the patent. The Registrar will also publish granted patents.

Opposition of patent in Tanzania
Any interested person may after the application is published, but before grant, lodge a notice of opposition with the Registrar’s office. The notice of opposition must set out the grounds on which the opponent relies for opposing the grant of the patent, as well as all relevant evidence. The patent applicant has a prescribed period after the notice of opposition to file a counter-statement. The Registrar will grant a hearing and decide the matter.

Timeframe of patent in Tanzania
From filing to registration is 2 years, approximately.

Duration of patent in Tanzania
The term of a patent is 20 years from the filing date.

Annuities of patent in Tanzania

The patent are subject to payment of the annual maintenance fees. A grace period of six months is provided, subject to payment of surcharges.