Aripo Patent Registration

Allows for a single patent application to be effective across its designated members states

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) is an intergovernmental organization for cooperation in Intellectual Property matters, founded in 1976 with the Lusaka Agreement. Its main objective is the development and protection of Intellectual Property rights in its member-states. ARIPO has 4 working protocols, one of which is the Harare Protocol, which regulates patent and industrial design applications.

ARIPO patent applications are formally and substantively reviewed by ARIPO examiners and are granted and effective in the designated member-states with the legal enforceability of national law. While the term of patents is 20 years, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia have shorter terms.

To patent an invention, an applicant must complete and file a patent application with the  Patent and Trademark Office (BRELA) . BRELA examines applications, and administers and keeps a record patents and trademarks it has issued.

Before filing for a patent, the applicant should conduct a preliminary patent search to determine whether “prior art” — similar developments related to the invention — will disqualify the claim. Because patent applications are complex, the assistance of a patent attorney may be necessary.