The popular term “worldwide patent” is based on a fallacy. “Worldwide patents” do not exist. In general, separate protection must be applied for in each country individually. However, a handful of regional patent organisations do exist which cover patent protection in more than one country, for example, ARIPO, the Eurasian Patent Office, the European Patent Office, the Gulf Co-operation Countries, and OAPI.
The first step (for our South African clients) to obtaining patent protection in several countries is normally the filing of a provisional patent application at the South African Patent Office. Please click here for more information, in this respect.
Thereafter, within 12 months of the filing of such South African provisional patent application, you will need to file a complete patent application in each country of the world in which you require protection (including South Africa) so as to claim the earlier priority date of your South African provisional patent application under the International Patent Convention (also referred to as the Paris Convention). The most important countries are members of this convention. However, it is important to notify us at your very first contact with us, of the countries in which you wish to obtain patent protection, as patent applications should be filed in all countries which are not members of the Paris Convention, before your invention is disclosed to the public and, preferably, as soon as possible. Please click here for a list of the Paris Convention Members.
It is important to note at this stage that many countries are members of the PCT (Patent Co-operation Treaty) and instead of filing separate Paris Convention applications for these countries a single PCT application is normally recommended before the conclusion of the 12 month Convention period. Please click here for a list of the PCT Member Countries.
The PCT (Patent Co-operation Treaty) is a route to obtaining the grant of separate (national) patents in 152 countries (as of 1 June 2018), including South Africa. A single PCT application is filed, designating the countries envisaged at that stage for protection. A key advantage of this route is that costs are contained at this stage to between about R 35 000.00 and R 65 000.00, for an invention of average complexity, for the preparation and filing of the PCT application if filed in the name of a private individual who is a national of South Africa or more than one such individual. If even one of the applicants is not a private individual who is a national of South Africa then extra costs of about R 20 000.00 can be expected.
The PCT route includes, at no extra charge, an international search by an International Searching Authority, typically the Austrian Patent Office. This will give a good indication of the patentability of the invention before patenting is proceeded with in the individual PCT contracting states.
By requesting an international examination, the applicant will be afforded the opportunity to argue and/or amend the application in light of the Examiner’s objections with a view to obtaining a clear preliminary examination report. The costs of requesting such an international examination are between about R 15 000.00 and R 35 000.00 (at current exchange rates) if all the applicants are private individuals who are nationals of South Africa. If even one of the applicants is not a private individual who is a national of South Africa then extra costs of about R 20 000.00 can be expected. The costs of arguing and/or amending the application in light of the Examiner’s objections are typically between about R5 000.00 and R10 000.00 if the matter is of simple to average complexity.
Before the expiry of a 30 month period from the earliest priority date (normally the date of filing of the South African provisional patent application, as described above), separate national or regional patent application(s) must be filed at the usual fee levels.
For more information on the individual countries, please return to our home page and select a country using the interactive map of the world.
Speak to a patent attorney today.
You can rest assured that you have a partner in Hahn & Hahn that will expertly manage your risk and guide you through the process of registering and safeguarding your intellectual property assets.