ARIPO: Patent

Harare Protocol

ARIPO patents are governed by the Harare Protocol, which was adopted in 1982. Applicants can file one regional application designating the relevant member states, simplifying patent protection across multiple jurisdictions.

• Requirements: The patent application must include a request form, a description, claims, any necessary drawings, and an abstract.
• Renewal Period: Once granted, ARIPO patents typically have a maximum duration of 20 years from the filing date, subject to the payment of annual maintenance fees.
• Examination: A formal examination is followed by a substantive examination;
• Member State Implications: Each member state can still apply national legal standards to validate or reject the patent within its territory.