Patents in Eswatini may be filed directly with the Registrar General’s Office based in UK or South African patent applications or through ARIPO, covering all designated member states. Patentable inventions must exhibit novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
A patent in Eswatini is valid for 20 years from the filing date, contingent on timely payment of annual maintenance fees.
Applicants must provide a full specification, including claims and supporting materials that define the invention.
Substantive examination evaluates compliance with local patentability criteria.
The country’s participation in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) allows applicants to enter Eswatini at the national/regional phase after filing an international application.
A granted patent confers exclusive rights in Eswatini, upheld by enforcement measures available within the judicial system.