Patent protection in Nigeria covers inventions that fulfill novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Patents are administered by the same Registry, subject to national law.
• The patent term runs for 20 years from the filing date, provided annual maintenance fees are continuously paid.
• Applicants must submit a detailed specification, claims, and any relevant drawings describing the invention.
• A substantive examination evaluates the invention against patentability criteria.
• As Nigeria is a PCT contracting state, foreign applicants may enter the national phase after an international filing.
Once granted, patent owners hold exclusive rights to produce, use, or sell the invention within Nigeria and may pursue legal action against infringers.