Overview
Malawi offers protection for trademarks, patents, and industrial designs through its national legal framework, which is administrated by the Registrar General’s Department under the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, Malawi is a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), giving applicants the option to file regionally and secure broader coverage across multiple ARIPO member states.
Malawi’s IP environment adheres to accepted international standards, so both domestic and foreign applicants can benefit from recognized procedures to register and enforce their rights. Local enforcement mechanisms, including administrative and judicial actions, are in place to deal with potential infringements.
International Conventions
Malawi participates in several international treaties shaping its IP framework, including:
Paris Convention
Berne Convention
TRIPS Agreement
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)