Patents in Zambia protect inventions that demonstrate novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Applicants can file directly through PACRA or make use of ARIPO’s Harare Protocol for regional coverage.
The patent term is typically 16 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.
Applicants submit a specification, claims, and supporting technical documentation.
A substantive examination is undertaken to confirm compliance with local patentability criteria.
Zambia’s status as a PCT contracting state allows international applicants to enter the national phase in Zambia after an international application.
Once granted, a patent confers the exclusive right to exploit the invention in Zambia, enabling owners to pursue legal action should unauthorized commercialization occur.