Quick info guide

Procedure for patent application

✓ Form P1 & Complete Specification (P5)

✓ Examination in terms of the Patent Law

✓ Notification of Applicant to advertise Patent in Patents & Trademarks Journal at a prescribed fee in Form PV.8.

✓ Opposition (if any) of the patent by third parties occurs within three months from date of publication

✓ No opposition; patent is issued

Costs for patents

Provisional patent – US$80.

*The provisional patent is mostly for those who plan to exhibit their idea at a show or exhibition forum. It is valid for 6 months.

The second patenting plan is valid for 20 years. Fees are:

Application fees – $400

Advert fees – $40

Certificate – $80

How to patent your invention or product in Zimbabwe

Patents in Zimbabwe are governed by the Patent Act (Chapter 26:03) which was amended in 2002. The Act provides for registration and protection of patents.  One is required to make formal registration for intellectual property rights at the national office of Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO) or the regional office of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). The Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO) is a section of the Department of Deeds and Intellectual Property and is currently administered by the Ministry of Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. 

The maximum cost for patenting is $520 (costs include searching fees, application fees, certificate and advertising). Obtaining a patent will take approximately 4–6 months to acquire. 

What a patent is and who may apply

Definition of patent, why you should patent

The patent application process

Criteria for patenting

Where to obtain your patent

ZIPO and ARIPO office locations