Introduction
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) is an intergovernmental organization that facilitates cooperation among its member states in the field of intellectual property (IP). According to the official website, as of 14 July 2022, ARIPO comprises 22 member states, primarily from English-speaking Africa, including countries such as Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, among others. These member states collaborate to harmonize IP laws, streamline registration processes, and promote the protection of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyrights across the region.
The Harare Protocol, adopted in 1982, is one of ARIPO's key legal instruments. It specifically focuses on the registration of patents, industrial designs, and utility models. Under this protocol, applicants can file a single application with ARIPO, which is then examined and, if approved, grants protection in all designated member states. This system simplifies the process of securing IP rights across multiple jurisdictions, reducing costs and administrative burdens for inventors and businesses. The Harare Protocol thus plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and economic development within the ARIPO region.
Amendments
On 31 January 2025, ARIPO announced that the ARIPO Harare Protocol on Patents and Industrial Designs, including its Implementing Regulations, Forms, and Fees, has been amended. The amendments shall come into force on 1 March 2025 and shall apply to all existing and new applications.
The amendments include adjustments to the time limits for responding to certain notifications and introduce a provision allowing patents to proceed to grant with different sets of claims for different member states. This change is particularly beneficial for applicants facing jurisdiction-specific rejections. ARIPO has also announced a significant increase in official fees for certain patent and design services, alongside the introduction of new fee items. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
For a detailed comparison of current and new fees, please refer to the following links:
ARIPO FEES FOR PATENT.pdf
ARIPO FEES FOR INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS.pdf
Information sources: Notice - The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO)
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