How to File a Patent Application in Nigeria HOW TO FILE A PATENT APPLICATION IN NIGERIA The Lex Artifex Law Office has introduced the IP Helpdesk to assist businesses in protecting their Intellectual Property (IP) na utekelezaji wa haki za wao Miliki (IPR) wakati wa kufanya biashara nchini au na Nigeria. uchapishaji huu unatoa picha ya jinsi ya faili patent maombi katika Nigeria. PATENT NI NINI? patent ni haki ya kisheria ya kulinda uvumbuzi, ambayo inatoa mpya na wabunifu ufumbuzi wa kiufundi kwa tatizo. mmiliki wa leseni ana haki ya kuacha wengine kutoka kibiashara kutumia uvumbuzi ulinzi, kwa mfano kwa kufanya, kutumia, kuagiza au kuuza ni, katika nchi au eneo ambalo patent limepewa. READ: Requirements for Registering a Trademark in Nigeria WHAT KIND OF INVENTION IS PATENTABLE? uvumbuzi ni patentable kama ni mpya, au matokeo na shughuli wabunifu na wenye uwezo wa maombi ya viwanda; au, ni hufanya uboreshaji juu ya uvumbuzi hati miliki na pia ni mpya, matokeo ya shughuli wabunifu na uwezo wa maombi ya viwanda. uvumbuzi uwezo wa maombi ya viwanda ikiwa uvumbuzi inaweza viwandani au kutumia aina yoyote ya sekta, ikiwa ni pamoja na kilimo. Patents hawawezi, hata hivyo, kupatikana katika heshima za wanyama na mimea aina au michakato ya kibiolojia ya kuzalisha mimea au wanyama (ila michakato microbiological na bidhaa zao); uvumbuzi uchapishaji au unyonyaji wa ambayo itakuwa ni kinyume na utaratibu wa umma au maadili; au kanuni na uvumbuzi wa asili ya kisayansi. Patents na Designs Sheria ya 1971 ni sheria ya msingi zinazosimamia usajili na utekelezaji wa patent nchini Nigeria. Patents Sheria inasimamia taratibu iliyopitishwa katika Msajili Patent. WHO MATUMIZI PATENT? Patent ni mali ya thamani kwa makampuni, mashirika, taasisi za utafiti na vyuo vikuu pamoja na watu binafsi na biashara ndogo na za kati. HOW TO FILE A PATENT APPLICATION IN NIGERIA A patent application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty ("PCT") at the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) or at the Nigerian Patent Office must contain the following: A petition or request for registration with the principal's full name and address; vipimo, ikiwa ni pamoja na madai yako au madai katika duplicate; mipango na michoro, if any, katika duplicate; tamko saini na mvumbuzi wa kweli; mahali kwa ajili ya huduma katika Nigeria kama anwani yako ni nje ya Nigeria; Kama unataka kujiinua juu ya kipaumbele kigeni katika heshima ya maombi ya awali kufanywa katika nchi nje ya Nigeria, maombi yako bila kuwa na kuandamana na tamko imeandikwa kuonyesha yafuatayo: - tarehe na idadi ya maombi ya awali, - the country in which the earlier application was made, - your name as indicated in the earlier application You would have to file a patent application at the Nigerian Patent Office through an accredited patent attorney in Nigeria - who will act as your "Attorney on Record" na wakala. Kama unataka kuwasilisha patent kimataifa, International Search inahitajika kwa ajili ya tathmini ya awali ya patentability ya uvumbuzi walitaka kusajiliwa. Hii itakuwa ikifuatiwa, na taarifa ya Kimataifa Search. Ripoti Search International itachapishwa baada ya kumalizika muda wa 18 miezi kuanzia tarehe ya kipaumbele ya maombi (yaani, tarehe ya kufungua jalada au tarehe ya kufungua jalada la maombi ya awali ambayo inadai kipaumbele, kama zinatumika). On uchapishaji, uvumbuzi wako itakuwa inajulikana kwa umma. Nigeria imetia saini Patent Ushirikiano wa Mkataba wa WIPO na ina kupata moja kwa moja PCT za kazi, pamoja na Tafuta Ripoti ya Kimataifa ya, Imeandikwa Maoni ya Kimataifa Kutafuta Mamlaka na International Awali Mitihani Reports. Wote kabla ya kimataifa patent filings chini ya mfumo wa PCT kukubaliwa katika Nigeria kwa ajili ya usajili wa eneo na utekelezaji. Ambapo unataka kitu mwenyewe ya kipaumbele kigeni katika heshima ya maombi ya awali patent filed chini ya mfumo wa PCT au filed katika nchi nje ya Nigeria, Nigeria IP ofisi itahitaji tamko imeandikwa kuonyesha tarehe na idadi ya maombi ya awali, the country in which the earlier application was made, na jina lako. Ni hitaji kwamba miezi si zaidnchi ambayo maombi ya awali ilitolewawali ilitolewa. Utakuwa na kutoa nakala ya hati ya maombi ya awali na Ofisi ya Patent (au sawa yake) katika nchi ambayo maombi mapema iliwasilishwa. KUMBUKA: maombi PCT inaweza kuwa filed katika Nigeria kama kufungua kwanza au, mengine, inaweza kudai kipaumbele kutoka programu inayofaa filed hadi 3 miezi kabla, katika kesi ambayo maombi PCT kutibiwa kama kwamba walikuwa filed tarehe hiyo kama maombi ya awali. Haki ya patent kuhusiana na uvumbuzi ni jukumu si kwa "mmiliki kweli", but in the “statutory inventor”, ambao kesi ni mtu ambaye ni ya kwanza ya faili maombi ya patent, au ambao wanaweza kihalali hudai kipaumbele kigeni ya maombi patent filed kuhusiana na uvumbuzi. The WIPO-administered Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) ni mkataba kwa rationalization na ushirikiano kuhusiana na kufungua jalada, kutafuta na uchunguzi wa maombi patent na usambazaji wa taarifa za kiufundi yaliyomo humo. PCT inatoa waombaji kutafuta patent ulinzi katika nchi nyingi zaidi user-kirafiki, gharama nafuu na chaguo bora. By filing one “international patent application" chini ya PCT katika ofisi patent moja ("Kupokea ofisi"). The Nigerian IP Office grants patents which have the same effect as though the applications were filed in the WIPO Member states since Nigeria is a signatory to the Patent Cooperation Treaty. Hata hivyo, the PCT does not provide for the grant of "international patents" kama jukumu la kutoa hataza ni kwamba hayo ya nchi Ofisi ya Patent ambapo maombi ni alifanya. The enforcement of “international patents” lies within the jurisdiction of each Member State. enforceability ya patent ni eneo, maana kwamba patent ni kutekelezwa tu katika Nigeria tu juu ya usajili halali wa ndani na Nigeria ofisi Patent. Mara baada ya maombi patent imetolewa, patent ni halali kwa 20 years and is subject to annual renewals. PATENT REGISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT IN NIGERIA Lex Artifex LLP offers a full range of patent application preparation and prosecution services. Timu yetu inajumuisha IP Attorneys & Solicitors vibali na ofisi Nigeria IP. Kwa kufungua jalada la patent nchini Nigeria, we require the details of the invention and a Power of Attorney to act. BILLING ARRANGEMENT For the billing arrangement, tafadhali bonyeza hapa: Gharama ya kufungua Patent Maombi katika Nigeria. The Lex Artifex LLP Patent Services Cover the following: Preparation of patent applications Patent search Filings with WIPO or the Nigerian IP Office Representation as “Attorney on Record” Advisory on IP law Provision of local address for the service of government papers and correspondences, Ulinzi kwa ubishi (if any), Maintainance ya renewals patent. Kwa ushauri IPR biashara-umakini, wasiliana nasi leo, email katika lexartifexllp@lexartifexllp.com, wito +234.803.979.5959. Lex Artifex LLP’s Intellectual Property Practice Group How to File a Patent Application in Nigeriakama wapo

ComprehensiveGuidetoPatentRegistration inNigeria

Securing a patent in Nigeria is crucial for safeguarding your invention and gaining exclusive rights to its commercial exploitation. This detailed guide explores the essential steps, requirements, and legal framework governing patent registration in Nigeria. Whether you are an entrepreneur, researcher, or business owner, understanding this process is key to protecting your intellectual property and fostering innovation.

What is a Patent?

A patent is a legal instrument granting an inventor exclusive rights to their innovation. It prevents unauthorized commercial use, enabling the patent holder to manufacture, sell, kuagiza, or otherwise utilize the invention within the jurisdiction of registration.

Nchini Nigeria, patents offer a competitive advantage by protecting the originality of an invention and encouraging technological advancements.

Criteria for Patentability in Nigeria

To secure a patent in Nigeria, your invention must meet specific criteria as outlined in the Patents and Designs Act of 1971:

  • Novelty: The invention must be original and not previously disclosed anywhere in the world.
  • Inventiveness: It should exhibit an inventive step, offering a unique solution to a technical problem.
  • Industrial Applicability: The invention must be applicable in industry or agriculture and capable of practical use.

These requirements ensure that patents are granted only for innovations that contribute to societal and technological progress.

Who Can Apply for a Patent?

Patents are valuable to a diverse range of entities, Ikiwa ni pamoja na:

  • Individual inventors and entrepreneurs.
  • Universities and research institutions.
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • Corporations seeking to protect innovative products or processes.

Steps to Patent Registration in Nigeria

Applying for patent registration in Nigeria involves a structured process. Here are the key steps:

1. Prepare the Required Documents

To initiate a patent application, you will need:

  • A formal request for patent registration in Nigeria, detailing the inventor’s name and address.
  • A comprehensive specification of the invention, including claims, drawings, or diagrams where applicable.
  • tamko saini na mvumbuzi wa kweli.
  • An address for service in Nigeria if the applicant resides abroad.

2. Provide Foreign Priority Details (If Applicable)

If the invention has been filed previously in another country or under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), include:

  • The date and number of the earlier application.
  • The country of the initial filing.
  • A certified copy of the earlier application from the issuing patent office.

3. Engage a Certified Patent Attorney

Patent applications in Nigeria must be filed through an accredited patent attorney. These professionals serve as your Attorney of Record, ensuring compliance with local regulations and facilitating communication with the Nigerian Patent Office.

4. Submit the Application

Submit your application to the Nigerian Patent Office. For PCT applications, ensure adherence to the 30-month deadline for claiming priority. For patent filing through the Paris Convention route, ensure adherence to the 12-month deadline for claiming priority.

5. Await Examination and Grant

After submission, the application undergoes a formal review. Once approved, the Nigerian Patent Office grants the patent, which remains valid for 20 miaka, subject to annual renewals.

Key Considerations for Patent Registration in Nigeria

  • Territorial Scope: A patent registered in Nigeria is enforceable only within its borders.
  • PCT System: Nigeria’s participation in the PCT allows international filings to be registered locally.
  • First-to-File Principle: Nchini Nigeria, patent rights are granted to the first person to file the application, emphasizing the importance of timely registration.

Why Patent Registration in Nigeria Matters

Registering a patent in Nigeria not only safeguards your intellectual property but also enhances your market position. It provides legal backing to prevent unauthorized use and offers potential revenue through licensing or commercialization.

Conclusion

Patent registration in Nigeria is a critical step in protecting your innovation and ensuring its commercial viability. By adhering to the legal requirements and engaging experienced professionals, you can secure robust intellectual property protection.

If you’re ready to navigate the patent process or have specific questions, consult with us at lexartifexllp@lexartifexllp.com na +2348039795959.