Deadline:

The "standard" deadline for filing South African national phase patent applications is 31 months from the earliest priority date. However, our system permits South African national phase patent applications to be filed during the 3 month extension period (i.e. up to 34 months from the earliest priority date) without additional cost.

How to file:

1. Register or login
2. Complete the online application form
3. Sign forms

   Notes:

   • Our system includes an e‐signing option
   • We don't require a hardcopy of the signed documents to be couriered to us
   • No commissioning, legalisation, notarization is required
   • All documents are lodged on filing. We don't late‐lodge documents
4. Upload documents
5. (Optionally) request a South African patent attorney to confirm that the application details and uploaded documents are correct for only US$49
6. Pay US$399 filing fee by credit card

We will immediately file your South African patent application, and email you the filing receipt (with the South African patent application number) within a couple of days of filing.

Prosecution:

Our South African patent agents S&Z Patent Attorneys will prosecute your South African national phase patent application to grant. All communications will be sent by email. Login to your Dashboard to monitor the status of your application, and to instruct: publication of Acceptance (US$70); and courier of the South African patent registration certificate (Optional, US$110).

With the exception of pharmaceutical patent applications, your South African national phase patent application should be granted within 12 months at a total cost of US$469.

Need help?

Use our free phone support to connect with a South African patent attorney (6am-2pm UTC) ‐ visit the Contact Us page.