Patent Filing in South Africa
File your PCT national phase application in South Africa with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) (South Africa) through AnalystIP, within 31 months from the priority date. Every requirement below is taken from the WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide and kept up to date by our team.
When is your national phase deadline in South Africa?
Enter the earliest priority date of your PCT application (or the international filing date if there is no priority).
Patent filing in South Africa: key facts
Reinstatement of rights (Rule 49.6) permitted.
None
No examination request is needed.
20 years from the international filing date
The first annuity is due before the end of the 3rd year from the international filing date.
Official fees for patent filing in South Africa
Filing in several countries? Compare fees with other countries →
Standard official fees (general)
From the WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide, updated 16 July 2026. Amounts in ZAR. Your exact fees depend on your application: use the calculator above.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | ZAR 590 | |
| First annual fee | ZAR 130 | Due within three years of the international filing date |
Fee reductions: None
National phase entry requirements
Time limit
31 months from the priority date (Articles 22(3) and 39(1)(b)); same for Chapter I and II
Translation
Under Article 22: description, claims (as amended only, with any Article 19 statement, if amended), text matter of drawings, abstract. Under Article 39(1): description, claims, text matter of drawings, abstract (amended parts only as amended by the IPER annexes).
Late entry and reinstatement
Reinstatement of rights (Rule 49.6) permitted. Office accepts the effect of priority restoration by the receiving Office and requests for restoration (Rule 49ter.2); criteria and fees: contact the Office.
Agent and power of attorney
Required if the applicant is not resident in South Africa; any patent attorney registered before the Office.
Special requirements of the office
- Appointment of an agent if the applicant is not resident in South Africa (six months from invitation)
- Proof of assignment or transfer of rights where the applicant is not the inventor (may be satisfied by a Rule 4.17 declaration)
- Proof of the applicant's right to claim priority where the applicant did not file the earlier application (Rule 4.17)
- Verified translation of the international application in duplicate
Other information
- Power of attorney may be filed within six months of the application filing date (extendable by the Registrar)
- Renewal fees: first due before the end of the third year from the international filing date; no reminders; see Annex ZA.I
- Fees paid in ZAR through the CIPC customer account
- Colour drawings: refer to the Office
Source: WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide, national chapter, updated 16 July 2026.
What you need to file in South Africa
A power of attorney is required.
A simple signed assignment is sufficient.
Filing requirements in detail
| Extension of the filing deadline | yes/3 Months |
|---|---|
| Late translation allowed | No |
| Amendments at entry | Possible |
| Article 19 amendments | Possible |
| Chapter II / Article 34 amendments | Possible |
| Power of attorney | Yes |
| POA formalities | Simple signed |
| Assignment / certificate of incorporation formalities | Simple signed |
Patent filing in South Africa: questions
What is the deadline for PCT national phase entry in South Africa?
31 months from the earliest priority date.
Can I enter the national phase in South Africa after the deadline?
Reinstatement of rights (Rule 49.6) permitted. Office accepts the effect of priority restoration by the receiving Office and requests for restoration (Rule 49ter.2); criteria and fees: contact the Office.
In which language must the application be filed in South Africa?
English. Under Article 22: description, claims (as amended only, with any Article 19 statement, if amended), text matter of drawings, abstract. Under Article 39(1): description, claims, text matter of drawings, abstract (amended parts only as amended by the IPER annexes).
Do I need a local patent attorney in South Africa?
Required if the applicant is not resident in South Africa; any patent attorney registered before the Office.
Is a power of attorney needed, and must it be legalized?
A power of attorney is required.
Are there official fee reductions in South Africa?
None
How does examination work in South Africa?
No examination request is needed.
How much does patent filing in South Africa cost?
The cost is the official fees of the patent office plus professional fees. The standard official fees from WIPO are listed on this page; the calculator works out the exact official fees for your application (pages, claims, applicant type) after a quick email check, and our team sends a full quote on request.
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