Patents Laws in Mozambique
Here’s an overview of Patent Laws in Mozambique:
📚 Governing Law
Mozambique’s patent system is governed by the Industrial Property Law (Law No. 2/2003), enacted in 2003.
The law regulates patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and other intellectual property rights.
🏛️ Regulatory Authority
National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) – Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial
Website: www.inpi.gov.mz
INPI is responsible for patent applications, examinations, and registrations.
🔍 Patentable Inventions
To be patentable in Mozambique, inventions must meet these criteria:
Novelty: The invention must be new and not disclosed before the filing date.
Inventive Step: It must not be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
Industrial Applicability: It must be capable of industrial or commercial use.
Patentable subjects include:
Products
Processes
Improvements of existing inventions
🚫 Non-Patentable Inventions
Patents cannot be granted for:
Discoveries, scientific theories, or mathematical methods
Aesthetic creations (like art or literature)
Schemes, rules, or methods for business or playing games
Methods for medical or surgical treatment of humans or animals
Inventions contrary to public order or morality
🕒 Duration of Patent
Patent protection lasts for 20 years from the filing date.
To maintain patent rights, annual maintenance fees must be paid starting after the grant.
📝 Patent Application Process
Filing: Submit a patent application to INPI, including description, claims, abstract, and drawings.
Formal Examination: INPI checks if the application meets filing requirements.
Publication: Application is published 18 months after the filing date or priority date.
Substantive Examination: Conducted to assess novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
Grant: If the invention meets all criteria, the patent is granted and registered.
Opposition: Third parties can oppose the patent within a prescribed period after grant.
🌍 International Treaties
Mozambique is a member of:
Paris Convention for Industrial Property
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization) — Mozambique is a member, allowing regional patent filings under the Harare Protocol.
💵 Fees
Application fees
Examination fees
Grant fees
Annual maintenance fees
✅ Additional Notes
Mozambique allows both national and regional (ARIPO) patent filings.
The patent law encourages innovation and protects inventors while balancing public interests.
INPI’s website provides forms and guidelines for applicants.
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