Patents Laws in Seychelles
Here’s an overview of patent laws in Seychelles:
1. Governing Law
Patent protection in Seychelles is governed by the Industrial Property Act, 2001.
The law is administered by the Industrial Property Office under the Seychelles Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry.
2. Types of Protection
Seychelles provides protection for:
Inventions (patents)
Utility models (sometimes called petty patents) — check current local practice for availability.
Industrial designs and trademarks are covered under separate regulations.
3. Patentability Requirements
To be patentable, an invention must be:
Novel (not known or disclosed publicly before the filing date)
Involve an inventive step
Be capable of industrial application
4. Exclusions
Discoveries, scientific theories, and mathematical methods
Aesthetic creations
Schemes or methods for doing business
Computer programs “as such”
Methods of treatment for humans or animals
Inventions contrary to public order or morality
5. Filing and Examination
Patent applications are filed with the Industrial Property Office in Seychelles.
Seychelles is a member of the Paris Convention but not a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Applications undergo formal and substantive examination before grant.
6. Duration and Renewal
Patents are granted for a term of 20 years from the filing date.
Annual renewal fees are required to maintain patent rights.
7. Enforcement
Patent enforcement is carried out through Seychelles courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing products.
8. International Treaties
Seychelles is a member of the Paris Convention.
Seychelles is not a member of the PCT.
Seychelles participates in some regional IP initiatives but does not have a regional patent office.
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