Patent examination training programme (ARIPO) (as of Nov 2020)

Inventors often favour the legal certainty of patents granted by patent systems with substantive examination. Due to a lack of resources and capacity, only a few countries in Africa conduct any form of substantive examination. With the exception of Kenya, over 90 % of patent applications are filed in ARIPO member states through designation in an ARIPO patent application as opposed to direct national filing. ARIPO patent applications are subjected to substantive examination in terms of the provisions of the Harare protocol in addition to the national laws of designated member states.

The activity consists on a patent examiner training programme, jointly organised by AfrIPI and EPO. It is expected to strengthen the capacity and skills required for patent examination and increase the level of patenting in the ARIPO member states and targeted English-speaking countries.