Industrial Designs - General Information

  • You can claim priority according to Paris Convention within: 6 months from the first filing date.
  • Member of: Paris Convention, ARIPO.
  • Annuities: For applicants based on a granted South African patent, annuity fees are payable after five years from the filing date of the South African design. In case of a functional design, it is possible to renew the protection for a further five-years period. However, no annuity fees are payable for a UK-based application.
  • Allowed time to submit the assignment deed from the date of signing the agreement: no time restrictions.

A design based on a South African or UK patent remains in force for so long as the South African or UK design remains in force.