Patents - General Information

  • You can claim priority according to Paris Convention within: 12 months from the first filing date.
  • Period of protection of a patent: 15 years.
  • Annuities: the term of patent may be extended for a further period of five years subject to proof of adequate working in Ethiopia. An annual fee is payable as from the first anniversary of filing. A grace period of six months is allowed for the late payment of the annual fee. If the fee is not paid within the grace period, the patent lapses.
  • Allowed time to submit the assignment deed from the date of signing the agreement: no time restrictions.