WIPO - PCT Applicant's Guide LS - Lesotho
Registrierabteilung (Lesotho)

    Applicable as from 5. Januar 2026
    (published on 20. November 2025)

    Summary of latest changes in this version
    RO: Electronic filing
    List of changes

    [MT] Nützliche Informationen zu den Ferienwohnungen

    [MT] Der PCT-Anmelderleitfaden wird fast wöchentlich mit Informationen aktualisiert, die vom Internationalen Büro eingehen.
    In case of question, please contact the Office or the International Bureau: pct.guide@wipo.int.
    [MT] Liste der in diesem Dokument verwendeten Abkürzungen :
    Office: Registrar General's Office (Lesotho)
    LPL: Industrial Property Order (Order No. 5, 1989)
    LPR: Industrial Property Regulations (Legal Notice No. 85, 1989)
    [MT] Liste der in diesem Dokument verwendeten Währungen :
    CHF (Schweizer Franken), LSL (Lesothischer Loti)
    [MT] Länder und Büros Information :
    The list of acronyms used for Offices is no longer shown as it has been integrated in the mouseover functionality for each ST.3 code shown in this document.
    Refer to List of WIPO Standards, Recommendations and Guidelines formerly Annex K, List of country names and two-letter codes. It includes a list of short names and two-letter codes accepted for use in indicating States, other entities and intergovernmental organizations and their Offices in documents relating to international applications under the PCT. The list is as set out in WIPO Standard ST.3.
    Also refer to PCT Contracting States formerly Annex A.
    [MT] Büroprofil
    For more technical information about the Office, refer to ePCT Office profile.
    [MT] PCT Vorbehalte, Erklärungen, Notifizierungen und Unvereinbarkeiten
    The Office does not have any reservations, declarations, notifications or incompatibilities.
    Refer to the full list.
    [MT] Büro Geschlossene Termine
    The Office is closed weekly on Saturday and Sunday
    Additional closed dates can be consulted on the Office Closed dates page

    [MT] Internationale Phase

    [MT] Anhang B - Angaben über Vertragsstaaten oder zwischenstaatliche Organisationen

    [MT] Vertragsstaat :
    Lesotho
    [MT] Zwei-Buchstaben-Code :
    LS
    [MT] Name des Büros:
    Registrierabteilung (Lesotho)
    Ort :
    Maseru
    Lesotho
    [MT] Postanschrift :
    Law Office
    P.O. Box 33
    Maseru 100
    Lesotho
    [MT] Telefon :
    (266) 22 31 28 56
    (266) 22 31 12 51
    [MT] E-Mail :
    registrar.general@gov.ls
    [MT] Website :
    None
    [MT] Fax :
    (266) 31 04 02
    (266) 31 10 92
    [MT] Nimmt das Amt die Einreichung von Unterlagen per Telefax oder auf ähnliche Weise an ( Regel 92.4 PCT )?
    Nein
    [MT] Würde das Amt bei Verlust oder Verspätung einen Nachweis über die Versendung eines Schriftstücks akzeptieren, wenn ein anderer Zustelldienst als die Postbehörden in Anspruch genommen wird ( Regel 82.1 PCT )?
    Ja
    [MT] Ist das Amt bereit, Anmeldern die Möglichkeit zu geben, Anmeldungen dem WIPO-Digitalzugangsdienst für Prioritätsdokumente ( DAS ) ( Regel 17.1 b - bis PCT ) zur Verfügung zu stellen?
    More information about WIPO DAS is available at: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/das.
    Nein
    [MT] Zuständiges(e) Anmeldeamt(e) für internationale Anmeldungen, die von Staatsangehörigen oder Einwohnern dieses Staates eingereicht werden:
    AP,
    IB,
    LS
    [MT] Beschränkt die nationale Gesetzgebung die Einreichung internationaler Anmeldungen bei ausländischen Ämtern?
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Zuständige benannte ( oder gewählte ) Stelle (n ) für diesen Staat :
    National protection: LS
    ARIPO protection: AP
    [MT] Arten des Schutzes, die über das PCT angeboten werden:
    National:
    Patents,
    Utility models

    ARIPO:
    Patents, Utility models (a utility model may be sought instead of or in addition to an ARIPO patent)
    [MT] Vom Amt akzeptierte Zahlungsarten :
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Verfügbarkeit nach nationalem Recht für eine internationale Typrecherche ( Artikel 15 PCT) :
    None
    [MT] Vorläufiger Schutz nach internationaler Veröffentlichung :
    None
    [MT] Informationen von Interesse, wenn dieser Vertragsstaat benannt ( oder gewählt ) wird
    [MT] Für den nationalen Schutz
    [MT] Zeitpunkt, zu dem Name und Anschrift des Erfinders anzugeben sind:
    Must be in the request. If not already complied with within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1), the Office will invite the applicant to comply with the requirement within a time limit of two months from the date of receipt of the invitation.
    [MT] Gibt es besondere Bestimmungen für die Ablage von Mikroorganismen und anderem biologischem Material?
    Nein
    [MT] Für ein ARIPO-Patent
    Refer to Annex B(AP)

    [MT] Anhang C - Annahmestelle

    [MT] Zuständige Empfangsstelle für Staatsangehörige und Einwohner von :
    Lesotho
    [MT] Sprache, in der internationale Anmeldungen eingereicht werden können:
    English
    [MT] Sprache, in der der Antrag eingereicht werden kann:
    English
    Number of copies required by the receiving Office if the international application is filed on paper:
    3
    [MT] Akzeptiert das Anmeldeamt die Einreichung internationaler Anmeldungen in elektronischer Form?
    For the relevant notification by the Office, refer to the Official Notices (PCT Gazette) dated 20 November 2025, pages 240 et seq.
    Yes, the Office accepts electronic filing via ePCT-Filing
    [MT] Akzeptiert das Anmeldeamt die Einbeziehung durch Verweis ( Regel 20.6 PCT )?
    Ja
    [MT] Nimmt das Anmeldeamt die Einreichung von Farbzeichnungen auf informeller Basis an und übermittelt sie dem Internationalen Büro?
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Nimmt das Anmeldeamt Anträge auf Wiederherstellung des Prioritätsrechts an ( Regel 26bis.3 PCT )?
    Yes, please refer to the Office for the applicable criteria and/or any fee payable for such requests
    [MT] Zuständige internationale Recherchenbehörde :
    AT,
    EP
    [MT] Zuständige Behörde für die internationale vorläufige Prüfung :
    AT,
    EP
    Fees payable to the RO:
    [MT] Übermittlungsgebühr :
    Please refer to the Office
    [MT] Internationale Anmeldegebühr :
    This fee is reduced by 90% if certain conditions apply (refer to Annex C(IB)).
    Equivalent in LSL of 1,330 CHF
    [MT] Gebühr pro Blatt über 30 :
    Equivalent in LSL of 15 CHF
    [MT] Suchgebühr :
    Equivalent in LSL of the search fee payable to the International Searching Authority chosen by the applicant:
    Refer to
    Annex D(AT)
    Annex D(EP)
    [MT] Gebühr für Prioritätsdokument ( Regel 17.1 b) PCT) :
    Please refer to the Office
    [MT] Ist ein Bevollmächtigter vom Anmeldeamt verlangt?
    No, if the applicant resides in Lesotho
    Yes, if the applicant is a non-resident
    [MT] Wer kann als Agent agieren?
    Any legal practitioner practicing and resident in Lesotho
    [MT] Verzicht auf Vollmacht :
    [MT] Hat das Amt auf die Vorlage einer gesonderten Vollmacht verzichtet?
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Hat das Amt auf die Vorlage einer Abschrift einer allgemeinen Vollmacht verzichtet?
    Refer to the Office

    [MT] Nationale Phase

    [MT] Zusammenfassung der Anforderungen für den Eintritt in die nationale Phase

    [MT] Fristen für den Eintritt in die nationale Phase :
    Under PCT Article 22(1): 30 months from the priority date
    Under PCT Article 39(1)(b): 31 months from the priority date
    [MT] Erlaubt das Amt die Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand ( PCT-Regel 49.6 )?
    Ja
    [MT] Erforderliche Übersetzung der internationalen Anmeldung in ( eine der ) folgenden Sprachen :
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    English
    [MT] Erforderliche Inhalte der Übersetzung für den Eintritt in die nationale Phase :
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    Under PCT Article 22: Description, claims (if amended, as amended only), any text matter of drawings
    Under PCT Article 39(1): Description, claims, any text matter of drawings (if any of those parts has been amended, only as amended by the annexes to the international preliminary examination report)
    [MT] Ist unter besonderen Umständen eine Abschrift der internationalen Anmeldung erforderlich?
    Nein
    [MT] Nimmt das Amt nach seinem nationalen Recht Farbzeichnungen an?
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Nationale Gebühren :
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    The amount in parentheses is applicable in case of filing by individuals or “small entities.” The Registrar General will determine whether an entity is eligible as a small entity, in accordance with the definition in the First Schedule of Fees.
    [MT] Patente
    [MT] Anmeldegebühr für die Teilnahme
    250 LSL
    (100 LSL)
    [MT] Förder- und Publikationsgebühr
    Due to the new time limit applicable under PCT Article 22, the Office should be consulted for the time limit applicable for the payment of this fee. Late payment of annual fees is permitted in some circumstances subject to payment of a surcharge.
    450 LSL
    (120 LSL)
    [MT] Gebrauchsmuster
    [MT] Anmeldegebühr für die Teilnahme
    150 LSL
    (50 LSL)
    [MT] Förder- und Publikationsgebühr
    Due to the new time limit applicable under PCT Article 22, the Office should be consulted for the time limit applicable for the payment of this fee. Late payment of annual fees is permitted in some circumstances subject to payment of a surcharge.
    450 LSL
    (150 LSL)
    [MT] Befreiungen, Ermäßigungen oder Rückerstattungen von Gebühren :
    None
    [MT] Besondere Anforderungen des Amtes ( Regel 51 bis PCT ) :
    If not already complied with within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1), the Office will invite the applicant to comply with the requirement within a time limit fixed in the invitation.
    Instrument of assignment or transfer where the applicant is not the inventor
    This requirement may be satisfied if the corresponding declaration has been made in accordance with PCT Rule 4.17.
    Appointment of an agent if the applicant is not resident in Lesotho
    [MT] Wer kann als Agent agieren?
    Any legal practitioner practicing and resident in Lesotho
    [MT] Akzeptiert das Amt die Wirkung der Wiederherstellung des Prioritätsrechts durch das Anmeldeamt ( Regel 49ter.1 PCT )?
    Ja
    [MT] Nimmt das Amt Anträge auf Wiederherstellung des Prioritätsrechts ( Regel 49ter.2 PCT ) entgegen?
    Yes, please refer to the Office for the applicable criteria and/or any fee payable for such requests

    [MT] Das Verfahren in der nationalen Phase

    [MT] LS.01 ÜBERSETZUNG ( KORREKTUR )
    Errors in the translation of the international application can be corrected with reference to the text of the international application as filed (refer to National Phase, paragraphs NP 6.002 and NP 6.003).
    [MT] LS.02 GEBÜHREN ( ZAHLUNGSMETHODE )
    The manner of payment of the fees indicated in the Summary and in this Chapter is outlined in Annex LS.I.
    [MT] LS.03 ZUORDNUNG UND ZUSAMMENHALT
    LPL Sec. 6,
    LPR Sec. 9(3)

    Where the applicant is not the inventor, an instrument of assignment or transfer concerning the inventor and the applicant’s right to apply for a patent must be furnished.
    [MT] LS.04 Prüfung und Prüfungsform
    LPL Sec. 11(6),
    LPR Sec. 25(1)

    The Office will examine or provide for the examination of patent applications as to substance. No request is necessary and no special fee is payable.
    [MT] LS.05 REPRESENTATION UND ENTWICKLUNG
    LPL Sec. 35,
    LPR Sec. 7

    Where the ordinary residence or principal place of business of the applicant is outside Lesotho, an agent who is a resident of Lesotho and who is registered to practice before the Office must be appointed for the purposes of national processing.
    [MT] LS.06 ÄNDERUNG DES ANTRAGS; FRIST
    PCT Artikel 28,
    PCT Artikel 41,
    LPL Sec. 8(2)

    The applicant may make corrections and/or amendments to the international application at any time during the patent procedure before the grant of the patent, provided that the scope of the subject matter of the application is not broadened thereby.
    [MT] LS.07 ZUSCHÜSS UND PUBLIKATIONSGEBÜHR
    LPR Sec. 27(1)
    This fee must be paid before the grant of the patent. The Office will invite the applicant to pay the fee. The amount is set out in Annex LS.I.
    [MT] LS.08 JÄHRLICHE GEBÜHREN
    LPL Sec. 14(5)
    In order to maintain the patent or patent application, annual fees must be paid in advance to the Registrar for each year, starting one year after the filing date of the application for the grant of the patent. The first annual fee is due within 24 months from the international filing date; however, where Article 39(1) applies, it is due within 31 months from the priority date if that time limit expires later. Any annual fee may, together with the prescribed surcharge, be paid within six months after its due date. The amounts of the annual fees and the surcharge for late payment are set out in Annex LS.I.
    [MT] LS.09 VERLÄNGERUNG DER PATENTLAUFZEIT
    LPL Sec. 14(1),
    LPL Sec. 14(2),
    LPR Sec. 29

    The normal patent term expires at the end of the 15th year after the filing date, but may be extended by a period of five years. A request for such an extension must be made and the prescribed fee must be paid not more than 12 months and not less than one month before the expiration of the patent term. The request must prove to the satisfaction of the Registrar either that the invention is being worked sufficiently in Lesotho at the date of the request or that there are circumstances which justify the failure to so work the invention.
    LS.10
    LPL Sec. 14(3)
    The Registrar will decide on the request for extension of the patent term within a period of six months from the date of the receipt of the request. Where the Registrar takes no decision within the prescribed six-month period, the patent is deemed to have been extended for a period of five years.
    [MT] LS.11 AUSSCHLUSS VON VERZÖGERUNGEN DER ZEITLIMIT FÜR DIE SITZUNG
    PCT Artikel 24(2),
    PCT Artikel 48(2),
    PCT Regel 82bis,
    LPL Sec. 40(2),
    LPR Sec. 60

    Reference is made to paragraphs NP 6.022 to NP 6.027 of the National Phase. If the Registrar is satisfied that the circumstances justify it, he may, upon receiving a written a request, extend the time for doing any act or taking any proceeding under the Industrial Property Order, 1989, or the Regulations made thereunder upon notice to the parties concerned and upon such terms as he may direct. The extensions may be granted though the time for doing the act or taking the proceeding has expired.
    [MT] LS.12 ÜBERPRÜFUNG NACH ARTIKEL 25 PCT
    PCT Artikel 25,
    PCT Regel 51

    The applicable procedure is outlined in paragraphs NP 6.018 to NP 6.021 of the National Phase. If, upon review under PCT Article 25, the Office denies an error or omission on the part of the receiving Office or the International Bureau, an appeal against this decision may be lodged with the Office.
    [MT] LS.13 BERUFUNGSGRÜNDE
    PCT Artikel 4(3),
    PCT Artikel 43,
    LPL Sec. 42(2),
    LPR Sec. 61

    Any decision of the Registrar under the Industrial Property Order, 1989, may be the subject of an appeal by an interested party before the High Court and such appeal must be filed within two months of the date of the decision.
    [MT] LS.14 Gebrauchsmuster
    PCT Regel 49bis.1,
    PCT Regel 49bis.1(a),
    PCT Regel 49bis.1(b),
    PCT Regel 76.5,
    LPL Sec. 17,
    LPL Sec. 18,
    LPR Sec. 33(1)

    If the applicant wishes to obtain a utility model instead of a patent in Lesotho on the basis of an international application, for international applications filed before 1 January 2004, this must have been indicated in the international application (in Box No. V of the request) when filed; for international applications filed on or after 1 January 2004, since the request form no longer provides for the furnishing of such an indication, the applicant, when performing the acts referred to in Article 22 or 39, shall so indicate to the Office. The fees relating to utility models are indicated in Annex LS.I.
    [MT] LS.15 Umbau
    LPL Sec. 19,
    LPR Sec. 33(2)

    The applicant may convert an application for a patent into an application for a utility model, or vice versa, by filing a request to that effect and paying the prescribed fee at any time before the grant or rejection of a patent. The amount of the fee for conversion is set out in Annex LS.I. After conversion, the application will be accorded the filing date of the initial application. An application may not be converted more than once.

    [MT] Anhänge

    [MT] Anhang LS.I - Gebühren
    Amounts in parentheses applicable for “small entities”, defined as any business concern:
    (i) whose number of employees including those of its affiliates does not exceed 500 persons; and
    (ii) which has not assigned, granted, conveyed, or licensed the title of protection or the right thereto, and is under no obligation under contract or law to do so.
    The Registrar shall determine whether an entity is eligible as a small entity.
    [MT] Patente
    [MT] Anmeldegebühr für die Teilnahme
    250 LSL
    (100 LSL)
    [MT] Förder- und Publikationsgebühr
    450 LSL
    (120 LSL)
    [MT] Jährliche Wartungsgebühren :
    [MT] — für das 2. Jahr
    100 LSL
    (25 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 3. Jahr
    250 LSL
    (100 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 4. Jahr
    270 LSL
    (270 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 5. Jahr
    290 LSL
    (140 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 6. Jahr
    310 LSL
    (160 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 7. Jahr
    330 LSL
    (180 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 8. Jahr
    350 LSL
    (200 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 9. Jahr
    370 LSL
    (220 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 10. Jahr
    390 LSL
    (240 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 11. Jahr
    410 LSL
    (260 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 12. Jahr
    430 LSL
    (280 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 13. Jahr
    450 LSL
    (300 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 14. Jahr
    470 LSL
    (320 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 15. Jahr
    490 LSL
    (340 LSL)
    [MT] Zuschlag für die verspätete Zahlung von Jahresbeiträgen
    120 LSL
    (20 LSL)
    [MT] Gebühr für die Umwandlung einer Patentanmeldung in eine Gebrauchsmusteranmeldung
    100 LSL
    (32 LSL)
    [MT] Gebrauchsmuster
    [MT] Anmeldegebühr für die Teilnahme
    150 LSL
    (50 LSL)
    [MT] Förder- und Publikationsgebühr
    450 LSL
    (150 LSL)
    [MT] Jährliche Wartungsgebühren :
    [MT] — für das 2. Jahr
    60 LSL
    (20 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 3. Jahr
    80 LSL
    (25 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 4. Jahr
    100 LSL
    (30 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 5. Jahr
    120 LSL
    (35 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 6. Jahr
    140 LSL
    (40 LSL)
    [MT] — für das 7. Jahr
    160 LSL
    (45 LSL)
    [MT] Zuschlag für die verspätete Zahlung von Jahresbeiträgen
    120 LSL
    (20 LSL)
    [MT] Gebühr für die Umwandlung einer Gebrauchsmusteranmeldung in eine Patentanmeldung
    100 LSL
    (32 LSL)
    [MT] Wie kann die Zahlung der Gebühren erfolgen?
    The payment of fees must be effected in Lesotho maloti. All payments must indicate the application number (national, if already known; international, if the national application number is not yet known), the name of the applicant and the category of fee being paid. All fees must be paid to the Office by money order, cheque, bank draft or postal order (or cash, at the Office only) made payable to the Registrar General, Lesotho
    [MT] Formen
    Please refer to the Office.
    Current version applicable from 5. Januar 2026 , printed on 12. Februar 2026
    2.2 #71 - 2026-02-10T18:40:34.131+01:00