WIPO - PCT Applicant's Guide MW - Malawi
Justizministerium, Registrierabteilung (Malawi)

    Applicable as from 1. Januar 2026
    (published on 13. November 2025)

    Summary of latest changes in this version
    RO: RO fees
    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: Ministry of Justice, Department of the Registrar General (Malawi)
    MPA: Patents Act of Malawi
    MPR: Patent Regulations of Malawi
    MPT: Patents Tribunal Rules
    [MT] Liste der in diesem Dokument verwendeten Währungen :
    MWK (Malawi-Kwacha), USD (US-Dollar)
    [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 :
    Malawi
    [MT] Zwei-Buchstaben-Code :
    MW
    [MT] Name des Büros:
    Justizministerium, Registrierabteilung (Malawi)
    Ort :
    Blantyre
    Malawi
    [MT] Postanschrift :
    P.O. Box 100
    Blantyre
    Malawi
    [MT] Telefon :
    (265) 62 43 55
    (265) 62 44 56
    (265) 62 46 68
    (265) 62 47 95
    [MT] E-Mail :
    None
    [MT] Website :
    None
    [MT] Fax :
    (265) 62 16 86
    [MT] Nimmt das Amt die Einreichung von Unterlagen per Telefax oder auf ähnliche Weise an ( Regel 92.4 PCT )?
    Ja, per Fax
    [MT] Welche Arten von Dokumenten können auf diese Weise übermittelt werden?
    Alle Arten von Dokumenten
    [MT] Muss in allen Fällen das Original des Dokuments vorgelegt werden?
    Ja,
    within 14 days from the date of the transmission
    [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 )?
    Nein
    [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,
    MW
    [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: MW
    ARIPO protection: AP
    [MT] Arten des Schutzes, die über das PCT angeboten werden:
    National:
    Patents,
    Patents of addition

    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 the data concerning the inventor are missing at the expiration of the time limit 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.
    [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 :
    Malawi
    [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?
    Information not yet available
    [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 :
    EP
    [MT] Zuständige Behörde für die internationale vorläufige Prüfung :
    EP
    Fees payable to the RO:
    [MT] Übermittlungsgebühr :
    6,000 MWK
    [MT] Internationale Anmeldegebühr :
    This fee is reduced by 90% if certain conditions apply (refer to Annex C(IB)).
    1,667 USD
    [MT] Gebühr pro Blatt über 30 :
    19 USD
    [MT] Suchgebühr :
    Refer to
    Annex D(EP)
    [MT] Gebühr für Prioritätsdokument ( Regel 17.1 b) PCT) :
    None
    [MT] Ist ein Bevollmächtigter vom Anmeldeamt verlangt?
    Ja
    [MT] Wer kann als Agent agieren?
    Any person registered as patent agent before the Office
    [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)(a): 30 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, both as originally filed and as amended, together with any statement under PCT Article 19), any text matter of drawings, abstract
    Under PCT Article 39(1): Description, claims, any text matter of drawings, abstract (if any of those parts has been amended, both as originally filed and 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).
    [MT] Gebühr für Unterkunft komplette Spezifikation
    500 MWK
    [MT] Befreiungen, Ermäßigungen oder Rückerstattungen von Gebühren :
    None
    [MT] Besondere Anforderungen des Amtes ( Regel 51 bis PCT ) :
    Name and address of the inventor if they have not been furnished in the “Request” part of the international application
    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.
    This requirement may be satisfied if the corresponding declaration has been made in accordance with PCT Rule 4.17.
    Declaration concerning the inventor where the applicant is not the inventor
    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.
    This requirement may be satisfied if the corresponding declaration has been made in accordance with PCT Rule 4.17.
    Appointment of an agent
    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.
    Verified translation of priority document into English
    If the validity of the priority claim is relevant to the determination of whether the invention concerned is patentable.
    [MT] Wer kann als Agent agieren?
    Any person registered as a patent attorney or attorney at law before the Ministry of Justice of Malawi
    [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] MW.01 FORMULAR FÜR DEN EINTRITT IN DIE NATIONALE PHASE
    The national application form for lodging a complete specification (Patents Form No. 6) may be used for entering the national phase, but its use is not required (therefore, this form is not reproduced in an Annex).
    [MT] MW.02 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). For the applicable procedure, refer to paragraph MW.10(i).
    [MT] MW.03 GEBÜHREN ( ZAHLUNGSMETHODE )
    The manner of payment of the fees indicated in the Summary and in this Chapter is outlined in Annex MW.I.
    [MT] MW.04 ADRESSE FÜR SERVICE
    MPR Rules 78,
    MPR Rules 79,
    MPR Rules 82(2)

    An applicant, irrespective of whether or not he is a national of or a resident in Malawi, is not required to be represented by an agent, but he is required to have an address for service (of notices and other communications) in Malawi. If an agent in Malawi is appointed to represent the applicant for the entry into the national phase, a written authorization is not required, though the agent must be prepared to prove his authority to act if called upon to do so by the Office.
    [MT] MW.05 ERKLÄRUNG ÜBER DEN ERFINDER
    MPA Sec. 12(3)
    Where the applicant is not the inventor, he must furnish a declaration that he believes that the person indicated as inventor is the inventor and that he owns the invention in respect of Malawi. This must be done in writing (there is no special form for it) and signed by the applicant or his agent. Legalization is not required.
    [MT] MW.06 PRÄFERENZDOKUMENT (ÜBERPRÜFUNG DER ÜBERSETZUNG )
    MPR Rule 7
    To verify the translation into English of a priority document, the translator must declare that he believes the translation is true and complete.
    [MT] MW.07 ANNAHMEVERKÄUFE
    MPA Sec. 21(2)
    The applicant must, upon receipt of a notice from the Office that the international application has been accepted (notice of acceptance), advertise the acceptance in the Journal of the Office. Such advertisement must be approved by the Registrar of the Office. To advertise the acceptance the applicant must send the approved advertisement to the Government Printer, P.O. Box 37, Zomba, Malawi, together with a fee for publication of advertisement (refer to Annex MW.I).
    [MT] MW.08 ANTRAG AUF VERSIEGELUNG ; FREISTIG
    MPA Sec. 25,
    MPR Rule 33

    If after the acceptance of the international application there is no opposition to the grant of a patent or, if in the event of an opposition, the final determination is in favor of the grant of a patent, the applicant must make a request for the sealing of a patent to the Office. Such request must be made on Patents Form No. 15 (refer to Annex MW.II), together with the payment of the fee indicated in Annex MW.I. The request for the sealing of the patent must be made not later than 22 months after the international filing date or, where the time limit under PCT Article 39(1) applies, not later than 32 months from the international filing date.
    [MT] MW.09 VERLÄNGERUNGSGEBÜHREN
    MPA Sec. 32,
    MPR Rules 37,
    MPR Rules 38,
    MPR Rules 39

    After a patent has been granted (sealed), the applicant must pay a renewal fee for each year after the expiration of the third year counted from the international filing date; payment must be made within six months from the date of sealing by lodging Patents Form No. 19 (refer to Annex MW.III). Payment for any succeeding year may be made in advance but not later than by the expiration of that year. The Office may at its discretion grant an extension of time not exceeding six months from the expiration of the year for which the renewal fee is due. An application for extension of time shall be made on Patents Form No. 20 and is subject to the payment of a fee for extension of the period for payment of renewal fees. For the amounts of fees, refer to Annex MW.I.
    [MT] MW.10 ÄNDERUNG DES ANTRAGS; FRIST
    PCT Artikel 28,
    PCT Artikel 41,
    MPA Sec. 43,
    MPR Rules 54,
    MPR Rules 55,
    MPR Rules 56

    The following modifications to the description, claims and drawings may be made by the applicant:
    (i) at any time, correction of clerical errors, omissions or obvious mistakes; such corrections must be made on Patents Form No. 42 (refer to Annex MW.VI) together with the payment of the related fee (refer to Annex MW.I);
    (ii) until the acceptance of the application, amendments, provided that the scope of the subject matter of the application is not broadened thereby; such amendments must be made on Patents Form No. 30 (refer to Annex MW.IV) together with the payment of the related fee (refer to Annex MW.I);
    (iii) after the acceptance of the application, amendments, but only if they are by way of disclaimer, correction or explanation and provided that the scope of the subject matter of the application is not broadened thereby; such amendments must be made on Patents Form No. 31 (refer to Annex MW.V) together with the payment of the related fee (refer to Annex MW.I).
    All modifications must be accompanied by a copy certified by the applicant or his agent of those sheets on which the proposed amendment appears, clearly showing in red ink the amendment sought.
    [MT] MW.11 ÜBERPRÜFUNG NACH ARTIKEL 25 PCT
    PCT Artikel 25,
    PCT Regel 51,
    MPA Sec. 73,
    MPA Sec. 80,
    MPT Rule 3

    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 on Form P.T. No. 1 with the Registrar of the Patents Tribunal within three months from the date of the decision. On every appeal the related fee indicated in Annex MW.I must be paid within the same time limit.
    [MT] MW.12 BEGRÜNDE FÜR VERZÖGERUNGEN DER ZEITLIMIT FÜR DIE SITZUNG
    PCT Artikel 24(2),
    PCT Artikel 48(2),
    PCT Regel 82bis

    Reference is made to paragraphs NP 6.022 to NP 6.027 of the National Phase. Restoration of rights may be requested where the applicant has failed to observe a time limit during the international phase or before the Office. A request to waive the requirement which was not observed is also possible. Any such request must state the reasons for missing the time limit or for the failure to observe the requirement and must be accompanied by evidence by affidavit in support of the statements made. Where the restoration of a lapsed patent is requested, application must be made on Patents Form No. 22 together with the payment of the related fee (refer to Annex MW.I).

    [MT] Anhänge

    [MT] Anhang MW.I - Gebühren
    [MT] Patentformular Nr. 6
    [MT] Gebühr für Unterkunft komplette Spezifikation
    500 MWK
    [MT] Patentformular Nr. 15
    [MT] Auf Wunsch zur Versiegelung eines Patents
    250 MWK
    [MT] Patentformular Nr. 19
    [MT] Verlängerungsgebühren :
    One-half only of the fees is payable on patents endorsed “Licences of Right”.
    [MT] — für das vierte bis sechste Jahr, pro Jahr
    165 MWK
    [MT] — für das 7. bis 9. Jahr, pro Jahr
    180 MWK
    [MT] — für das 10. Jahr
    200 MWK
    [MT] — für das 11. Jahr
    200 MWK
    [MT] — für das 12. Jahr
    250 MWK
    [MT] — für das 13. Jahr
    250 MWK
    [MT] — für das 14. Jahr
    300 MWK
    [MT] — für das 15. Jahr
    350 MWK
    [MT] — für das 16. Jahr
    400 MWK
    [MT] Patentformular Nr. 20
    [MT] Beim Antrag auf Verlängerung der Frist für die Entrichtung der Jahresgebühr :
    [MT] — einen Monat nicht überschreiten
    150 MWK
    [MT] — höchstens zwei Monate
    200 MWK
    [MT] — höchstens sechs Monate
    250 MWK
    [MT] Patentformular Nr. 22
    [MT] Zum Antrag auf Wiederherstellung eines erloschenen Patents
    [MT] — wenn sie innerhalb eines Jahres nach dem Verfall erfolgt
    500 MWK
    [MT] — wenn sie nach einem Jahr nach dem Verfall gemacht werden
    550 MWK
    [MT] Gebühr für die Veröffentlichung der Anzeige
    150 MWK
    [MT] Patentformular Nr. 30
    [MT] Über den Antrag auf Änderung einer noch nicht genehmigten Spezifikation
    100 MWK
    [MT] Patentformular Nr. 31
    [MT] Zum Änderungsantrag nach Annahme
    [MT] — bis zur Versiegelung, durch den Antragsteller
    150 MWK
    [MT] — nach Versiegeln durch den Patentinhaber
    180 MWK
    [MT] Patentformular Nr. 42
    [MT] Auf Antrag auf Korrektur von Schreibfehlern
    50 MWK
    [MT] Patentgericht Nr. 1
    [MT] Mitteilung über die Beschwerde beim Patentgericht
    50 MWK
    [MT] Wie kann die Zahlung der Gebühren erfolgen?
    The payment of fees has to be effected in Malawian kwacha. All payments must be made together with the filing of the form relating to the fee to be paid and indicate the name of the applicant or patentee, the application number (national, if already known; international, if the national number is not yet known) or the number of the patent and the category of fee being paid
    Fees may be paid by any of the following means: in cash at the Office or by check drawn on a Malawian or foreign bank
    Current version applicable from 1. Januar 2026 , printed on 13. Februar 2026
    2.2 #71 - 2026-02-10T18:40:34.131+01:00