WIPO - PCT Applicant's Guide ZW - Simbabwe
Amt für geistiges Eigentum (Simbabwe)

    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: Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office
    ZPL: Zimbabwe Patents Act
    ZPR: Zimbabwe Patents Regulations
    [MT] Liste der in diesem Dokument verwendeten Währungen :
    USD (US-Dollar), ZWD (Simbabwischer 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 :
    Simbabwe
    [MT] Zwei-Buchstaben-Code :
    ZW
    [MT] Name des Büros:
    Amt für geistiges Eigentum (Simbabwe)
    Ort :
    Century House East
    38 N. Mandela Avenue
    Harare
    Zimbabwe
    [MT] Postanschrift :
    P.O. Box CY 177
    Causeway
    Harare
    Zimbabwe
    [MT] Telefon :
    (263-242) 78 18 35
    (263-242) 77 55 44
    (263-242) 77 55 45
    (263-242) 77 55 46
    (263-242) 77 53 73
    (263-242) 77 56 02
    Chief Registrar:
    (263-242) 77 51 62 (direct line)
    (263-773) 56 02 84 (mobile phone)
    [MT] E-Mail :
    wmushayi@gmail.com
    [MT] Website :
    None
    [MT] Fax :
    (263-242) 77 73 72
    [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?
    Yes, within one month 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 )?
    Yes, provided that the delivery service is:
    DHL
    [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,
    ZW
    [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: ZW
    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 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 :
    Simbabwe
    [MT] Sprache, in der internationale Anmeldungen eingereicht werden können:
    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 :
    AT,
    AU,
    CN,
    EP,
    RU
    [MT] Zuständige Behörde für die internationale vorläufige Prüfung :
    AT,
    AU,
    RU

    CN
    The Office is competent only if the international search is or has been carried out by that Office.
    EP
    The Office is competent only if the international search is or has been carried out by that Office or by the Austrian Patent Office.
    Fees payable to the RO:
    [MT] Übermittlungsgebühr :
    6,000 ZWD
    [MT] Internationale Anmeldegebühr :
    This fee is reduced by 90% if certain conditions apply (refer to Annex C(IB)).
    Equivalent in ZWD of 1,667 USD
    [MT] Gebühr pro Blatt über 30 :
    Equivalent in ZWD of 19 USD
    [MT] Suchgebühr :
    Equivalent in ZWD of the search fee payable to the International Searching Authority chosen by the applicant:
    Refer to
    Annex D(AT)
    Annex D(AU)
    Annex D(CN)
    Annex D(EP)
    Annex D(RU)
    [MT] Gebühr für Prioritätsdokument ( Regel 17.1 b) PCT) :
    150 ZWD
    — plus, per page
    2 ZWD
    [MT] Ist ein Bevollmächtigter vom Anmeldeamt verlangt?
    No, but an address for service in Zimbabwe is required
    [MT] Wer kann als Agent agieren?
    An attorney, legal practitioner or patent agent. A list of registered agents may be obtained from 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)(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, 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?
    Ja
    [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] Anmeldegebühr
    6,000 ZWD
    [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.
    The list of special requirements is still subject to confirmation by the Office
    Address for service in Zimbabwe (no representation by an agent is required but, if an agent is appointed, a power of attorney must be furnished)
    Instrument of assignment of the international application if the applicant has changed after the international filing date and the change has not been reflected in the international publication or in a notification from the International Bureau (Form PCT/IB/306)
    Document evidencing a change of name of the applicant if the change occurred after the international filing date and has not been reflected in the international publication or in a notification from the International Bureau (Form PCT/IB/306)
    Verified translation of the international application to be furnished in duplicate
    Verified translation of the priority document
    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?
    An attorney, legal practitioner or patent agent. A list of registered agents may be obtained from the Office.
    [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] ZW.01 ÜBERSETZUNG ( KORREKTUR )
    ZPL Art. 54(1)(a)
    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] ZW.02 GEBÜHREN ( ZAHLUNGSMETHODE )
    The manner of payment of the fees indicated in the Summary and in this Chapter is outlined in Annex ZW.I.
    [MT] ZW.03 ÄNDERUNG DER ANMELDUNG
    PCT Artikel 28,
    PCT Artikel 41,
    ZPL Art. 37

    The applicant may amend or correct the international application at any time up to the acceptance of the complete specification, provided that the scope of the subject matter of the application is not broadened thereby, and that the request is made in writing, states the nature of the amendment and the reasons for the amendment. The request should be accompanied by the prescribed fee (refer to Annex ZW.I). Requests for amendment of an accepted specification and its nature and reasons therefor must be published by the applicant in the Patent and Trade Marks Journal, and any person may notify the Registrar of opposition to the amendment within three months of that publication.
    ZW.04
    ZPL Art. 54,
    ZPR Art. 74,
    ZPR Art. 75

    The Registrar may also authorize the correction of any clerical error or omission or error in translation in any patent application or other document, amendment of any documents not otherwise provided for in the Patents Act or correction of any procedural irregularity relating to proceedings before the Registrar. Such corrections may be made upon request in writing accompanied by the prescribed fee (refer to Annex ZW.I) or without such a request.
    [MT] ZW.05 VERÖFFENTLICHUNG
    ZPL Art. 16,
    ZPR Art. 24

    The applicant must publish a notice in the Patent and Trade Marks Journal upon acceptance of the complete specification by the Registrar, and the application form, specification and other documents are open to public inspection as of the date of publication of that notice.
    [MT] ZW.06 VERLÄNGERUNGSGEBÜHREN
    ZPL Art. 27,
    ZPR Art. 37

    After a patent has been granted, renewal fees must be paid for maintaining the patent in force. The first renewal fee is payable for the third year following the international filing date. Payment of the annual fees for subsequent years must be made before the anniversary of the international filing date. The Registrar may, upon the request of the applicant and subject to the payment of an additional fee, extend the time for payment of the renewal fee for a period not exceeding six months. The amounts of the renewal fees are indicated in Annex ZW.I. No renewal fees are payable for the renewal of a patent of addition.
    [MT] ZW.07 BEGRÜNDE FÜR VERZÖGERUNGEN DER SITZUNGSZEITEN
    PCT Artikel 24(2),
    PCT Artikel 48(2),
    PCT Regel 82bis,
    ZPL Art. 28

    Reference is made to paragraphs NP 6.022 to NP 6.027 of the National Phase. Owners of patents which have lapsed due to failure to pay any renewal fee within the prescribed time limit may, within three years from the date on which the patent lapsed, apply in the prescribed manner to the Registrar for restoration of the lapsed patent. The request for restoration must contain a verified statement setting out the circumstances which led to the failure to pay the renewal fee. The Registrar may require the submission of additional evidence or may permit the applicant to have a hearing. Where the Registrar is satisfied that the failure to pay the renewal fee was unintentional and there was no undue delay in making the request for restoration, the request for restoration may be granted upon payment of the unpaid renewal fee and such additional fee as may be prescribed (refer to Annex ZW.I), and after providing for opposition to the request.
    [MT] ZW.08 ÜBERPRÜFUNG NACH ARTIKEL 25 PCT
    PCT Artikel 25,
    PCT Regel 51,
    ZPL Art. 69,
    ZPL Art. 70,
    ZPL Art. 71,
    ZPL Art. 76

    The applicable procedure is outlined in paragraphs NP 6.018 to NP 6.021 of the National Phase. Where so provided in the Patents Act, applicants may appeal from decisions of the Registrar to the Patents Tribunal within three months after the date of the decision by the Registrar, or within such further time as the Patents Tribunal may allow.
    [MT] ZW.09 BERUFUNGSGRÜNDE
    ZPL Art. 74,
    ZPL Art. 76

    Any order or decision of the Patents Tribunal may be appealed to the Supreme Court within three months after the date of the decision by the Tribunal, or within such further time as the Patents Tribunal may allow.
    [MT] ZW.10 PATENT FÜR ZUSATZE
    PCT Regel 49bis.1(c),
    PCT Regel 76.5,
    ZPL Art. 26

    Any desire of the applicant to obtain, in Zimbabwe, on the basis of an international application, a patent of addition instead of a patent must have been indicated, for international applications filed before 1 January 2004, 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.

    [MT] Anhänge

    [MT] Anhang ZW.I - Gebühren
    [MT] Anmeldegebühr
    6,000 ZWD
    [MT] Publikationsgebühr
    1,000 ZWD
    [MT] Gebühr für die Änderung der Spezifikation :
    [MT] — vor dem Versiegeln
    1,000 ZWD
    [MT] — nach dem Versiegeln
    2,000 ZWD
    [MT] Gebühr für Korrektur
    500 ZWD
    [MT] Verlängerungsgebühren :
    [MT] — für das vierte bis zehnte Jahr, gerechnet ab dem internationalen Anmeldetag,
    per year 2,000 ZWD
    [MT] — für das 11. bis 15. Jahr, gerechnet ab dem internationalen Anmeldetag,
    per year 3,000 ZWD
    [MT] — für das 16. bis 20. Jahr, gerechnet ab dem internationalen Anmeldetag,
    per year 4,000 ZWD
    [MT] Gebühr für die Verlängerung der Frist für die Zahlung der Jahresgebühren, pro Monat ( höchstens sechs Monate )
    1,000 ZWD
    [MT] Gebühr für die Wiederherstellung eines erloschenen Patents.
    5,000 ZWD
    [MT] Wie kann die Zahlung der Gebühren erfolgen?
    (i) All fees must be paid to the Office
    (ii) The national fees may be paid by money order, check, bank draft or in cash. All payments should include the complete application number, the name of the applicant and the type of fee being paid
    [MT] Formen
    Please refer to the Office.
    Current version applicable from 1. Januar 2026 , printed on 13. Februar 2026
    2.2 #71 - 2026-02-10T18:40:34.131+01:00