PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
Angola

Since December 27, 2007, Angola has been a Contracting Party to both the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Angola demonstrates its commitment to international intellectual property standards through its membership in key organizations and treaties. It joined the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 1985. Angola is also a party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), both of which were approved by Resolution No. 22/05 on August 19. Additionally, Angola's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the TRIPS Agreement further reinforces its dedication to protecting intellectual property. The Angolan Institute of Industrial Property (IAIP) is a public entity within the economic or productive sector, with its own legal personality and autonomy in administration, finance, and assets. It is tasked with overseeing the implementation, expansion, and advancement of industrial property in Angola. In Angola, the administration of industrial property has a well-established work dynamic, though there is room for improvement in ensuring smoother and more efficient processes. The implementation of IPAS (WIPO's Intellectual Property Administration System) is considered highly valuable for accelerating processes to meet the growing demands of a competitive market. By standardizing and automating processes, IPAS would significantly increase the number of concessions, ensuring faster, more efficient operations with continuous productivity and a reduction in errors within industrial property management.

The deadline to enter the national phase in Angola is 31 months from the priority date of the international application.

Portuguese is the official language for filing patent applications in Angola. A Portuguese translation of the PCT application must be submitted within 30 months from the priority date.

In Angola, there is no general provision for extending the deadline for late patent application filings.

The key documents required for filing a national phase application in Angola are as follows:

• Power of Attorney: Power of Attorney, notarised and legalised up to the Angolan Consulate must be filed within three months of the date of filing.
• Assignment Deed: Deed of assignment, notarised and legalised up to the Angolan Consulate must be filed within three months of the date of filing.

There is no cost exemption available for filing patent application in Angola.

In Angola, the patent applications are examined substantively in Angola after they have been formally examined by the patent office. However, a request for substantive examination is not explicitly required for patent applications.

Renewal fees are to be paid annually, commencing from the filing date anniversary. The initial two renewal fees are due upon filing the application. Thereafter, annual fees must be paid from the third anniversary up to the fifteenth year. Late payments are permitted within a six-month grace period following the due date, subject to a statutory surcharge.

In Angola, a granted patent provides protection for 15 years from the filing date of the application.

In the Global Innovation Index 2024, Angola ranks 133rd out of 133 economies, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Angola is a resource-rich country in Southern Africa, known for its oil reserves, a history of civil war, rapid economic growth, and a diverse cultural heritage.