PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
Botswana

Botswana has been a Contracting Party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property since April 15, 1998, and a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) since October 30, 2003. Additionally, Botswana is a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).

Entering the national phase in Botswana under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) requires filing an application with the Botswana Patent Office within 31 months from the priority date of the international application.

A verified English translation of the international application, including any amendments made during the international phase, must be submitted if the application was not originally filed in English.

In Botswana, extension for late filing of application is not permitted.

• Power of Attorney: A simply signed Power of Attorney should be submitted within one month from the application filing date.
• Assignment Deed: Filing of a signed deed of assignment is required if the applicant is not the inventor.

In Botswana, no cost exemptions are available for patent applications.

In Botswana, the Request for Examination must be submitted within 3 years from the filing date.

Renewal fees must be paid starting from the second anniversary of the filing date and can continue until the 20th year. If payment is not made on time, it can still be completed within a 6-month grace period, though a surcharge will apply.

In Botswana, the duration of a patent is 20 years from the filing date of the application.

In the GII 2024, Botswana ranks 87th out of 133 economies. Within the upper-middle-income group, it holds the 27th position out of 34 countries, and ranks 3rd among 27 economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Botswana is ranked 110th in innovation outputs, maintaining the same position as the previous year. The country’s key innovation strengths include a high expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP (ranked 2nd), significant loans from microfinance institutions as a percentage of GDP (ranked 15th), and a competitive applied tariff rate (weighted average) (ranked 17th).

Botswana is known for its stable democracy, strong economy, and rich wildlife. It has maintained political stability since gaining independence from Britain in 1966 and is often cited as one of Africa’s most well-governed nations. The economy is largely driven by diamond mining, being the primary source of revenue. The country is also renowned for its conservation efforts and is home to major national parks like the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site.