PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
Malawi

Malawi has been a Contracting Party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property since July 6, 1964, and a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) since January 24, 1978. Additionally, Malawi is a signatory to the Patent Law Treaty (PLT) and is a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), demonstrating its active participation in international intellectual property agreements.

A national phase application in Malawi under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) must be filed within 30 months from the priority date.

A translation of the international application into English is required when the original application is not filed in English.

Extensions are not permitted for the late filing of patent applications in Malawi.

• Power of Attorney: A power of attorney, signed by the applicant, should be submitted at the time of filing the patent application in Malawi
• Deed of Assignment: If the applicant is not the inventor, a deed of assignment must be submitted to confirm the right to file the patent application.

No cost exemptions are available for patent applications in Malawi.

In Malawi, a separate request for substantive examination is not required when entering the national phase of a PCT application. The substantive examination is initiated automatically upon entry into the national phase, contingent upon the applicant meeting the specific requirements of the PCT application for Malawi.

In Malawi, annual renewal fees are payable every year from the third anniversary of the international filing date after a patent has been granted (sealed). A six-month grace period is available for late payments.

In Malawi, a patent is granted for a standard term of 20 years from the date of filing the application.

In the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII), Malawi ranks 118th out of 133 economies, with an innovation score of 22.9 points.

Malawi is known as "The Warm Heart of Africa" due to its friendly people. One of the country’s most notable geographic features is Lake Malawi, one of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world, supporting a rich biodiversity. The country has a predominantly agricultural economy, with maize being the staple crop. Despite facing challenges such as poverty, limited infrastructure, and healthcare issues, Malawi has made progress in areas like education and democratic governance.