PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
Mozambique

Mozambique is a signatory to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which allows applicants to file a single international patent application and simultaneously seek protection for their invention in other PCT member countries. Additionally, Mozambique is a member of the Paris Convention, which mandates that each contracting state must provide the same intellectual property protection to nationals of other member states. Mozambique's patent law history has evolved from colonial influences to alignment with international intellectual property standards. Key milestones in this journey include the ratification of the TRIPS Agreement and the creation of a legal framework for copyright and industrial property. In 1994, Mozambique ratified the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS), marking its initial commitment to an international legal framework for intellectual property rights. Mozambique Patents may also be filed through the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) union where the applicant may file a single application designating the specific contracting states either directly at ARIPO or through a contracting state.

A national phase application in Mozambique must be filed within 31 months from the priority date, or the international filing date if no priority is claimed.

In Mozambique, the patent application must be filed in Portuguese. While the Description and Claims can initially be submitted in English, the Portuguese translation of the abstract and formal drawings (if applicable) must be provided at the time of filing. A verified translation of the complete specification into Portuguese can be submitted within 3 months after the application is filed.

As a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), Mozambique adheres to the PCT regulations. There are no provisions for extending the deadlines for entering the national phase or submitting required translations.

• Power of Attorney: A notarized Power of Attorney in Portuguese must be submitted within 2 months from the filing date.
• Deed of assignment: A notarized deed of assignment must be submitted within 2 months from the filing date.

Currently, there are no cost exemptions or reductions available for patent applications in Mozambique.

The applicant must submit a request for substantive examination and pay the corresponding fee within 36 months from the application date or the priority date.

In Mozambique, annual renewal fees for a patent application must be paid in advance starting from the first anniversary of the filing date. The renewal fee for the first and second years are paid at the time of filing.

In Mozambique, the term of a patent is 20 years from the application filing date.

In the Global Innovation Index 2024, Mozambique ranks 128th out of 133 economies. This means Mozambique is 6th among the 10 low-income group economies and 22nd among the 27 economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mozambique has a young demographic and an economy based on agriculture, mining, and energy, with significant natural resources like coal and natural gas. The country is known for its biodiversity, beautiful beaches, and growing tourism industry. Mozambique also adheres to international intellectual property laws, making it an important player in regional development.