PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
United Republic of Tanzania

The United Republic of Tanzania has been a Contracting Party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property since June 16, 1963, and a Contracting Party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) since September 14, 1999. Additionally, Tanzania is a member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).

The deadline to file a national phase application in Tanzania under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is 31 months from the earliest priority date.

Tanzania requires patent applications to be filed in English. If the international application was not submitted in English, a certified English translation must be provided within 3 months of entering the national phase. The translation should cover the specification, claims (including any original and amended claims, if applicable), any textual content in the drawings, and the abstract.

The deadline of 31 months can be extended by an additional 3 months, up to 34 months from the priority date.

• Power of attorney: A power of attorney, signed by the applicant, is required when entering the national phase in Tanzania under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Legalization or notarization is not necessary for this power of attorney.
• 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.

In Tanzania, patent application fees are not subject to any exemptions.

The substantive examination begins automatically after filing. No separate request or fee is needed in Tanzania.

Maintaining a granted patent in Tanzania requires the payment of annual renewal fees, which are generally due each year from the filing date. A six-month grace period is provided for late payments, subject to the payment of a surcharge.

The standard patent term in Tanzania is 20 years from the filing date of the application.

Tanzania ranked 120th in the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII), with an Innovation Index score of 15.30.

Tanzania, a culturally diverse East African nation with a population of 69 million, has a mixed economy with agriculture, industry, and services contributing to its GDP. The country is focusing on inclusive, private sector-driven growth, particularly by improving education and health, and investing in the workforce to shift away from low-productivity sectors. Tanzania's economy grew by 5.5% in 2024, driven by exports, agriculture, and better business conditions. As the country continues to develop, strengthening its intellectual property rights (IPR) framework will be crucial to foster innovation and attract investment.