PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
Zambia

Zambia's patent law has evolved considerably, transitioning from colonial-era frameworks to a more contemporary and internationally aligned system. As a member of both the Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty, Zambia has adapted its legal structure to meet global standards. Notable developments in this history include the introduction of the Patents Act in 1957, followed by a major revision in 2016 through Act No. 40 of 2016, which brought significant updates, including the introduction of absolute novelty as a criterion.

Filing for the national phase of a PCT application in Zambia requires submission of the application to the Patent and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) within 30 months from the date of the earliest priority claim.

In Zambia, patent applications, comprising the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract, must be filed in English. Should the application be submitted in a different language, an English translation is required. The translation must be provided within two months from the filing date.

In Zambia, there is no specific legal provision allowing for an extension of the deadline to file a patent application once the initial deadline has expired.

Power of Attorney: A power of attorney must be submitted, particularly when the application is signed by a legal representative.

Deed of Assignment: The Deed of Assignment must be submitted if the applicant is not the inventor.

There is no cost exemption available for patent applications in Zambia.

A formal request for examination of a patent application must be submitted to the Zambia Intellectual Property Authority (PACRA) within 30 months from the date of priority .

In Zambia, patent renewal fees are payable annually, commencing from the fourth anniversary of the filing date and continuing through to the sixteenth year. Late payment is possible, with a corresponding surcharge, within a grace period of 6 months after the due date.

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

In the GII 2024, Zambia is ranked 116th out of 133 economies. Within the lower-middle-income group, it holds the 30th position among 38 countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Zambia ranks 13th out of 27 economies. This year, Zambia has improved its ranking in innovation inputs, now sitting at 103rd. The country’s key innovation strengths include its high ranking in low-carbon energy use (8th), loans from microfinance institutions as a percentage of GDP (21st), and gross capital formation as a percentage of GDP (22nd).

Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa known for its rich copper resources, peaceful political climate, diverse wildlife including Victoria Falls, and a predominantly youthful population facing economic challenges and development opportunities.