Department of Patents and Designs
The Department of Patents and Designs Office of Nigeria was established by the Patents and Designs Act Cap P2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004 (formerly Cap 344 LFN 1990) to administer the registration, protection and enforcement of inventions, innovations, business methods, creativity, branding, and aesthetic values, aimed to stimulate industrialization and economic growth by incorporating relevant national laws, treaties, and conventions on intellectual property (IP) in the administration of industrial property. The Patents and Designs Act empowers the Patents & Designs Registry, the Minister, and the Chief Registrar to carry out functions for the smooth running of the Registry towards achieving its mandate, vision, and mission. The Registry functions through two divisions: The Patents Unit oversees the registration and protection of inventions and their associated increments, while the Designs Unit oversees the registration and protection of the aesthetic qualities of a product. The Patents and Designs Office plays a key role in advancing the Ministry’s mandate on wealth and job creation, ensuring IP protection that supports industry, trade, and investment in Nigeria. The office is headed by Barr. Jane Igwe, with a team base comprising of eighty per cent lawyers and twenty per cent non-lawyers.
Mission & Vision
Vision Statement
To be a globally recognized institution that protects industrial property rights, sustains innovation, and provides an investor-friendly environment through efficient, transparent, and world-class service delivery.
Mission Statement
To administer and promote an efficient, transparent, and accessible intellectual property system that protects industrial property, drives innovation, enhances the commercialization of patents and design assets, and shapes public policy that drives competitiveness and sustains economic growth in Nigeria through institutional excellence, stakeholder empowerment, and global alignment.
Mandates & Core Functions
01
To administer Patents and Designs Act Cap P2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
02
Receive and register all applications relating to Inventions, Innovations, Utility Models, Business Methods, Creativity, Branding, Aesthetics, and the ornamental appearance of products.
03
The publication of registered patents and design rights in the periodic Patents and Designs journal.
04
Incorporate relevant Treaties and Conventions that relate to intellectual property, ensuring regulatory compliance with national and international frameworks governing industrial property and policy development.
05
Maintenance of rights under registered patents and designs through periodic renewals, assignments, licensing and mergers
06
Adjudication of matters pertaining to patents and design rights through the Administrative Panel, a Unit under the Patents and Designs Office.
07
Providing pro bono support to inventors on matters pertaining to the registration of their intellectual property rights (IPRs) and drafting of patent documents.
08
Raise public awareness on IPRs, and provide strategic policy advice to the government.
09
Coordinates the establishment of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) across universities, research institutions, and innovation hubs in Nigeria.
08
The Office represents and collaborates with indigenous and international stakeholders at local, regional and international forums on industrial property aspects of intellectual property matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can be patented?
An invention, whether a product or a process that is new, inventive and industrially applicable, can be patented.
What is a patent?
A patent is the exclusive legal right granted by the government to an inventor over a new, useful and non-obvious invention, giving the inventor exclusive control over how it is made, used, or sold for a specified period, typically 20 years from the filing date.
What is the validity of a patent?
Validity for a patent is 20 years, subject to yearly renewal
What is the duration of patent renewal?
Patents are subjected to annual renewal for a term of 20 years.
How do I Register a Patent in Nigeria?
Step-by-Step of Patent Registration in Nigeria:
a) Prepare a detailed patent application with specifications and claims, and make a full disclosure
b) Pay the required fee
c) Apply with the Nigerian Patents and Designs Registry addressed to the Chief Registrar
d) The application is subjected to an examination process
e) Respond to office actions if any
f) Patent is granted if all requirements are met.
What is design registration?
Design registration protects the ornamental or aesthetic qualities or visual appearance of a product, including its shape, colour, texture, configuration, pattern and size. Design does not protect the function of a product, only its visual qualities.
What is the validity for design?
Validity for design is 5 years from the date of application, subject to two 5-yearly renewals totalling 15 years.
What is the duration for design renewal?
The duration for design renewal is two terms of 5 years each.
Can I license my patent or design to others?
Yes, patent and design holders can license their rights to others, allowing them to produce, sell, export, or market the invention or design for royalty.
10. How do I register Design in Nigeria?
Step-by-Step of Industrial Design Registration in Nigeria:
a) The design must be new and not contrary to public order or morality
b) An application form addressed to the Registrar, accompanied by a novelty statement and a specimen of the design, including a photographic representation of the design disclosing multiple angles.
c) Pay required fees
d)Apply with the Nigerian Patents and Designs Registry
e)The application is subject to search and examination
f)Design is registered if requirements are met
How Can I Make a Payment?
Application fees can be paid through Remita transfer, and online, through the Nigerian Patents and Designs Registry portal. All payments should include proper reference numbers for tracking and a distinctive description.
Department Leadership
Jane Igwe
Chief Registrar Patents and Designs Registry