Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property rights (Trade/service marks, Patents, Industrial Designs, Copyrights, Utility modes) are administered and coordinated by the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry (MCTI). The Ministry is the Zambia’s principal Government body responsible for administering national policy for private sector development pursuant to the Government Gazette Notice Number 836 of 2016.
Trade/Service mark ®, ™, ℠
Trade/ service marks are registered and protected under the Trade Marks Act Cap 401 of the Laws of Zambia. The Act is supplemented by Trade Mark Regulations, the Merchandise Marks Act Cap 405, common law and some international conventions to which Zambia is a party.
Patents
All matters relating to Patents in Zambia are governed by the Patents Act Cap. 400 of the Laws of Zambia. The Act recognises two (2) types of patent applications: a Convention and Non-Convention application. A patent is granted for a period of 16 years. A patent owner is required to renew the patent from the fourth year and thereafter annualy until the patent expires after 16 years.
Industrial Designs
Designs are protected under the Registered Designs Act Cap. 402 of the Laws of Zambia. The Act establishes and confers powers on the Designs Office, provides procedures and requirements for registration of industrial designs, rights arising from registration and the assignment and transfer of such rights and their protection. The Act is supplemented by the Registered Designs Regulations made under the Act which provides.
