OAPI Patent Requirements
                  
 
Patent in OAPI: In order to apply and file for a patent in OAPI you need to provide 1. Patent Information, and you need to send to the Attorney the 2. Power of Attorney for OAPI and the 3. Assignment Document if required.
 
1.- Filing information
 
For Paris Convention Applications or Direct Applications
1.    Our filled out patent order form.
2.    Copy of the specification of invention including claims and drawings.
3.    English or French translation (Specifications and Priority document).
4.    Assignment in favor of the applicant, if applicant is different than the inventor.
5.    Certified Priority Document with application number and country of origin. The certified priority document has to be presented within 3 months.
 
For Applications based on International Applications (PCT) (30 month deadline)
1.    Our filled out patent order form.
2.    PCT publication and International Search Report.
3.    Indication and copy if Preliminary Examination has been taken (Chapter II).
4.    English or French translation indicating if there has been any amendment to the PCT original filing (it has to be filed within 60 days).
5.    Assignment in favor of the applicant, if applicant is different than the inventor.
       Member countries:
Benin - Burkina Faso � Cameroon - Central African Republic � Chad � Congo -Equatorial Guinea - Gabon - Guinea - Guinea Bissau - Ivory Coast � Mali � Mauritania � Niger � Senegal - Togo (16 States)
 
2.- Power of Attorney
 
Power of Attorney in the name of our OAPI Patent Agent to act before the OAPI Patent Office (simple signed copy, to be filed within 3 months).
 
3.- Patent in OAPI
 
Concession of the Patent Grant: 20 years
Concession of the Utility Model or Design Application: 15 years
Member of the Paris Convention: Yes
OAPI is a Member of the PCT: Yes
 
4.- Application Process
 
1.    Patent Filing
2.    Preliminary Exam
3.    Patent Publication: 18 months from the priority date
4.    Formal Examination Request: Before 36 months from the filing date. Must be requested after 60 days from the patent publication date.
5.    90 days to respond office action from the formal examination.
6.    Acceptance or rejection
7.    Payment of the Final Taxes and Title.