Intellectual property / Register a patent
Summary of the procedure
List of steps
List of steps
(7)
1
Pay for patent application fee
2
Submit patent application documents
3
Obtain acceptance notice for formal examination
4
Obtain examination report
5
Pay fee for patent publication
6
Obtain patent rights registration certificate
7
Renewal a patent
Where to go?
Bank of Kigali
(x 3)
1
5
7
Rwanda Development Board
(x 4)
2
3
4
6
What you will get
Patent registration certificate
6
Required documents
Payment receipt
6
Journal receipt notice
6
Proof of identity
6
Natural persons
Payment receipt
2
Application letter - Patent
2
Patent application form
2
Description of the invention
2
Abstract
2
Drawings, models, or samples
2
Proof of identity
2
Legal persons
Payment receipt
2
Application letter - Patent
2
Patent application form
2
Title
2
Abstract
2
Description of the invention
2
Drawings, models, or samples
2
Claims
2
Certificate of domestic company registration
2
Representatives
Proof of identity
(x 2)
2
6
Power of attorney
2
Power of attorney
6
How much?
Estimated cost of the procedure
: RWF 30,000
RWF 20,000
( For Publication)
RWF 10,000
( fee for filing an application for patent with provisional specification formal examination)
How long ?
Unavailable
Legal justification?
Ministerial Order no 001/MINICOM/26 of 12/10/2026 relating to industrial property,
( articles annex (page 74), icle 39 and Annex 2 )
Law on the protection of intellectual property N° 055/2024 of 20/06/2024
( articles 10, 11, 14, 15, 23 )
Detailed steps
1
Pay for patent application fee
Contact details
Entity in charge
Bank of Kigali
Plot 6112, Avenue de la Paix, Kigali
Tel: +250 788 143 000
Fax: 4455 (Local Call Center)
Email: bk@bk.rw
Website: http://www.bk.rw
Directions: Google maps
Tel: +250 788 143 000
Fax: 4455 (Local Call Center)
Email: bk@bk.rw
Website: http://www.bk.rw
Directions: Google maps
Unit in charge
Bank of Kigali (RDB branch)
| Mon: | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Tue: | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Wed: | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Thu: | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Fri: | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Sat: | closed |
| Sun: | closed |
Expected results
1.
Payment receipt
Cost RWF 40,000 +USD 130
RWF
expand_more
expand_less
| For provisional application | |
|
RWF
10,000
For a provisional specification for locals
|
|
|
USD
30
For provisional application for foreigners
|
|
| For final application | |
|
RWF
30,000
For a final specification for locals
|
|
|
USD
100
For final application for foreigners
|
Payment methods:
Cash deposit
Legal justification
1.
Ministerial Order no 001/MINICOM/26 of 12/10/2026 relating to industrial property,
Article icle39andAnnex2 determining the fees for registration services of an Intellectual Property
Article icle39andAnnex2 determining the fees for registration services of an Intellectual Property
Additional information
The prescribed fee can also be paid to RDB account 00040-00281460-96 (RWF) held at any Bank of Kigali Branches.
Applicants outside Rwanda, must go through a local law firm to process payment on their behalf.
Applicants outside Rwanda, must go through a local law firm to process payment on their behalf.
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
2
Submit patent application documents
Contact details
Entity in charge
Rwanda Development Board
Petrocom Building KN 69 Street, Kigali P.O Box 6239
Tel: 1415 / +250 788 321 555
Email: info@rdb.rw, support@rdb.rw
Website: https://www.rdb.rw
Directions: Google maps
Tel: 1415 / +250 788 321 555
Email: info@rdb.rw, support@rdb.rw
Website: https://www.rdb.rw
Directions: Google maps
Unit in charge
Intellectual Property Division
| Mon: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Tue: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Wed: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Thu: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Fri: | 09:00 - 15:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sat: | closed |
| Sun: | closed |
Person in charge
Kellen Twinamatsiko
Expected results
1.
Journal receipt notice
Requirements
For an individual
1.
_1.jpg)
Payment receipt (original)
2.
Application letter - Patent (original)
addressed to the registrar general
addressed to the registrar general
3.
Patent application form (original)
duly filled and signed
duly filled and signed
4.
Description of the invention (original)
see article 10 and 11 of intellectual property law. Should include a summary stating the distinctive characters which constitute the innovation of the invention
see article 10 and 11 of intellectual property law. Should include a summary stating the distinctive characters which constitute the innovation of the invention
5.
Abstract (original)
see article 15 of intellectual property law
see article 15 of intellectual property law
6.
Drawings, models, or samples (original)
as many as necessary to the intelligence of description
as many as necessary to the intelligence of description
7.
Proof of identity (original + Simple copy)
of the applicant (passport or national ID)
of the applicant (passport or national ID)
For companies
1.
Payment receipt (original)
2.
Application letter - Patent (original)
addressed to the registrar general
addressed to the registrar general
3.
Patent application form (original)
duly filled and signed
duly filled and signed
4.
Title
Provide a clear and concise title that identifies the invention.
Provide a clear and concise title that identifies the invention.
5.
Abstract (original)
see article 15 of intellectual property law
see article 15 of intellectual property law
6.
Description of the invention (original)
see article 10 and 11 of intellectual property law. Explaining and disclosing the invention in a clear and complete manner so as to be used by a person skilled in the art
see article 10 and 11 of intellectual property law. Explaining and disclosing the invention in a clear and complete manner so as to be used by a person skilled in the art
7.
Drawings, models, or samples (original)
Provide drawings, models, or samples where necessary to illustrate the invention or facilitate a clear understanding of its description.
Provide drawings, models, or samples where necessary to illustrate the invention or facilitate a clear understanding of its description.
8.
Claims
providing a precise definition of what the patent protects and must be clear and concise : See article 14
providing a precise definition of what the patent protects and must be clear and concise : See article 14
9.
_1.jpg)
Certificate of domestic company registration (Simple copy)
or certificate of incorporation from the country of origin if the company is foreign in which case the copy must be notarized
or certificate of incorporation from the country of origin if the company is foreign in which case the copy must be notarized
In addition, for an authorized representative
1.
Proof of identity (original + Simple copy)
of the authorized representative (passport or national ID)
of the authorized representative (passport or national ID)
2.
Power of attorney (an authentic copy)
notarized
notarized
Legal justification
1.
Law on the protection of intellectual property N° 055/2024 of 20/06/2024
articles 10, 11, 14, 15
articles 10, 11, 14, 15
Additional information
Applicants who do not reside in Rwanda must be represented by an authorized industrial property agent in Rwanda.
After receiving a complete application, the IP Office starts the formal examination of the patent application. This step may take 3 to 6 months before it is complete. Within that period, additional information may be requested by the IP Office when necessary. In such cases, the applicant is given an "incomplete notice" with details of what modifications have to be made and the deadline. Once the examination concludes that the application is complete, the applicant receives an "acceptance notice".
After receiving a complete application, the IP Office starts the formal examination of the patent application. This step may take 3 to 6 months before it is complete. Within that period, additional information may be requested by the IP Office when necessary. In such cases, the applicant is given an "incomplete notice" with details of what modifications have to be made and the deadline. Once the examination concludes that the application is complete, the applicant receives an "acceptance notice".
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
3
Obtain acceptance notice for formal examination
Contact details
Entity in charge
Rwanda Development Board
Petrocom Building KN 69 Street, Kigali P.O Box 6239
Tel: 1415 / +250 788 321 555
Email: info@rdb.rw, support@rdb.rw
Website: https://www.rdb.rw
Directions: Google maps
Tel: 1415 / +250 788 321 555
Email: info@rdb.rw, support@rdb.rw
Website: https://www.rdb.rw
Directions: Google maps
Unit in charge
Intellectual Property Division
| Mon: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Tue: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Wed: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Thu: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Fri: | 09:00 - 15:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sat: | closed |
| Sun: | closed |
Person in charge
Kellen Twinamatsiko
Expected results
1.
Letter with fee for substantive examination
Legal justification
1.
Ministerial Order no 001/MINICOM/26 of 12/10/2026 relating to industrial property,
Additional information
An acceptance notice informs the applicant of whether the formal examination of the patent application was successful which means the application can now go through a substantive examination by an specialized institution:
- At national level: Intellectual Property (IP) Office at Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
- At regional level: African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO)
- At international level: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
4
Obtain examination report
Contact details
Entity in charge
Rwanda Development Board
Petrocom Building KN 69 Street, Kigali P.O Box 6239
Tel: 1415 / +250 788 321 555
Email: info@rdb.rw, support@rdb.rw
Website: https://www.rdb.rw
Directions: Google maps
Tel: 1415 / +250 788 321 555
Email: info@rdb.rw, support@rdb.rw
Website: https://www.rdb.rw
Directions: Google maps
Unit in charge
Intellectual Property Division
| Mon: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Tue: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Wed: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Thu: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Fri: | 09:00 - 15:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sat: | closed |
| Sun: | closed |
Person in charge
Kellen Twinamatsiko
Expected results
1.
Examination report
2.
Acceptance notice
Requirements
1.
Physical presence
the authorized representative must have a notarized power of attorney
the authorized representative must have a notarized power of attorney
Legal justification
1.
Ministerial Order no 001/MINICOM/26 of 12/10/2026 relating to industrial property,
Article annex(page74)
Article annex(page74)
Additional information
An examination report is produced at the end of the substantive examination. It may be positive in which case the intellectual property unit gives to the applicant a positive examination report.
When the report is negative, it provides expert guidance to review the application. In this case, the applicant will have to submit a revised description in conformity with the guidelines in the report. There is no additional fee for the second submission, except the transmittal fee of USD 150.
When the report is negative, it provides expert guidance to review the application. In this case, the applicant will have to submit a revised description in conformity with the guidelines in the report. There is no additional fee for the second submission, except the transmittal fee of USD 150.
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
5
Pay fee for patent publication
Costs( see details ) |
|
RWF
20000
|
Contact details
Entity in charge
Bank of Kigali
Plot 6112, Avenue de la Paix, Kigali
Tel: +250 788 143 000
Fax: 4455 (Local Call Center)
Email: bk@bk.rw
Website: http://www.bk.rw
Directions: Google maps
Tel: +250 788 143 000
Fax: 4455 (Local Call Center)
Email: bk@bk.rw
Website: http://www.bk.rw
Directions: Google maps
Unit in charge
Bank of Kigali (RDB branch)
| Mon: | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Tue: | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Wed: | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Thu: | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Fri: | 09:00 - 18:00 |
| Sat: | closed |
| Sun: | closed |
Expected results
1.
Payment receipt
Cost RWF 20,000
RWF
expand_more
expand_less
|
RWF
20,000
For Publication
|
Payment methods:
Cash deposit
Legal justification
1.
Ministerial Order no 001/MINICOM/26 of 12/10/2026 relating to industrial property,
Article icle39andAnnex2
Article icle39andAnnex2
Additional information
The prescribed fee can also be paid to RDB account 00040-00281460-96 (RWF) held at Bank of Kigali.
Applicants outside Rwanda, must go through a local law firm to process payment on their behalf.
This fee is paid once the positive substantive examination report has been obtain and prior to receiving the patent rights certificate.
Applicants outside Rwanda, must go through a local law firm to process payment on their behalf.
This fee is paid once the positive substantive examination report has been obtain and prior to receiving the patent rights certificate.
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
6
Obtain patent rights registration certificate
Contact details
Entity in charge
Rwanda Development Board
Petrocom Building KN 69 Street, Kigali P.O Box 6239
Tel: 1415 / +250 788 321 555
Email: info@rdb.rw, support@rdb.rw
Website: https://www.rdb.rw
Directions: Google maps
Tel: 1415 / +250 788 321 555
Email: info@rdb.rw, support@rdb.rw
Website: https://www.rdb.rw
Directions: Google maps
Unit in charge
Intellectual Property Division
| Mon: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Tue: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Wed: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Thu: | 09:00 - 17:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Fri: | 09:00 - 15:00, 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sat: | closed |
| Sun: | closed |
Person in charge
Kellen Twinamatsiko
Expected results
1.
Patent registration certificate
Requirements
1.
Payment receipt (original)
for patent publication fee
for patent publication fee
2.
Journal receipt notice (original)
3.
Proof of identity (original + Simple copy)
of the applicant (passport or national ID)
of the applicant (passport or national ID)
For an authorized representative
1.
Proof of identity (original + Simple copy)
of the authorized representative (passport or national ID)
of the authorized representative (passport or national ID)
2.
Power of attorney (an authentic copy)
notarized
notarized
Legal justification
1.
Law on the protection of intellectual property N° 055/2024 of 20/06/2024
Additional information
Patent right registration certificates are renewable every year from the filing date of the patent application.
The applicant must request renewal by letter to the Registrar General and pay a fee of RWF 100,000. In case of delay, a surcharge of RWF 30,000 is applicable. A 6 months grace period is given before the surcharge is applied.
The applicant must request renewal by letter to the Registrar General and pay a fee of RWF 100,000. In case of delay, a surcharge of RWF 30,000 is applicable. A 6 months grace period is given before the surcharge is applied.
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
7
Renewal a patent
Costs( see details ) |
|
RWF
40000
|
Contact details
Entity in charge
Bank of Kigali
Plot 6112, Avenue de la Paix, Kigali
Tel: +250 788 143 000
Fax: 4455 (Local Call Center)
Email: bk@bk.rw
Website: http://www.bk.rw
Directions: Google maps
Tel: +250 788 143 000
Fax: 4455 (Local Call Center)
Email: bk@bk.rw
Website: http://www.bk.rw
Directions: Google maps
Expected results
1.
Payment receipt
Cost RWF 10,000
RWF
expand_more
expand_less
|
RWF
10,000
fee for filing an application for patent with provisional specification formal examination
|
|
or
RWF
30,000
fee for filing an application for patent with final specification formal examination
|
Payment methods:
Cash deposit
Legal justification
1.
Law on the protection of intellectual property N° 055/2024 of 20/06/2024
Article 23
Article 23
2.
Ministerial Order no 001/MINICOM/26 of 12/10/2026 relating to industrial property,
Article annex(page74) determining the fees for registration services of an Intellectual Property
Article annex(page74) determining the fees for registration services of an Intellectual Property
Additional information
The prescribed fee can also be paid to RDB account 00040-00281460-96 (RWF) held at Bank of Kigali.
Applicants outside Rwanda, must go through a local law firm to process payment on their behalf.
Applicants outside Rwanda, must go through a local law firm to process payment on their behalf.