Intellectual property / Register a utility model
Summary of the procedure
List of steps
List of steps
(6)
1
Pay the utility model application fee
2
Submit utility model registration documents
3
Obtain acceptance notice for formal examination
4
Obtain examination report
5
Pay fee for utility model publication
6
Obtain utility model registration certificate
A utility model protects an invention that meets the requirements for utility model protection under the law. Registration grants the right holder protection over the registered utility model in accordance with Law No. 055/2024 of 20/06/2024 on the Protection of Intellectual Property.
Where to go?
Bank of Kigali
(x 2)
1
5
Rwanda Development Board
(x 4)
2
3
4
6
What you will get
Utility model registration certificate
6
Required documents
Journal receipt notice
6
Proof of identity
6
Payment receipt
6
Natural persons
Application letter - UM
2
Application form (utility model)
2
Abstract
2
Description of the invention
2
Claims
2
Drawings, models, or samples
2
Proof of identity
2
Payment receipt
2
Legal persons
Application letter - UM
2
Application form (utility model)
2
Description of the invention
2
Claims
2
Drawings, models, or samples
2
Abstract
2
Certificate of domestic company registration
2
Payment receipt
2
Representatives
Proof of identity
(x 2)
2
6
Power of attorney
(x 2)
2
6
How much?
Estimated cost of the procedure
: RWF 40,000
+ USD 50
RWF 20,000
( for utility model formal examination for locals )
RWF 20,000
( fee for publication of utility model)
USD 50
( for utility model formal examination for foreigners)
How long ?
| min. | max. | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time (sum): | 30d | 61d |
| of which: | ||
| Waiting time in queue (sum): | 0mn | 20mn |
| Attention at counter: | 0mn | 35mn |
| Waiting time until next step (sum): | 30d | 60d |
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 64, 65, 66, icles 32 )
Detailed steps
1
Pay the utility model application fee
Costs( see details ) |
Timeframe ( see details ) |
||
|
RWF
20000
+
USD
50
|
|
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 |
Cost RWF 20,000 +USD 50
RWF
expand_more
expand_less
|
RWF
20,000
for utility model formal examination for locals
|
|
USD
50
for utility model formal examination for foreigners
|
Payment methods:
Cash deposit
Time frame
Waiting time in queue:
Max. 10mn
Attention at counter:
Max. 5mn
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
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
2
Submit utility model registration documents
Timeframe ( see details ) |
Wait until next step |
||||
|
|
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
Didier R. Mpore
Expected results
1.
Journal receipt notice
Requirements
For individuals
1.
Application letter - UM (original)
addressed to the registrar general
addressed to the registrar general
2.
Application form (utility model) (original)
Duly completed and signed by the applicant or authorized representative.
Duly completed and signed by the applicant or authorized representative.
3.
Abstract (original)
Provide a concise summary of the invention, see article 76
Provide a concise summary of the invention, see article 76
4.
Description of the invention (original)
A clear and complete description of the invention
A clear and complete description of the invention
5.
Claims
Clearly define the scope of protection sought for the utility model, see article 75
Clearly define the scope of protection sought for the utility model, see article 75
6.
Drawings, models, or samples (original)
Provide drawings, models or samples where necessary to illustrate the invention or facilitate understanding of its description.
Provide drawings, models or samples where necessary to illustrate the invention or facilitate understanding of its description.
7.
Proof of identity (original + Simple copy)
of the applicant (passport or national ID)
of the applicant (passport or national ID)
8.
_3.jpg)
Payment receipt (original)
For companies
1.
Application letter - UM (original)
addressed to the registrar general
addressed to the registrar general
2.
Application form (utility model) (original)
Duly completed and signed by the applicant or authorized representative.
Duly completed and signed by the applicant or authorized representative.
3.
Description of the invention (original)
A clear and complete description of the invention
A clear and complete description of the invention
4.
Claims
Clearly define the scope of protection sought for the utility model,see article 75
Clearly define the scope of protection sought for the utility model,see article 75
5.
Drawings, models, or samples (original)
6.
Abstract (original)
Provide a concise summary of the invention, see article 76
Provide a concise summary of the invention, see article 76
7.
_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
8.
Payment receipt (original)
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
Time frame
There is no exact maximum time before the utility model registration certificate is granted, as the timeframe varies depending on the complexity of the innovation.
The whole application and processing process lasts on average for 1 year at maximum.
Attention at counter:
Max. 10mn
Waiting time until next step:
Min. 30 days
- Max. 60 days
Legal justification
1.
Law on the protection of intellectual property N° 055/2024 of 20/06/2024
articles icles32, 64, 65, 66
articles icles32, 64, 65, 66
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 utility model application. This step may take 1 to 2 months before it is complete. Within that period, additional information may be requested when necessary. In such cases, the applicant is given an "incomplete notice" with details of what modifications have to be made and the deadline. Site visits by IP officers may also occur. 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 utility model application. This step may take 1 to 2 months before it is complete. Within that period, additional information may be requested when necessary. In such cases, the applicant is given an "incomplete notice" with details of what modifications have to be made and the deadline. Site visits by IP officers may also occur. 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
Timeframe ( see details ) |
||
|
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
Didier R. Mpore
Requirements
1.
Physical presence
the authorized representative must have a notarized power of attorney
the authorized representative must have a notarized power of attorney
Time frame
Attention at counter:
Max. 5mn
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 acceptance notice informs the applicant that the formal examination of the utility model application was successful which means the application can now go through a substantive examination done by IP Office.
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
4
Obtain examination report
Timeframe ( see details ) |
||
|
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
Didier R. Mpore
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
Time frame
Attention at counter:
Max. 5mn
Additional information
This steps applies when the substantive examination report is positive.
In case of a negative report, the applicant must revise the description according to the notice provided by Intellectual Property Office. There is no additional fee in this case.
In case of a negative report, the applicant must revise the description according to the notice provided by Intellectual Property Office. There is no additional fee in this case.
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
5
Pay fee for utility model publication
Costs( see details ) |
Timeframe ( 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
fee for publication of utility model
|
Time frame
Waiting time in queue:
Max. 10mn
Attention at counter:
Max. 5mn
Legal justification
1.
Ministerial Order no 001/MINICOM/26 of 12/10/2026 relating to industrial property,
Additional information
The prescribed fee can also be paid to RDB account 00040-00281460-96 (RWF) at any other Bank of Kigali branches.
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 utility model registration 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 utility model registration certificate.
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
6
Obtain utility model registration certificate
Timeframe ( see details ) |
||
|
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
Didier R. Mpore
Expected results
1.
Utility model registration certificate
Requirements
1.
Journal receipt notice (original)
2.
Proof of identity (original + Simple copy)
of the applicant (passport or national ID)
of the applicant (passport or national ID)
3.
Payment receipt (original)
for publication fee
for publication fee
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
Time frame
Attention at counter:
Max. 5mn
Legal justification
1.
Law on the protection of intellectual property N° 055/2024 of 20/06/2024
Additional information
At the end of the fifth year from the filing date, the applicant must request renewal of the utility model certificate for an additional 5 year period. The utility model certificate expires without the possibility of renewal, 10 years after the filing date of the corresponding application.
The applicant must request renewal by letter to the Registrar General and pay RWF 100,000 into RDB Account No.
100001110882 held at BK for locals ; or USD 150 paid into RDB Account No.
100001110181 held at BK for foreign companies.
Late Payments attract a surcharge payment of RWF 30,000 for resident applicants; or USD 100 for non-resident applicants (foreign companies)
Who certified this information ?
07/06/2023
Paid into RDB Account No. 100001110882
held at BK for locals; or USD 50 paid into RDB Account No. 100001110181 held at BK for foreign companies.
The fee is non refundable