ACT


THE PATENTS AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN ACT, 2012
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section.
PART I - PRELIMINARY
1. Interpretation

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

PART II - PATENTABILITY
Patentable invention
Novelty
Inventive step
Industrial application of invention
Non-patentable inventions

7.
8.
9.
10.

PART III - RIGHT TO PATENT AND NAMING OF INVENTOR
Right to patent
Unauthorised application based on invention of another person
Invention made in execution of employment contracts
Naming of inventor

11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

PART IV - APPLICATION FOR GRANT AND REFUSAL OF
�
GRANT OF PATENT
�
Application
Withdrawal of application
Unity of invention
Amendment of application
Division of application
Right of priority
Information relating to corresponding foreign applications and patents
Filing date
International-type search
Grant of patent

ii

21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.

Changes in patent
Rights conferred by patent
Limitation of rights
Duration of patent
Annual fees
Exploitation by Government or person authorised by Government
Non-voluntary licences
Remuneration to owner of patent
Variation of authorisation
Termination of authorisation
Transfer of authorisation
Scope of authorisation
Evidence of request for licence
Right of appeal

PART V - UTILITY MODEL CERTIFICATES
35. Applicability of provisions relating to patents
36. Special provisions relating to utility model certificates
37. Conversion of patent applications or applications for utility model certificates

38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.

PART VI - INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS UNDER PATENT
COOPERATION TREATY AND ARIPO PROTOCOL
Interpretation of terms concerning the Patent Cooperation Treaty
Filing date and effects of International application designating Sierra Leone
Receiving Officer
Filing of international applications with Registry
Designated Office
Elected Office
Processing of international applications
Entering national phase
Failure to enter national phase
Processing of international applications in accordance with Treaty
Provisional protection of published international application
Effect of patent granted by ARIPO

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