The time limit for PCT to enter the national phase in Nigeria is 30 months from the priority date. It can't be postponed any longer.
Basic application requirements in Nigeria
The official language of Nigerian patent application is English. All application documents should be submitted in English.
In order to determine the application date, the following documents must be provided:
-Patent authorization request;
-Applicant information;
-International application materials in English;
-Payment documents or receipts.
The original signed power of attorney shall be submitted when applying. No authentication or notarization is required.
PCT entered the national stage of patent application examination in Nigeria.
Nigerian patents only conduct formal examination and individual examination of inventions. There is no substantive review.
Novel grace period
If the inventor and his successor disclose their invention in an official or officially recognized exhibition within 6 months before the application date, the invention will not lose its novelty.
Authorization, validity period and annual fee
Nigeria does not charge a license fee. Nigerian patents are valid for 20 years from the date of international application. The annual fee shall be calculated from the date of international application, but shall be paid after obtaining the patent authorization. Fees should be paid within 3 months before the due date. Payment can be postponed within a grace period of 6 months, but an additional fee is required.
Registration process time
It takes an average of 6 months from application to authorization for Nigerian patents.