What is CIPC?
Innovation is a driving force behind business success, and protecting your invention through a patent is essential. In South Africa, patents are registered through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Whether you’re an entrepreneur, startup, or established business, understanding the CIPC patent fees is crucial to budgeting for your intellectual property protection.
At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we specialise in patent law and assist clients with patent registration, legal advice, and enforcement.
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is the government agency responsible for:
đŸ”¹ Patent registration in South Africa.
đŸ”¹ Trademark and copyright protection.
đŸ”¹ Business registrations and compliance.
If you have an invention that you want to patent, you must file your application with CIPC to obtain exclusive rights over your intellectual property.
CIPC Patent Fees in South Africa
The cost of patent registration at CIPC depends on whether you are filing a provisional or complete patent application. Below is a breakdown of the CIPC patent fees:
Provisional Patent Application Fees
A provisional patent application secures an early filing date and allows inventors 12 months to refine and test their invention before filing a complete patent application.
Estimated Fees:
✔ Filing a provisional patent application – R12,000 to R15,000
✔ Attorney fees for drafting the application – Additional costs may apply
A provisional patent does not grant full protection but serves as a placeholder while you develop your invention.
Complete Patent Application Fees
A complete patent application provides full legal protection and exclusive rights for 20 years. This application must be filed within 12 months of submitting the provisional patent.
Estimated Fees:
✔ Filing a complete patent application – R25,000 to R30,000
✔ Examination and legal compliance fees – Varies based on complexity
 A complete patent ensures full intellectual property protection, preventing others from using, making, or selling your invention without permission.
Renewal and Maintenance Fees
After registering a complete patent, you must pay annual renewal fees to keep the patent valid.
Estimated Renewal Fees:
✔ Years 1–3: No renewal fees
✔ Year 4 onwards: Fees increase annually and must be paid to CIPC
If renewal fees are not paid, the patent may expire, making your invention publicly available.
Additional Patent Fees and Considerations
Aside from CIPC filing fees, inventors must consider additional costs, including:
✔ Patent Attorney Fees: R3,000 per hour for legal services.
✔ International Patent Protection: If you wish to protect your invention outside South Africa, additional fees apply for Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications.
✔ Patent Search Fees: Conducting a patent search before filing can cost between R5,000 and R10,000, depending on the complexity.
Working with a patent attorney ensures a smooth application process, reducing the risk of rejection.
Why Choose Burger Huyser Attorneys for Patent Registration?
At Burger Huyser Attorneys, we assist individuals and businesses in navigating the CIPC patent registration process. Our services include:
✔ Patent searches to determine uniqueness.
✔ Drafting and filing of provisional and complete patent applications.
✔ Legal compliance to ensure patent approval.
✔ Renewal and enforcement of patents.
✔ International patent applications for global protection.
Secure your invention today. Contact Burger Huyser Attorneys for professional patent registration assistance.
Contact Burger Huyser Attorneys, and book a consultation.
To speak to one of our experienced attorneys in South Africa for immediate assistance, contact us on the numbers below:
Randburg call 061 516 6878; Roodepoort call 061 516 0091; Sandton call 064 555 3358;  Pretoria call 064 548 4838;
Centurion call 061 516 7117; Alberton call 061 515 4699; Bedfordview call 061 536 3223
DISCLAIMER: Information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to constitute legal advice. READ MORE
