The term of a South African patent is 20 years from the date of filing of a complete application in South Africa, provided that renewal fees are paid when due. An extension of time of up to six months is available for the payment of renewal fees on payment of official late payment fees, which increase for each month by which the payment is late.

NON-CONVENTION APPLICATIONS

The first renewal fee in respect of a non-Convention application is due 3 years after the filing of the South African complete application or at the date of grant of the patent, whichever is later. Renewal fees are payable annually thereafter.

CONVENTION APPLICATIONS

The first renewal fee in respect of a Convention application is due 3 years after the filing of the South African application or at the date of grant of the patent, whichever is later. Renewal fees are payable annually thereafter.

PCT NATIONAL PHASE APPLICATIONS

The first renewal fee in respect of a PCT National Phase application that is granted less that 33 months from the PCT International filing date is due 3 years after the PCT International filing date. If the patent is granted later than 33 months from the priority date, then the first renewal fee falls due 6 months after the date of grant.