Patents Laws in Dominica
Dominica's patent laws are primarily governed by the Patents Act No. 8 of 1999, administered by the Companies and Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) . CIPO serves as the national registry for intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyrights, and operates under the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs .
🧾 Key Features of Dominica’s Patent System
1. Patent Eligibility
Patents can be granted for inventions that are novel, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable.
The invention must be a product or process that solves a specific problem in the field of technology
2. Application Requirements
To file a patent application in Dominica, the following documents are typically required:
Request for the grant of the patent
Description of the invention
Claims defining the scope of protection sought
Drawings (if applicable)
Abstract summarizing the invention
Declaration of Inventor (notarized)
Authorization of Agent (notarized)
Declaration of priority claim (if priority is claimed)
Certified copy of priority document (if applicable)
Certified English translation of all documents not in English .
3. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Dominica is a signatory to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), allowing for the filing of international patent applications that can be extended to Dominica during the national phase
4. Examination and Grant
Patent applications undergo a formal examination process.
The Registrar General at the Ministry of Legal Affairs processes applications, and upon approval, issues a Certificate of Registration .
5. Duration and Maintenance
A granted patent is valid for 20 years from the filing date.
Annual annuity fees are required to maintain the patent.
Failure to pay these fees may result in the patent being deemed abandoned .
6. Assignment and Change of Ownership
To record an assignment or change of ownership, the following documents are required:
Deed of Assignment (notarized)
Certified copy of amended priority document (if applicable)
Authorization of Agent (notarized)
The Registrar General processes such applications and issues a Certificate of Assignment upon completion .
📍 Contact Information for CIPO
Address: Corner of Kennedy Ave. & Independence Street, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica
Phone: +1 (767) 266 3358 / 266 3359
⚖️ Legal Framework
Patents Act No. 8 of 1999: The primary legislation governing patent law in Dominica.
Paris Convention: Dominica is a member, allowing for priority claims based on earlier filings in other member countries.
PCT: As a signatory, Dominica participates in the international patent filing system, facilitating broader protection for inventors.
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