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ARTICLE · 20 OCTOBER 2026

Rwanda Overhauls IP Procedures And Fees: Key Changes Effective 13 October 2026

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Rwanda's new Ministerial Order No. 001/MINICOM/26 introduces significant reforms to the country's intellectual property regime, establishing appeal and opposition procedures, regulating IP agents, and implementing a revised fee structure. The Order marks the first comprehensive update to Rwanda's IP administrative framework in a decade, with differentiated fees for resident and non-resident applicants and new provisions for compulsory patent licences in emergency situations.

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Rwanda’s new Ministerial Order No. 001/MINICOM/26 came into effect on 13 October 2026, introducing a number of important changes to the country’s intellectual property regime. The Order establishes new appeal and opposition procedures, regulates IP agents, introduces a revised power of attorney format, provides for ex officio compulsory patent licences in certain circumstances, and significantly revises official IP fees.

Key Changes

  • Appeal Committee established to hear appeals relating to patents, utility models, industrial designs, layout designs and certain recordal refusals.
  • Formal opposition procedures introduced for patents, utility models, industrial designs and layout designs. Oppositions must be filed within 60 days of publication.

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