Rwanda Overhauls IP Fees and Procedures: New Ministerial Order in Force from 13 October 2026
Rwanda has replaced its 2016 intellectual property fee schedule. A new Ministerial Order on industrial property and IP fees, published in the Official Gazette, came into force on 13 October 2026. It revises official fees across trademarks, patents, utility models and copyright, introduces separate US dollar fees for applicants based outside Rwanda, and brings in several procedural changes administered by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
A separate Ministerial Order on copyright royalties also introduces licensing and reporting obligations for businesses that use copyright works.
| Quick Facts: Rwanda’s 2026 IP Fee and Procedure Reform | |
| Instrument | Ministerial Order on industrial property and IP fees, published in the Official Gazette |
| In force | 13 October 2026 |
| Replaces | The fee schedule in place since 2016 |
| Authority | Rwanda Development Board (RDB) |
| Applies to | All applications and requests filed on or after 13 October 2026 |
| Non-resident fees | Separate US dollar fees, roughly 2.5 to 5 times the resident rate |
| New procedures | Agent licensing, 60-day patent and design opposition, Appeal Committee, ex officio compulsory licences, 20% security for anti-counterfeiting action |
| Copyright | Separate Ministerial Order on copyright royalties and user licensing |
Which Applications Do the New Rwanda IP Fees Apply To?
RDB has confirmed that the new fees apply to all applications and requests filed on or after 13 October 2026. Where the old rates were paid for a filing made on or after that date, the applicant must pay the difference. Filings in progress around the changeover should be checked to confirm that the correct fee was paid.
How Have Rwanda’s Official IP Fees Changed?
Most fees for Rwandan applicants have gone up, with the sharpest rise in patent reinstatement. A few fees have come down, notably early-year patent annuities and utility model renewals. Key changes for Rwandan applicants:
| Official fee (Rwandan applicants) | 2016 (RWF) | 2026 (RWF, approx. USD) | Change |
| Trademark application (one class) | 35,000 | 40,000 (≈ USD 28) | Increase |
| Trademark renewal | 80,000 | 100,000 (≈ USD 69) | Increase |
| Patent reinstatement | 30,000 | 200,000 (≈ USD 138) | Increase (≈ 6.7×) |
| Copyright registration | Free | 5,000 (≈ USD 3) | New fee |
| Patent annual fee (years 1 to 5) | 100,000 | 50,000 (≈ USD 34) | Decrease |
| Utility model renewal | 250,000 | 100,000 (≈ USD 69) | Decrease |
What Do Foreign Applicants Pay in Rwanda?
Applicants based outside Rwanda now pay a separate schedule of fees in US dollars, roughly 2.5 to 5 times the resident rate. Foreign brand owners and patent holders should budget for this when planning new filings, renewals and annuities in Rwanda.
What Procedural Changes Does the New Order Introduce?
- Agent licensing: Industrial property agents must hold a licence from RDB, renewable every two years.
- Patent and design opposition: A 60-day period now applies to oppose patent and industrial design applications.
- Appeal Committee: A new Appeal Committee is established.
- Compulsory licences: The Order allows ex officio compulsory licensing of patents.
- Anti-counterfeiting security: Rights holders seeking court or customs action against counterfeit goods must provide security of 20% of the value of the goods.
What Does the Copyright Royalties Order Require?
Under a separate Ministerial Order on copyright royalties, hotels, bars, broadcasters, event organisers and online platforms must obtain a licence, report the works they use and pay royalties. Businesses in hospitality, media and digital services operating in Rwanda should review whether they fall within its scope.
What Should Businesses and IP Firms Do Now?
- Recheck any filing or payment made on or after 13 October 2026 and settle any shortfall with RDB.
- Update budgets for Rwandan renewals, annuities and new filings, particularly for non-resident applicants paying in US dollars.
- Review lapsed patents early: reinstatement now costs significantly more.
- Confirm that local agents hold, or are obtaining, an RDB licence.
- Diarise the 60-day opposition window for patent and design applications of competitive interest.
- Factor the 20% security requirement into anti-counterfeiting and customs strategies.
- Hotels, bars, broadcasters, event organisers and platforms should assess copyright licensing and reporting obligations.
Protect your brand in Rwanda
Planning a filing, renewal or enforcement action in Rwanda? Make sure your fees, deadlines and local agent arrangements reflect the 2026 changes.Talk to our Rwanda info@legacypartners.global
Frequently asked questions
When did Rwanda’s new IP fees take effect?
The new Ministerial Order on industrial property and IP fees came into force on 13 October 2026, replacing the 2016 fee schedule.
Do the new fees apply to applications filed before 13 October 2026?
RDB has confirmed that the new fees apply to applications and requests filed on or after 13 October 2026. Anyone who paid the old rates on or after that date must pay the difference.
How much does a trademark application cost in Rwanda now?
For Rwandan applicants, the official fee for a one-class trademark application is RWF 40,000, up from RWF 35,000. Applicants based outside Rwanda pay a separate fee in US dollars.
Do foreign applicants pay different fees in Rwanda?
Yes. Applicants based outside Rwanda now pay separate fees in US dollars, roughly 2.5 to 5 times the rate for Rwandan applicants.
Do IP agents in Rwanda need a licence?
Yes. Industrial property agents must now hold a licence from RDB, which is renewable every two years.
Can patents and designs be opposed in Rwanda?
Yes. The Order introduces a 60-day period to oppose patent and industrial design applications, and creates an Appeal Committee.
Who must pay copyright royalties under the new rules?
A separate Ministerial Order requires hotels, bars, broadcasters, event organisers and online platforms to obtain a licence, report the works they use and pay royalties.
