Patent review starts with novelty, inventive step and industrial application, supported by a clear technical record.
Patent registration and administration are handled through the Department of Industry.
A foreign applicant may consider a Paris Convention priority claim where the earlier foreign filing is within the window.
A Nepal patent runs in seven-year periods and can be renewed twice, if renewal requirements are met.
Patentability
What should be checked before filing
A patent application should be prepared before the invention is disclosed too widely. The filing should explain the invention in enough detail to support the claim while keeping commercial and confidentiality risks under control.
Novelty
Check whether the invention, process or technical solution is already known, published, used or registered elsewhere.
Inventive step
Identify what is technically different and why that difference is not merely routine or obvious in the field.
Industrial application
The invention should be capable of practical use in industry, manufacturing, technology, agriculture or another applied setting.
Right to apply
The applicant must be the inventor or must hold the rights through assignment, employment terms or another valid transfer.
Registration Path
A practical patent filing sequence
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Capture the invention
Prepare a technical description of the problem, the invention, drawings, method of use and commercial context.
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Confirm ownership and confidentiality
Review inventor status, employment or contractor terms, assignments and any disclosure already made to investors or collaborators.
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Prepare the specification
Draft the description, drawings and claims so the filing reflects the actual invention and the protection sought.
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File with the Department of Industry
Submit the application, power of attorney, inventor or assignment documents and foreign filing material where relevant.
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Respond to technical examination
The DOI may examine novelty and utility, and may consult technical experts before deciding whether to register.
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Register, publish and maintain
After registration, the patent may be published for public information unless confidentiality is required in the national interest. Renewal dates should then be tracked.
Documents
A practical patent file
Patent work usually succeeds or fails on the quality of the technical and ownership file. The documents should explain the invention clearly without leaving gaps in title.
Inventor and applicant file
- Name, address and identity or incorporation records
- Inventor declarations and applicant details
- Assignment or right-to-apply documents, if applicable
- Power of attorney and local filing authority
Technical file
- Method of making, operating or using the invention
- Principle, theory or formula, where relevant
- Patent description, drawings and claims
- Prior art and disclosure history review
Foreign filing file
- Foreign registration certificate, where available
- Foreign application records for priority claims
- Notarised documents required for Nepal filing
- Licence or collaboration documents, if relevant
Commercial Use
Where patent advice usually matters
Patent advice is most useful where technical ownership, investor diligence, manufacturing rights or product exclusivity could affect the value of the business.
Founder and university inventions
We help clarify who owns the invention when the work was created by founders, employees, contractors, labs or research partners.
Manufacturing and technology businesses
We support businesses in documenting process improvements, technical designs and product inventions before commercial launch.
Licensing, investment and enforcement
We review patent ownership, licence rights, renewal status and infringement risk for transactions and disputes.
This page is a general website overview of patent protection in Nepal. Patentability, ownership, novelty and filing strategy should be reviewed against the actual technical material before a public disclosure or application is made.