Acceptance
Once the formalities have been complied with, the Registrar will accept the complete specification. Theoretically, this must happen within 18 months after applying, although this period can be extended.
The notice of acceptance must then be advertised in the Patent Journal along with the abstract of the specification. Only when the notice of acceptance has been published, will the documentation comprising the application be open to inspection by the public. Up to that stage, the documentation is kept secret.
Read section 43 of the Patents Act.
As soon as possible after this publication, the Registrar will grant the patent. The certificate that you will receive is endorsed by the seal of the Patents Office.
Read section 44 of the Patents Act.
Congratulations! You have become the proud owner of a patent. Now what?