Applicants in Madagascar will soon be able to file PCT international applications at home. WIPO's PCT Newsletter No. 10/2026, published in October 2026, reports that the Malagasy Industrial Property Office (OMAPI) has notified the International Bureau that it will act as receiving Office for applicants who are residents or nationals of Madagascar, with effect from 2 January 2027.
Under Rule 19.1 of the PCT Regulations, an applicant may file with the national Office of the State of residence or nationality or, whatever the residence or nationality, with WIPO's International Bureau.
Once OMAPI starts acting as receiving Office, residents and nationals of Madagascar gain a national filing route; filing directly with the International Bureau remains available. Under Rule 19.2, where there are two or more applicants, it is enough that one of them is a resident or national of Madagascar to file with OMAPI.
The notice states only the receiving-Office function and the effective date. It does not say which filing language OMAPI will accept, which fees apply or how much they are, or whether it will take paper or electronic filings; those details are still to be published in WIPO's PCT Applicant's Guide or by OMAPI.
J&C recommends that agents with Madagascan clients add the Malagasy Industrial Property Office to the receiving-Office options in their PCT filing instructions before 2 January 2027, then complete the guidance on filing language, fees and document preparation once the PCT Applicant's Guide or the Office publishes its requirements. Until then, filing with the International Bureau remains a ready route.
Source: www.wipo.int | www.wipo.int
