Mozambique to examine AI patentability under new National Intellectual Property Strategy

The Government of Mozambique has approved a new National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (PEPI) 2026–2035 that includes plans to examine the patentability of AI-related inventions and modernize the country’s intellectual property framework to address the challenges of the digital economy.

Approved under Cabinet Resolution No. 53/2026 on June 30, the strategy replaces Mozambique’s previous Intellectual Property Strategy (2008–2018) and marks the country’s first comprehensive national policy dedicated exclusively to intellectual property.

A key element of the strategy is the modernization of IP administration through the adoption of digital technologies, including AI. The government aims to digitize all IP administration procedures while exploring how emerging technologies can improve the management and protection of intellectual property rights.

The strategy also commits to reviewing Mozambique’s legal framework to ensure it remains fit for purpose in an increasingly digital environment. As part of this process, the government will undertake a dedicated study into the impact of AI and digital technologies on intellectual property law.

The study will examine several issues surrounding AI-generated innovation, including the patentability of AI-related inventions, the standards of inventive step and disclosure that should apply to such inventions, and potential legal approaches for protecting AI-driven innovation. The findings are expected to inform future legislative reforms designed to address the evolving challenges presented by AI.

Beyond patents, the strategy also recognizes the growing importance of digital content and services, proposing a review of copyright and related legislation to strengthen the protection and commercial exploitation of creative works in digital environments.

Modernizing Mozambique’s legal and institutional IP framework represents the largest area of investment within the strategy. The government has allocated MZN 719.6 million (approximately EUR 10.1 million) to this objective, including MZN 632 million (approximately EUR 8.9 million) dedicated to strengthening the country’s intellectual property institutions.

Planned initiatives include investment in digital infrastructure, cloud-based platforms, and new information and communication technologies to support the administration of IP rights. The strategy also proposes the creation of dedicated support services to assist businesses and individuals with both the registration and commercialization of intellectual property assets.

Institutional reform is another significant component of the strategy. Mozambique intends to establish a National Intellectual Property Commission responsible for coordinating IP legislation and policy across government departments, while strengthening collaboration between the country’s various IP stakeholders.

Overall implementation of the strategy will be overseen by the National Intellectual Property Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising ministers responsible for the Economy, Education and Culture, Science and Technology, Health, and Agriculture.

Enforcement also features prominently in the government’s plans. The strategy calls for improved coordination between authorities responsible for protecting IP rights, enhanced measures to tackle infringement in digital environments, and initiatives aimed at reducing public tolerance of counterfeiting and piracy through awareness campaigns highlighting their economic, health, and safety impacts.

The PEPI implementation roadmap will run through 2035, with an initial assessment scheduled for 2028, a formal review in 2030, and a second evaluation planned for 2033.

The strategy reflects a broader trend among jurisdictions worldwide as governments seek to adapt intellectual property systems to accommodate the rapid development of AI and other emerging digital technologies while strengthening innovation ecosystems and improving the commercialization of intellectual property.

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