In our experience, it is better to file an ARIPO regional application designating at least Zimbabwe rather than a national application directly in Zimbabwe. The main reason for our opinion is that ARIPO is run by WIPO and, accordingly, operates much more efficiently than the Zimbabwean Patent and Design Offices.
Furthermore, the cost of filing an ARIPO application designating only Zimbabwe is about the same as the cost of filing a national application directly in Zimbabwe. A further benefit of the ARIPO route is that it is possible to designate other ARIPO member countries by paying additional designation fees at a relatively nominal surcharge.
For more information on ARIPO Patent Registrations click here.
For more information on ARIPO Design Registrations click here.