The Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) in Botswana has revolutionized business registration and management through its Online Business Registration System (OBRS). This digital platform enables individuals and corporate entities to register companies and business names, file annual returns, and manage intellectual property rights seamlessly online.
Accessing the CIPA Login Portal
To utilize CIPA’s services, users must access the OBRS via here. The portal is optimized for Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Creating a Profile on OBRS
First-time users need to create a profile to access the OBRS. This involves providing personal or corporate information, depending on the nature of the registrant. Individuals aged 18 and above, as well as corporate bodies, are eligible to register companies and business names. The registration process can be completed by a shareholder, director, company secretary, or authorized professional consultant.
Logging into the OBRS
Once a profile is created, users can log in to the OBRS using their credentials. The dashboard provides access to various services, including:
- Company and Business Name Registration: Streamlined processes for reserving and registering company or business names.
- Annual Returns Filing: Mandatory yearly submissions to maintain compliance with the Companies Act and the Registration of Business Names Act. All companies must file an annual return every year, and all business names must file a renewal every three years.
- Intellectual Property Management: Facilities for registering trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights.
Payment Options
The OBRS offers multiple payment methods to cater to diverse user preferences:
- Online Payments: Users can utilize credit and debit cards, MyZaka, and Orange Money for swift transactions.
- Non-Online Payments: Cash deposits are accepted at CIPA offices and First National Bank (FNB) branches.
Notifications and Updates
To keep users informed, CIPA provides:
- SMS Notifications: Updates sent via Mascom, beMobile, and Orange networks.
- Email Notifications: Delivery of certificates, notifications, and other pertinent information directly to users’ email addresses.
System Upgrade Notice
Please be aware that the OBRS will be offline from March 11th to 18th, 2025, to facilitate a system upgrade. Users are advised to complete all applications before March 10th, 2025, to avoid any inconvenience.