Filing Requirements:

1. Power of attorney, legalized.

2. 3 copies of the specifications in either English or French.

3. 3 sets of drawings.

4. Deed of assignment from the inventor(s), legalized.

5. Copy of the priority document, if priority is claimed, certified with English translation.

* Items 2 and 3 must be submitted at the time of filing.

* Documents 1, 4, and 5 may be submitted within 60 days from notification date.

Opposition:

Granted patents accepted by the Registrar are published in the Official Gazette. Oppositions may be filed at any time.

Search:

It is possible for granted and published patents in the Official Gazette to be searched by their corresponding patent number, title, and patentee name.

Examination:

There is no preliminary examination, with the exception of independent patents, which are referred to a special commission within the Trademark and Patent Office.

Annuities:

A maintenance fee is due annually on the anniversary of the filing date and is payable before the granting of patent. There is a 6-month grace period for late payment with a surcharge.

Protection Term:

The term of protection is 20 years from filing date.

Compulsory License:

A patent has to be worked. If the patent is not being fully exploited by the patentee within 5 years from the date of grant then the patent will be subject to compulsory licensing under the provisions of the law.

Novelty Requirements:

Absolute novelty is required.