Filing Requirements:
1. Power of attorney, legalized.
2. 1 copy of the specifications in English, with Arabic translation.
3. 1 set of formal drawings.
4. Patent application form No. 4 sworn and signed by the inventor(s) as applicant(s) or jointly with applicant(s), legalized.
5. Copy of home application, certified whether priority is claimed or not.
6. Copy of certificate of incorporation of the applicant company, certified.
7. An abstract containing a summary of the main points of the patent specifications and claims; and where applicable the name and the structure of the new chemical compound for chemical related patents.
* Items 2, 3, and 7 must be submitted at the time of filing.
* Items 2, 3, and 7 maybe submitted initially in any language.
* All other documents and translations of items 2, 3, 7 may be submitted within 60 days from filing date.
* Please note that if items 2, 3, and 7 were submitted in a language other than English or Arabic, then both Arabic and English translations must be submitted.
* An extension beyond 60 days is possible.
Opposition:
Patent applications are published in the Official Gazette. Oppositions may be filed within 3 months from publication date.
Search:
It is possible for granted patents published in the Official Gazette to be searched bu title and patentee name.
Examination:
As to form, novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability.
Annuities:
A maintenance fee is due annually on the anniversary of the filing date and is payable after the granting of the 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 3 years from the date of grant or 4 years from the filing date, then the patent will be subject to compulsory licensing under the provisions of the law.
Novelty Requirements:
Absolute novelty is required. However, disclosure of an invention in an official or officially recognized international/national exhibition shall not be taken into consideration if it occurred within the 12-month grace period preceding the filing date of the patent application.
Special Protection Rights:
Patents of Addition; Divisional Patents.
