Filing Requirements:

1. Power of attorney, legalized.

2. Extract from the commercial register or certificate of incorporation, legalized, with sworn Arabic translation.

3. 1 copy of the specifications in English with Arabic translation.

4. 1 set of drawings.

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

6. Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified, with sworn Arabic translation.

* Items 1- 5 must be submitted at the time of filing.

* Document 6 may be submitted within 3 months from filing date.

Opposition:

Patent applications are published in the Official Gazette. Oppositions may be filed within 2 months from publication date.

Search:

Not possible.

Examination:

As to form only.

Annuities:

A maintenance fee is due annually on the anniversary of the filing date and is payable as from the date of grant. There is a 6-month grace period for late payment without a surcharge.

Protection Term:

The term of protection is 15 years from filing date renewable for a further period of 5 years. The protection term for patents connected with food-stuffs or drugs or pharmaceutical compositions is limited to 10 years.

Compulsory License:

A patent has to be worked. If within 3 years from the date of grant, the patent is not utilized in Libya or the country of origin, it will be cancelled.