Filing Requirements:

1. Power of attorney, simply signed stating title of signatory.

2. 3 copies of the specifications in English, French or Arabic.

3. 4 sets of formal drawings.

4. Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified.

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

* Document 1 may be submitted within 30 days from filing date.

* Document 4 may be submitted within 3 months from filing date.

Opposition:

Patent applications are published in the Industrial Property Bulletin after acceptance. Oppositions may be filed before the Court within 2 months from publication date.

Search:

It is possible for granted patents published in the Industrial Property Bulletin to be searched by title and patentee name.

Examination:

As to form, novelty and industrial applicability.

Annuities:

A maintenance fee is due annually on the anniversary of the filing date and is payable before 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 4 years from filing date or 3 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. However, disclosure of an invention in an officially recognized national/international exhibition shall not be taken into consideration if it occurred within the 12-months preceding the filing date of the patent application.