Filing Requirements:

1. Power of attorney, legalized.

2. 8 copies of the specifications in English, with Arabic translation.

3. 9 sets of drawings.

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

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

* Documents 1-3 must be submitted at the time of filing.

* Document 4 may be submitted within 6 months from filing date.

* Document 5 may be submitted within 6 months from filing date.

Opposition:

Patent applications accepted by the Registrar are published in the Patent Bulletin. Oppositions may be filed at any time after grant of the patent.

Search:

It is possible for granted and published patents in the Patent Bulletin to be searched by patent number.

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 after the granting of the patent.

Protection Term:

The term of protection is 20 years from filing date. However, patents granted for inventions relating to drugs, and pharmaceutical compounds shall be valid for a period of 10 years, renewable for two periods of 5 years each.

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 then the patent will be subject to compulsory licensing under the provisions of the law.

Novelty Requirements:

Absolute novelty is required.

Special Protection Rights:

Patents of Addition.