Filing Requirements:

1. Power of attorney, legalized. One general power of attorney, legalized, is acceptable and may be used for subsequent filings.

2. 1 copy of the specification in English or French with Arabic translation.

3. 4 sets of formal drawings.

4. Certified copy of home or foreign letters patent, whether priority is claimed or not.

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

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

Opposition:

Decisions to grant a patent are published in the Official Gazette. Oppositions to any granted patent may be filed before the Court.

Search:

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

Examination:

As to form and novelty.

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 15 years from filing date.

Compulsory License:

Working a patent is not compulsory. If the patent is not being fully exploited by the patentee within 2 years from the date of grant then nominal working published in a local newspaper is an acceptable alternative.

Novelty Requirements:

Absolute novelty is required.

Special Protection Rights:

Patents of Addition.