Patents - Frequently Asked Questions
Can a patent search be conducted?
Yes.
Can a patent application be filed without its complete documents?
Yes.
Can convention priority be claimed? Paris Convention?
Yes.
Can a registration be obtained for pharmaceutical products?
Yes. However examination did not start till January 1, 2005.
What is the term of protection of a patent and from which date is it calculated? Can it be extended?
20 years from the date of filing in Egypt. No.
Is a secret form of filing a model/design permitted?
No.
Is there a novelty requirement? Is it local or worldwide?
Yes. Worldwide.
Are utility models granted protection in Egypt under the current law?
Yes.
Is the patent protection available for software alone, or must the software be coupled with computer hardware in order to permit patent application?
No - Yes.
Can the specifications or claims be amended?
Yes.
Could annuity payments be made before the granting of the patent?
Yes.
In what language should specifications and claims of the patent be filed?
Arabic specification and abstract + English abstract.
Is working of the invention required to keep protection in force and, if so, can the working requirements be satisfied by importation or nominal working?
Yes - Yes.
What are the conditions that might lead to a compulsory license?
Non use for 3 consecutive years after grant of patent.
Must assignments be recorded within a certain period?
No.
Does the Patent Law provide for licenses or registered users?
Yes.
Does the Patents Office publish the patent applications in the Official Gazette?
Yes.
