PATENT INTERNATIONAL
Patent Registration in .
To compete in the global markets, businesses have to come up with unique products and methods to protect their inventions. If you do not protect your intellectual property, your competitor might take advantage of that and hamper your exclusivity. Saudi Arabia is one of the global markets for businesses and it is important to protect your invention through a patent in order to survive in its marketplace.
To understand the patent registration process in Saudi Arabia, let us have a look.
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Patent registration services in Saudi Arabia
Patents around the world follow a first-to-file system for registration and similar is the case in Saudi Arabia as well. To register a patent in Saudi Arabia, the applicant can file an application through the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP).
Types of Patents
Types of Patents in Saudi Arabia
Before we move into the types of patents, let us have a look at the requirements that your invention must adhere to for obtaining a patent.
Novelty: The invention must be new! If it is already present in the market and people know about it, you cannot patent it. As soon as you file an application, it is tested for novelty. It should be an innovation, not something anyone knows of.
Utility: Whatever the innovation is, it should be industrially applicable and functional as well to be used by the public or industry. If the invention fails to do what it claims then it is not eligible for a patent.
There are different inventions that are not eligible for a patent, which include mathematical algorithms or models, mental concepts or processes, artistic creations, plans or schemes, principles or theories, business practices, treatment methods of the human body or animal.
There are three types of patents:
- Utility Patent: These patents are the most common types of patents and describe any new machine or process. The utility patent document consists of the technical know-how of the invention and all the information related to it.
- Plant Patent: This refers to new varieties of plants from a single plant class. These can be from the lowest grades and can be identified by a given genetic structure and can be distinguished through characteristics.
- Design Patent: These patents are difficult to search because of their nature as they contain minimum words. These patents protect the design and shape of your invention. The patent document mostly has illustrations, pictures or drawings of the design on the product/invention
How to register a Patent in Saudi Arabia?
Step 1
Search
Conducting a search for a patent is highly recommended. You can do it on your own if you are experienced but if that is not the case then taking the help of an attorney or agent is advisable. By searching, you will be able to determine similar and identical trademarks and the possible rejection of them.
Step 2
Application
To register for a patent in Saudi Arabia, the application and all of its content must be in Arabic language accompanied by an English translation. Everything must be submitted at the time of filing, giving the translation at a later date is not possible. If any of the content is missing from the application, a notice will be sent to the applicant to complete the application in due time.
The application requirements are:
- The application fees
- A grant request
- Specifications and details of the patent
- Drawings (when necessary, for example a design)
- Priority document (if applicable)
- Power of Attorney
If the application is filed by a person other than the inventor, a notarized and legalized Assignment Deed between the applicant and the inventor must be submitted within 90 days from the filing date.
Step 3
Examination
After the application is filed, it is checked for the formal requirements. Once the formal examination is done, a substantive examination can also be conducted after a payment of fee. The examination body checks the application to see if it meets all the requirements. Similar or identical patents are also checked by the examiner.
If there is any problem with the application or if the examiner needs additional documentation from the applicant, a notice is sent and has to be responded in due time otherwise the application will be abandoned.
Step 4
Publication
If there is not official action and the application gets accepted, it is published in the patent journal for up to 90 days and is open for opposition.
Step 5
Opposition
Within 90 days of publication, any party can file an opposition. If an opposition is filed, the applicant is given time to produce proofs and arguments accordingly.
Step 6
Registration
If there were any oppositions and were resolved accordingly, the patent gets granted and a notice of allowance is given to the applicant.
The entire patent process takes around 3-5 years but depending on the legalities, it can take even longer.
Price of Patents
Patent registration cost in Saudi Arabia
The cost of registering a patent varies depending on the complexities and legalities involved. The cost to obtaining a patent in Saudi Arabia ranges from $1000 to $5000, but can increase if there are other intricacies involved.
Age of Patents
How long does a patent last in Saudi Arabia?
Patents in Saudi Arabia last for 20 years, but subsequent fee must be paid after every year as an annuity.
If you do not get a patent for your invention, your intellectual property might become someone else’s. With a patent, you achieve exclusivity and authority.
At Patent International, we provide hassle-free Patent services catered to your needs, in compliance with the international requirements and standards. Patent registration in Saudi Arabia doesn’t have to be complicated, and that’s why Patent International is here to assist with all of your intellectual property needs.
*What to do? How to do it? When to do it? Will it work?*
If these are the questions that come to your mind when thinking of registering a Patent, you have come to the right place. We, at Patent International, answer these questions and more! Offering multiple Patent services, we guarantee client satisfaction. For expert advice and consultation, contact us now!