Patent Registration

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In the UAE, scientific and technological inventions are eligible for intellectual property (IP) protection in the form of patent registration. However, certain inventions, such as diagnostic methods, treatments, and surgical concepts, are excluded from patent protection. Additionally, scientific and mathematical principles, discoveries, and methods cannot be patented in the UAE.

Given these exclusions, businesses and scientific organizations must have a clear understanding of how patents are defined within the UAE’s legal framework before applying for registration. They should also be familiar with the patent application process, especially the specific criteria that may lead to rejection. Navigating this process can be complex, and expert guidance from patent registration agents in the UAE is often necessary.

Service Description Overview of Patent Registration in the UAE

Patent Law in the UAE
Patent registration in the UAE is governed by Federal Law No. 31 of 2016, which supersedes Law No. 17 of 2002 on the Regulation and Protection of Industrial Property. This law provides patent protection for inventions across all technology fields, provided the innovation is scientifically sound, applicable, and industrially feasible. Inventions used in industries such as agriculture, fisheries, handicrafts, and services are typically considered eligible for patent protection.

Competent Authority for Patent Registration

The Ministry of Economy (MOE) is the government authority responsible for regulating and managing the patent registration process in the UAE. Registering a patent with the MOE provides inventors with legal protection, preventing others from using or misusing the patented invention. The MOE issues patents as official protection documents to the inventors.

Documents Required for Filing a Patent Registration

To file a patent in the UAE, the following documents are required:

Power of Attorney (duly legalized)
If the applicant is a company, a legalized extract from the Commercial Register or Memorandum of Association
A copy of the English specification and claims along with an Arabic translation
A set of drawings related to the invention
An abstract of the invention
A duly legalized deed of assignment, signed by the inventor, if the applicant is not the inventor
A certified copy of the application, showing the filing date, number, and country

Major Steps in Patent Registration in the UAE

The process of registering a patent in the UAE involves several key steps:

Filing the Application Inventors must submit their patent application to the International Centre for Patent Registration (ICPR), under the Ministry of Economy. This process is typically managed by patent registration agents in the UAE.
Document Submission Along with the application, inventors must submit detailed descriptions of the invention, any drawings, and other relevant documents. The MOE will review the submission, and if any documents are missing, applicants will be given 90 days to resubmit them.
Payment The cost of filing a patent registration may vary for individuals and companies. Patent agents in the UAE can provide specific details about the fees associated with the filing process.
Examination and Review After submission, the MOE will conduct a formal and thorough examination of the patent application. This process can take several months, as the innovation and its application need to be thoroughly assessed.
Granting of Patent

Industrial Property Publication

and the

Official Gazette

. The MOE will verify that the patent conforms to federal regulations and that the invention is original, innovative, and industrially applicable. A granted patent is valid for 20 years from the filing date, with no possibility of extension beyond that period.

Importance of Patent Protection

Inventions are critical to industrial and technological progress, and securing patent protection is essential for safeguarding an innovator’s rights. With the global nature of research and development, it’s crucial for inventors in the UAE to ensure that their innovations are patented before others in different countries can claim them.

Although the patent registration process in the UAE can be complex, the expertise of patent registration agents, such as Growth Partners, can simplify the procedure. JIP’s team of patent advisors in Dubai offers comprehensive support, from drafting documents to ensuring accurate submission to the Ministry of Economy.

By availing professional patent registration services in Dubai, inventors can effectively protect their scientific and technological innovations in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about company formation in the United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, you can establish entities like Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Free Zone Entities, Sole Proprietorships, and Branches of Foreign Companies.

The company formation process in the UAE can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of company and the specific requirements involved.

The United Arab Emirates offers a tax-free environment for most businesses, with no personal or corporate income tax, provided the company qualifies for Free Zone status.

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