PAtents
Patents:
Generally speaking, patents in Egypt are granted to inventors for inventions. These can include anything from machinery, tools, processes, chemicals, biotechnology, software, etc.
To qualify for a patent in Egypt, an inventor must invariably create something that is:
. Of patentable matter
. Unique to patentee
. Merited and can be utilized
. Innovative
Under a patent in Egypt, the patentee reserves the right stop or limits others from utilizing and trading the invention. Without explicit permission from the patentee, persons using the patent in any of these ways are infringing, and could be subjected to legal action.
Computer programmers and inventions without industrial application are not patentable. Nor are inventions that conflict with public order or morals. Even while a patent is pending, application fees are still payable, as well as search fees and annuities.
As registration is invariably a lengthy procedure. An inventor may, instead, favor applying for a certificate of usefulness, which is easier to acquire, although provides less protection: 6 years compared with 20. Patents may not be renewed.
To qualify for a patent in Egypt, an inventor must invariably create something that is:
. Of patentable matter
. Unique to patentee
. Merited and can be utilized
. Innovative
Under a patent in Egypt, the patentee reserves the right stop or limits others from utilizing and trading the invention. Without explicit permission from the patentee, persons using the patent in any of these ways are infringing, and could be subjected to legal action.
Computer programmers and inventions without industrial application are not patentable. Nor are inventions that conflict with public order or morals. Even while a patent is pending, application fees are still payable, as well as search fees and annuities.
As registration is invariably a lengthy procedure. An inventor may, instead, favor applying for a certificate of usefulness, which is easier to acquire, although provides less protection: 6 years compared with 20. Patents may not be renewed.
Entity:
Egyptian patent office
Patent Protection Period:
20 years
Annuity Payments:
Required one year upon the filing date, and can be paid any time before due date. Late settlement of annuities can be done upon payment of lateness fine.
From Filing to Grant:
3 years average
Convention Priority:
Yes
Filing Language:
Specifications claim and drawings can be filed in English or French, and the same should be translated into Arabic. Abstract should be filed in English and should be translated into Arabic.
Procedure:
Once the patent application is filed, it is queued to be examined by the Egyptian Patent Office with respect to compliance with formalities and patentability in accordance with the Egyptian Patent Law. Accepted applications are published in the Official Gazette. There is two months period for any interested party's opposition. In absence of any opposition, the letters patent is issued.
Requirements:
Filing Requirements for Patent Application:
1- One copy of the specification, claims and drawings (if any) relating to the invention.
2- Abstract of the invention (approximately 100 words).
3- The name, address, nationality, and profession or nature of business of the applicant(s) and the inventor(s).
4- Power of Attorney.
5- Extract from the Commercial Register or from the Memorandum of Association, if the applicant is company.
6- Deed of assignment signed by the inventor, if the applicant is not the inventor.
7- A certified copy of the application giving the filing date, number and country if the application is to be filed with a priority claim.
* Documents in items 1, 2 and 3 should be submitted to the patent office with the application, while documents in items 4, 5, 6 and 7 can be submitted upon filing the application.
Requirements for Assignment Applications:
1-Power of Attorney by the Assignee.
2- Deed of Assignment, signed by both parties.
3- Extract of the entry of the Assignee in the Commercial Register, or copy of the memorandum of association, if the Assignee is a company or body corporate.
Requirements for Change of Name/Address:
1- Power of Attorney in the new name/address.
2- Certificate proving the change of name/address.
Requirements for License Agreement:
1- Power of attorney executed by the licensee.
2- License Agreement executed by both parties.
3- Extract of the entry of the Licensee in the Commercial Register, or legalized copy of the memorandum of association.
1- One copy of the specification, claims and drawings (if any) relating to the invention.
2- Abstract of the invention (approximately 100 words).
3- The name, address, nationality, and profession or nature of business of the applicant(s) and the inventor(s).
4- Power of Attorney.
5- Extract from the Commercial Register or from the Memorandum of Association, if the applicant is company.
6- Deed of assignment signed by the inventor, if the applicant is not the inventor.
7- A certified copy of the application giving the filing date, number and country if the application is to be filed with a priority claim.
* Documents in items 1, 2 and 3 should be submitted to the patent office with the application, while documents in items 4, 5, 6 and 7 can be submitted upon filing the application.
Requirements for Assignment Applications:
1-Power of Attorney by the Assignee.
2- Deed of Assignment, signed by both parties.
3- Extract of the entry of the Assignee in the Commercial Register, or copy of the memorandum of association, if the Assignee is a company or body corporate.
Requirements for Change of Name/Address:
1- Power of Attorney in the new name/address.
2- Certificate proving the change of name/address.
Requirements for License Agreement:
1- Power of attorney executed by the licensee.
2- License Agreement executed by both parties.
3- Extract of the entry of the Licensee in the Commercial Register, or legalized copy of the memorandum of association.
