Patent registration in Lebanon – Any company that owns a patent and intends to expand its business in the Lebanese market as well as create lasting value and find investors for a patent or grant future patent licensing should use the Lebanese patent system. It is of utmost importance for businesses to file a patent application in Lebanon for their inventions, even if the launch of the respective product on the Lebanese market has not yet commenced.
Deadline for filing a patent application in Lebanon
The deadline for filing a patent application claiming priority with the Lebanese Intellectual Property Office is 12 months from the date of priority.
The following information and documents must be provided in the patent application to the Lebanese Patent Office:
- the name and address of the applicant;
- patent claims;
- specification (patent name, statement, abstract);
- invention drawings;
- certified copy of the priority document;
- Power of Attorney legalized at the Lebanese Consulate abroad and legalized at the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- Patent description;
- application fee.
If priority is requested, a certified copy of the priority document must be filed with the Patent Office within three months of filing the patent application in Lebanon.
The official language of the Lebanese patent application in Lebanon is Arabic; however, applications are also accepted in French and English without translation into Arabic. In this case, only the abstract of the invention must be filed in Arabic.
Examination of patent applications in Lebanon
Patent applications in Lebanon are examined according to official requirements. The substantive examination process is not regulated.
Patent validity and renewal
Patents will be granted within 60 days from the filing date of the patent application unless the applicant requests a deferral. Patents in Lebanon are valid for twenty years from the date of filing in Lebanon. The annual renewal fee for the first year must be paid upon patenting. All annual renewal fees for subsequent years must be paid on the first day of the year following the date of application submission. Late payment is possible after a 6-month grace period with a corresponding surcharge.
The provision for renewal of novelty is not provided for in the patent law of Lebanon.
Represented by a patent attorney
An international applicant must conduct a patent search in Lebanon through a law firm, or an experienced patent attorney.
Please find the list of Lebanon IP Firms here.