Patent registration in the UAE – Any company that owns a patent and intends to expand its business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as creating lasting value and finding investors for future patents or patent licensing should use the UAE patent system. It is paramount for businesses to file a patent application in the UAE for their inventions, even if the launch of the respective product in the UAE market has not yet commenced.
Deadline for filing a patent application in the UAE
The deadline for filing a priority patent application with the UAE National Office of Intellectual Property is 12 months from the priority date.
The official languages of patent applications in the UAE are English and Arabic. The application can be submitted in English while providing an authorized translation into Arabic.
The following information and documents need to be provided in the patent application to the UAE Patent Office:
- the name and address of the patent applicant;
- patent claims;
- specification (patent name, statement, abstract);
- drawings (if any);
- Patent description;
- Certified copies of the Priority Document and its Arabic and English translations must be submitted within 90 days of application.
The original Power of Attorney must be submitted within 90 days from the date of application. Legalization of the UAE Consulate is a mandatory condition.
The deed of assignment of the inventor(s) to the applicant if the applicant is not the inventor must be filed within 90 days of the filing date. Legalization of the UAE Consulate is a mandatory condition.
Examination of patent applications in the UAE
Patent applications in the UAE will be subject to a formal and substantive examination. Requests for payment of assessment fees should be made within 90 days of receipt of notice of official appraisal results.
Patent validity and renewal
Patents in the UAE are valid for 10 years from the date of filing in the UAE or priority date. The annual renewal fee for the first year must be paid upon patenting. All annual renewal fees for subsequent years must be paid prior to the annual filing date. Late payment is possible after a 6-month grace period with a corresponding surcharge.
New calculation extension time
There is no renewal period for patent applications in the United Arab Emirates.
Time of registration procedure
If the application process goes smoothly, it takes on average 2 years to get a patent in the UAE.
Represented by a patent attorney
International applicants must conduct a patent search in the UAE through a law firm, an experienced patent attorney.