The patent application is filed with the Patent Office at the Syrian Proprietary Protection Department, along with all the required papers and documentation. The application is then referred to a committee concerned with processing the application from the formal and subjective standpoints and as to whether the patent has a practical industrial application or not. Such processing will follow payment of the relevant fees. The committee will then decide whether to grant the patent or not on the strength of a report laid down by several university professors and scholars specialized in patent issues to whom a copy of the patent applications in both Arabic and English or French is sent.
Currently the committee has issued new directives whereby a certified copy of the application is filed and a patent letter is only submitted once a certified copy of the home country Patent Letter (Patent Registration Certificate) is submitted. Once submitted the application in Syria is processed for award or non-award of the final registration as the competent committee may decide and issuance of the Patent Letter.
A patent is valid for fifteen years. Annuities are to be paid on or before the anniversary date of filing the patent application even before the grant of the patent. A six-month grace period is allowed for late payment of annuities against payment of a lateness fine. Working of a patent is compulsory within two years as from the date of the grant and within three years for patent applications claiming priority. A nominal working notice published in a local newspaper inviting potential investors to exploit the invention in the country is acceptable for satisfying the compulsory working condition.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property Bulletins
For further information you make also like to view the Intellectual Property Bulletins published monthly by Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property - IP Bulletins