GCCPO Expands Patent Filing Services to Qatar:Promoting Regional Patent Alignment

11-Jul-2023

The Gulf Cooperation Council Patent Office (GCCPO) is taking further steps to regain its position as a regional patent office by expanding its services to include Qatar, in addition to Bahrain and Kuwait. Now, when applicants file a patent application with the GCCPO, they can designate BH, KW, and/or QA.

Upon completion of substantive examination, the GCCPO will transfer the authorization to the designated national offices for publication, granting, and issuance. Despite the fact that each country has joined the Patent Cooperation Treaty, applicants who choose the GCCPO route must file their applications within a 12-month period from the earliest claimed priority, as required by the GCC Patent Law.

According to the regulations, filing, substantive examination, and the first two annuities (2nd and 3rd years) are handled by the GCCPO. However, the remaining annuities, publication, and grant fees must be paid at the respective national patent offices. This process will result in a national patent that is protected and enforced in the country under its own laws and regulations.

The expansion of GCCPO's services to Qatar is a significant milestone in advancing regional patent harmonization, making it easier for inventors and businesses to secure patent rights within the Gulf region.