On December 13, 2018, following the recent decision to begin substantive examination of pending and new patent applications, the Patent Office in Bahrain issued the Implementing Regulations of Law no. 1 of 2004 concerning patents and utility models. The long-awaited Implementing Regulations are expected to pave the way to a clearer patent procurement process. With the publication of the Implementing Regulations, the Patent Office updated all the official fees relating to patent prosecution, and introduced examination fees.
The Implementing Regulations confirm the present procedures in Bahrain. As such, the filing requirements are a power of attorney with Apostille certification and a copy of the international publication, with the international search report—if it is published. The protection term is 20 years from the international filing date, and annuities must be paid on the anniversary of the international filing date and payable prior to grant. A grace period of six months for late payment is observed.
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