The government of Saudi Arabia has recently announced its approval of the country’s accession to the following WIPO-administered treaties and conventions:
1. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which was concluded in 1970, amended in 1979 and modified in 1984 and in 2001. Once PCT enters into force in Saudi Arabia, the country will then be bound by the Treaty and consequently, any “international” patent application may include the designation of Saudi Arabia under its country code “SA”. Also, nationals and residents of Saudi Arabia may be able to file “international” patent applications under the Treaty.
2. Patent Law Treaty (PLT), which was concluded on June 1, 2000. Once PLT enters into force in Saudi Arabia, the country is then expected to harmonize and streamline formal procedures in respect of national and regional patent applications and patents, and thus make such procedures more user-friendly.
The Saudi authorities concerned are now requested to deposit the instruments of accession to the PCT and PLT in accordance with their provisions. Further developments in the matter will be reported in due course.
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