• Patent fees

Fees associated with filing patent applications in Egypt as well as other patent fees are available in the fee calculator.

• Term for filing a patent application in Egypt

A patent application claiming conventional priority should be filed within 12 months from the priority date. This term may be restored for 2 additional months provided that the failure to file the application in due time was unintentional.

• Filing requirements in Egypt

The official language of the Egyptian patent applications is Arabic. If the patent application is filed in other language other than Arabic, the Arabic translation should be filed with the Patent Office within 6 months from the filing date.

To obtain a filing date, it is necessary to provide the Egyptian Patent Office with the following:
- a request to grant a patent;
- specification;
- proof of payment of the corresponding fees.

If priority is claimed, a certified copy of the Priority Document together with an Arabic translation thereof should be submitted within 3 months from filing the application.

The legalization of the Power of Attorney up to the Egyptian Consulate in Arabic is required. It may be filed simultaneously or within 4 months from the filing of the application.

If the applicant is not the inventor, a Deed of Assignment, legalized up to the Egyptian Consulate should be filed with the application or within 4 months from the filing date.

In case the applicant is a legal entity, an Extract from the commercial register or a certified copy of the Certificate of incorporation, legalized up to the Egyptian Consulate should be submitted simultaneously or within 4 months after filing of the application.

• Examination of the Egyptian patent application

The Egyptian patent application undergoes the formal and substantive examination. The official fee for carrying out the substantive examination should be paid within 6 months from filing the application.

• Novelty grace period

The novelty of the invention is not disproved, if the information about the invention was disclosed in a national exhibition held in Egypt or international exhibition within 6 months before the filing date.

• Grant, validity term and maintenance fees

The official grant fee is not stipulated for the Egyptian patents. The validity term of Egyptian patents is 20 years from the filing date. Annual fees for pending applications are due from the second year onwards and must be paid in advance on or before each anniversary of the filing date. Late payment is possible within 1 year grace period by paying a corresponding surcharge.

• Duration of registration procedure

It takes an average of 3 years from filing up to grant of a patent in Egypt.

• Utility Model

Inventions may also be protected as Utility Models in Egypt, which are subject to formal examination only. The validity term of a utility model is 7 years from the filing date and may not be extended. The first annuity fee is paid in respect of pending applications and is due from the 2nd year counting from the filing date. The procedure of obtaining utility model protection takes approximately 1-2 years.

• Representation by a patent attorney

Foreign applicants must appoint an Egyptian registered patent attorney to represent them before the Patent Office.

• Note

Online Search Database for Egyptian Patents and Utility Models

Brief summary is based on the information provided by AHMED ALLAM IP LAW FIRM & ASSOCIATES on 26.01.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Egyptian IP Laws