Fees associated with filing patent applications in Morocco as well as other patent fees are available in the fee calculator.
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The term for filing a patent application in Morocco
The term for filing a patent application in Morocco claiming conventional priority is 12 months from the priority date. The restoration of this term is not possible.
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Minimum of filing documents in Morocco
To obtain the date of filing the patent application in Morocco must contain:
- applicant's and inventor’s details;
- request to grant a patent, mentioning the title of the invention;
- three copies of specifications, claims, and drawings in French (Arabic or English translation is not necessary);
- proof of payment of the prescribed fees.
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Language of the Moroccan patent application
The official language of patent registration in Morocco is French. It is possible to file an application in any other language. The translation should be filed within three months from the filing date.
Priority document translated into French must be submitted to the Patent Office within three months from the date of filing the patent application in Morocco.
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Power of Attorney requirements
Copy of simply signed Power of Attorney should be filed within 2 months from the filing date. Legalization/notarization is not required.
Substantive examination should be requested simultaneously with filing the Moroccan patent application.
The novelty grace period is stipulated for patent applications in Morocco. It constitutes 12 months before the filing date.
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Grant and maintenance fees
Annual maintenance fees are due on each anniversary of the filing date or priority date, if any. However, they are payable only after grant of the patent for the subsequent years and shouldn't be paid for the years already lapsed before the grant of the patent. The payment cannot be made more than 12 months before the due date. Late payment is possible within 6 months after the due and is subject to a surcharge.
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Representation by a patent attorney
Natural persons or legal entities who/which do not have their domicile or head office in Morocco must elect an agent, a registered patent attorney in Morocco to perform the patent protection on his/their behalf.
1. Online Search databases: Moroccan Regional Patents, European Patents (EPO).
2. As of March 1, 2015, it is possible to validate European patents in Morocco.
3. Protection of the invention as utility model is not possible in Morocco.
Brief summary is based on the information provided by NJQ & Associates on 12.04.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Moroccan IP Laws.