• Patent fees

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

• The term for filing patent applications in Pakistan

The term for filing patent application in Pakistan claiming priority is 12 months from the date of priority. The restoration of this term is not stipulated.

• Minimum of filing documents in Pakistan

For obtainment of the date of filing the Pakistani patent application should contain:
- name and full address of the applicant;
- specification in the English language (in duplicate);
- applicable application forms;
- Power of Attorney;
- Inventors’ endorsement or a Notarized copy of Deed of Assignment from Inventors to assignee (on the reverse of the applicable application form);
- drawings, if any.

• Language of the Pakistani patent application

The official language of a patent registration in Pakistan is English.

• Priority document

A certified copy of the priority document must be submitted either on filing or within three months from the date of filing a patent application in Pakistan alongside a request for extension of time. If a certified copy of the basic application is not in the English language, a verified English translation along with an affidavit of the translator will also be required.

• Power of Attorney requirements

The original of a notarised Power of Attorney is required to be submitted at the time of filing the application.

• Assignment Deed

If the applicant is not the inventor non-legalized assignment deed must be submitted to the Pakistani Patent Office.

• Substantive examination request

There is no request for conducting the substantive examination. This procedure is conducted automatically. The Controller refers the complete specification and application to the Patent Examiner for official examination who examines the application on formal and technical basis and communicates his observations to the applicant in accordance with the prescribed manner. It generally takes eight to ten months from the filing date in Pakistan. After exchange of official reports and responses thereto, the application is accepted if and when the Controller is satisfied.

• Grace period

The novelty grace period term is applicable for a patent application if the information about the invention was disclosed within 12 months before the filing date at the officially recognised exhibition.

• Grant and maintenance fees

The term for payment of the official grant fee for a patent in Pakistan is due four months from the publication date. The validity term of patents in Pakistan is 20 years from the filing date or, if priority is claimed, from the earliest priority date. The first annuities are payable after the expiry of the 4^th year from the earliest filing date (i.e. priority date). If any annuity is not paid in due time, an extension of time up to six months is available provided that the prescribed surcharge is paid. Once the said period of six months has passed without the payment of missed annuity, the patent is deemed to be lapsed.

• Representation by a patent attorney

Foreigners must perform patent prosecution in Pakistan through a registered Pakistani patent agent or advocate.

Brief summary is based on the information provided by MEER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SERVICES on 07.02.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Pakistani IP Laws.