• Patent fees

Fees associated with Moroccan PCT national phase entry as well as other patent fees are available in the fee calculator.

• Deadline for the PCT national phase entry in Morocco

The term for entering the national phase of PCT in Morocco is 31 months from the priority date. The restoration of this term is not possible.

• 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.

• 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

Submitting of the Priority document is not required at the time of the Moroccan PCT national phase entry.

• 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

Substantive examination should be requested simultaneously with Moroccan PCT national phase entry.

• Grace period

The novelty grace period is stipulated for patent applications in Morocco. It constitutes 12 months before the filing date.

• Grant and maintenance fees

Annual maintenance fees are due on each anniversary of the international filing date or priority date, if any. However, they are payable only after the grant of the patent for the subsequent years and shouldn't be paid for the years already lapsed before the grant. Payment cannot be made earlier than 12 months in advance. Late payment is possible within 6 months after the due date and is subject to a surcharge.

• 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.

• Notes

1. Online Search databases: Moroccan Regional Patents, European Patents (EPO).
2. As of March 1, 2015, it is possible to protect inventions in Morocco via entering the European regional stage and its further validation in Morocco.
3. Protection of the invention as a 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.