Protecting Your Ideas A Guide to Patent Registration Services in UAE

16 Aug 2023

Protecting your inventions through patents is crucial for any business looking to succeed in the UAE market. Patents provide legal ownership of ideas and prevent competitors from copying unique products or processes. This blog post will explore everything you need to know about patent registration services in UAE.

We’ll start by looking at the key benefits of filing for a patent in the UAE. Then we’ll examine the different types of patents available and outline the step-by-step process for registration. We’ll also discuss typical costs and provide tips on choosing the right patent attorney or firm. Finally, we’ve included some frequently asked questions about patent registration services in UAE.

Understanding Patent Registration Services

Patent registration services help inventors and companies legally protect their innovative ideas and inventions. Similar to copyright registration for creative works, company registration for business entities, and trademark registration for brands and logos, patents provide exclusive rights and prevent unauthorized usage. By using patent registration services, clients can work with qualified patent attorneys and agents to formally submit applications to government intellectual property offices. These services handle everything from conducting prior art searches, drafting and filing paperwork, communicating with patent examiners, to facilitating granting of patents. Overall, these services enable inventors and businesses to effectively register their intellectual property rights through the complex patenting process. This gives them power to prevent copying and commercialize their innovations in territories like the UAE.

Benefits of Patent Registration Services in UAE

Protect your invention/idea from being copied: Registering a patent means you have the sole legal rights to your invention or idea. No one else can make, use or sell your patented product without your permission for up to 20 years. This prevents copies and protects your competitive advantage.
Gives you legal ownership of your intellectual property: A patent certificate proves that you officially own the intellectual property rights to your invention. You can confidently commercialize your product knowing that the law protects your ownership.
Adds value and credibility to your business: Having patented products or technology makes your company more valuable and credible. It signals that your business has unique innovations worthwhile legal protection. This boosts your reputation.
Helps attract investors/buyers for your product or company: Patents are attractive to investors and potential buyers. It shows that your business owns exclusive inventions that others cannot simply copy. This provides confidence in long-term viability, making funding or acquisition more likely.
Gives you the right to license or sell your invention: As the patent holder, you can license or sell the rights to your invention. This provides additional revenue streams from royalties and licensing fees. Or you can sell the patent rights entirely to someone who will commercialize the product.

Types of Patent Registration Services in UAE

When applying for a patent in UAE, there are three main types available:

Process Patent

A process patent protects the method for producing something rather than the end product itself. For example, an oil company develops a new way to refine crude oil into gasoline that is safer and more efficient. They could get a patent for this industrial refining process. This would prevent competitors from using the same method in their own oil refineries without permission.

Pharmaceutical Patent

This type of patent is filed when a new medicine or drug is invented through research. For example, a biotech company discovers a new molecule that treats diabetes more effectively. They would apply for a pharmaceutical patent to prevent generic versions of the drug from being made while the patent is in place, usually 20 years. This gives the company time to recover R&D costs and profit from their research investment.

Utility Patent

A utility patent protects inventions of functional products or processes. For example, a power tool with a unique motor, a novel software algorithm, or a new pharmaceutical compound. The invention must be completely new and non-obvious to those skilled in the field. Utility patents make up the majority of patent applications in the UAE.

Design Patent

A design patent covers the ornamental appearance of a product rather than its function. For example, a manufacturer could get a design patent for a uniquely shaped smartphone with curved edges. Even if the phone's technology is not new, its distinctive physical design can be protected. Design patents are useful for innovations in aesthetics.

Plant Patent

This type of patent covers newly invented varieties of plants such as hybrid plants or newly discovered seedlings. For example, a researcher uses selective breeding to create a new type of wheat grain with higher yields. They could get a plant patent to protect this new grain variety from unauthorized propagation and sales. Plant patents are far less common than utility and design patents.

Patent Registration Process in UAE

Filing for a patent in the UAE involves several key steps:

Patent Search - It's crucial to conduct a search of existing patents to ensure your invention is unique. This reduces the risk of infringement and improves your chances of approval.
Prepare Application - The application must fully describe the invention and its intended uses. It should include patent claims that legally define the invention, drawings, abstract, background, description of drawings, and specifications.
Submit to the Ministry - Applications are submitted to the Ministry of Economy which oversees registration. Required documents include the patent application, inventor identification, and power of attorney if using a patent agent.
Examination - The application undergoes substantive examination by the patent office. They assess whether the invention meets requirements for novelty, inventiveness, and industrial applicability.
Granting - If approved, the patent will be granted and you will receive a Certificate of Registration. The entire process usually takes 18-24 months from filing date.
National Phase - You must enter the national phase within 30 months of the earliest priority date by submitting translations and paying fees. This secures patent protection.
Renewals - Patents are valid for up to 20 years but require annual renewals starting the 5th year after application to maintain protection.

Cost of Patent Registration Services in UAE

Filing patents requires significant investment. However, the long-term benefits usually outweigh the costs. Here is an overview of typical costs for patent registration services in UAE:

Attorney Fees - Professional agents charge anywhere from AED 18,000 to AED 30,000 depending on the complexity of the application. Their expertise improves approval chances.
Official Fees - This includes filing, search, publication, grant, and renewal fees charged by the patent office. Total official fees range from AED 21,000 to AED 43,000.
Translation - Applications must be translated into Arabic before grant, adding AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 to costs.
Drawings - If your application requires technical drawings, each page could cost AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 depending on complexity.
Other - Miscellaneous charges for prior art searching, drafting, consultations, etc. may apply as needed.

So in total, the entire patent registration process can cost between AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 on average. Cost ultimately depends on the invention's technical complexity. It's wise to allocate sufficient IP protection budgets when planning new product releases.

Choosing a Patent Registration Service in UAE

Hiring the right patent attorney or agent is key to successfully registering your patent in UAE. Here are important factors to consider:

Relevant Experience - Look for patent registration companies with expertise in your specific industry and technology application area. For example, experience with chemical patents vs mechanical patents.
Registration Success Rate - Ask about their track record of securing patent grants and avoiding rejections. High success rates indicate proficiency.
Technical Expertise - Evaluate their knowledge regarding your invention's specifications, designs, and applications to ensure full understanding.
Reviews - Check client testimonials and reviews online. Reputable patent registration consultants will have positive feedback about service quality.
Registered Agents - Verify they are registered patent agents with the Ministry of Economy for legal compliance.
Response Time - How quickly and reliably do they respond to queries? Good communication ensures a smooth process.

When comparing providers, consider factors like experience, expertise, past performance, responsiveness, and costs. Partnering with the right patent professional will maximize your chances of securing protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about protecting inventions through patents in the UAE:

Q:1 What types of inventions can be patented in UAE?

Patentable inventions include products, devices, substances, mechanical systems or manufacturing processes that demonstrate novelty, non-obviousness, and industrial applicability. Ideas, scientific principles, or mathematical methods cannot be patented.

Q:2 Who can apply for a patent in the UAE?

Only the original inventor(s) can apply for a patent. Companies can only file if all inventors have assigned rights to the business through an IP assignment contract. Foreign applicants must appoint a registered patent agent.

Q:3 Does patent protection under TRIPS apply in UAE?

Yes, as a WTO member state, the UAE does provide patent protections as mandated under the TRIPS agreement including 20 years of exclusive rights from filing date.

Q:4 How long does the patent application process take in UAE?

It typically takes 18-24 months for a patent application to be processed and approved. However, the total process from filing to grant can exceed 3 years including translations and other formalities.

Q:5 Is it public information once I file for patent protection?

Patent applications are confidential for the first 18 months after initial filing. They are then published in the patent office gazette before undergoing substantive examination. Granted patents are public information.

Conclusion

Securing patent protection is crucial for businesses looking to protect their innovations when entering and expanding in the UAE market. As we have seen, patents provide numerous advantages including preventing copying, establishing legal ownership, adding credibility, attracting investors, and enabling licensing revenue. By partnering with a reputable patent registration companies can smoothly navigate the patent application process from drafting strong claims to successfully obtaining patent grants. TradersFind.com makes it easy for businesses to find and connect with top patent agency in UAE that offer strategic application preparation, filing services, and ongoing management to secure your intellectual property rights. The platform lists extensively reviewed and verified patent agents, attorneys and agencies that have demonstrated expertise across industries and technologies. Join TradersFind.com today to access premium patent services, empower your business growth through robust patents, and protect your innovative ideas when operating in the competitive UAE landscape.