Lebanon

FAQ

Can a patent search be conducted?

No official search is available; such search may be conducted through our Published Patents Data Center.

Can a patent application be filed without its complete documents?

Yes.

Can convention priority be claimed? Paris Convention?

Yes.

Can a registration be obtained for pharmaceutical products?

Yes.

What is the term of protection of a patent and from which date is it calculated? Can it be extended?

20 years, from the date of paying the 1st official filing receipt.

Is there a novelty requirement? Is it local or worldwide?

Yes, worldwide.

Are utility models granted protection in your country under the Current Law?

Yes as patents; there is no special register for utility models.

No.

Can the specifications or claims be amended?

Not after the payment of the publication fees.

In what language should specifications and claims of the patent be filed?

English, French, and Arabic.

Yes.

What are the conditions that might lead to a compulsory license?

No working of the invention for three consecutive years or it was the Government decision that it needs it for security and national reasons.

Must assignments be recorded within a certain period?

Yes, within five months.

Does the Patent Law provide for licenses or registered users?

Yes.

Does the Patents Office publish the patent applications in the Official Gazette?

Only the Certificate of Registration with the abstract in Arabic.