Jordan since December 1999 has amended several of its laws as well as introduced new laws. We previously advised all our readers of the amendments in 1999 and would like to focus on this year's new laws and amendments.
Product claims can be registered
The Council of Ministers have approved the provisions of the Article 36e of Patent Law no. 32 of 1999. This allows for the protection of chemical products relating to pharmaceutical, medicinal, and nutritional preparations and for the processing of their related patent applications (by virtue of the provisions of Article 36c of the same law) as of April 2, 2000. Accordingly, the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Industry and Trade are accepting product claims.
Law of Integrated Circuits Designs
The law No. 10 for the year 2000 was issued on February 14, 2000 and was published on April 2, 2000.
The law allows for the protection of a product that has an electronic function and is comprised of a group of interrelated elements - at least one of which is an active element - such elements and interconnections are an integral part of a material body or over such a material body, whether the product is a final product or at any stage of its production.
Once fully implemented this law will provide all manufacturers with a vast amount of protection for the circuitry of their products. The law is currently awaiting the relevant implementing regulations.
Law of Geographical Indications
The law No. 8 for the year 2000 was issued on February 14, 2000 and was published on April 2, 2000.
This law protects against misleading the consumer by the use of a trademark that may give a geographical indication misleading to the exact origin of the mark. This law is already being applied by the registrar during the course of the examination of trademarks.
Law of Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets
The law No. 15 for the year 2000 was issued on February 14, 2000 and was published on April 2, 2000. This law defines unfair competition and allows for the protection for trade secrets.
Law of Industrial Designs and Utility Models
The law No. 14 for the year 2000 was issued on February 14, 2000 and was published on April 2, 2000.
Originally designs were protected under the patent and design laws. According to the new law, designs will have to be published in the official gazette before the issuance of the certificate. A design will be registered for 15 years. The law is currently awaiting the implementing regulations.