According to the new Patents, Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties and Industrial Designs Law issued recently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), patent annuities are due at the beginning of each calendar year (January 1st) subsequent to the year in which the application was filed. The payment of the annuity fees can be made within a period of (3) three months ending March 31st of each year.
A grace period of another (3) three months ending June 30th of each year is allowed with a payment of a fine.
Accordingly, the annuities of all pending patent applications are due for payment January 1st 2005 and payment must be made before March 31st 2005.
Payment of annuity would start as from the year 2005. Annuity for previous years is not to be paid. However, the payment in the year 2005 is calculated according to the annuity year that matches the number of years from the date of filing the application. For example, the annuity of applications filed in the year 1998 would be the 7th annuity
The Royal Decree No. M/27 dated 29/5/1425 H corresponding to July 17, 2004 approved Council of Ministers' decision No. 159 dated 17/5/1425 H corresponding to July 5, 2004, which stipulated on the issuance of new Patents, Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties and Industrial Designs Law in KSA.
The Law was published in the Official Gazette No. 4004, dated August 6, 2004 and entered into force September 6, 2004.
The Implementing Regulations of the aforementioned Law has been issued December 26, 2004 and became effective on its issuance date.
For any inquires, please contact Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) office in Saudi Arabia at the following address:
Al-Khaldiya Building, South Entrance, 2nd floor, Olaya Main Street, Riyadh
PO Box: 9767, Riyadh 11423, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel: (966-1) 464 2936
Fax: (966-1) 465 2713
E-mail: agip.ksa@tagi.com
Contact Person: Mr. Ma'an Al-Khen