The Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry has shifted to an online payment system for patent annuities. This digital payment system aims to increase efficiency and reduce costs for patent holders.

The new system allows patent holders/representatives to pay annuities online through the official website of the Kuwait Trademark and Patent Office. Payments can be made within 3 months of the deadline, with a late payment fee applicable if payments are made after the due date.

The patents that are subject to annuities due are:

National/local applications (Paris route): At the beginning of each calendar year subsequent to the year in which the application was filed.
PCT national phase: At the beginning of each calendar year starting from the second year of the international filing date of the PCT application.

Key features of the new online payment system include:

- Online payment through the official website.
- Grace period for payment: The first 3 months of each calendar year.
- Late payment fee: Applicable if payments are made after the deadline.
- Consequences of late payment: The lapse of patent title and rights.