Since joining Patent Co-operation Treaty in March 2001, United Arab Emirates managed to attract the attention of inventors for protection of their rights through registration. This is a result of the comprehensive legislation, which was drafted and incorporated by a very highly efficient team of Examiners at Ministry of Finance and Industry.

Most of the international companies as well as individuals have shown great interest in filing in United Arab Emirates and seek protection there.

It is needless to explain that the PCT National Phase depends upon the priority date claimed, and is required to be filed within 30 months from the date of filing. Deadlines are strictly followed in United Arab Emirates. As a result, the right in the application will automatically lapse if the applicant fails to abide by the time factor.

United Arab Emirates legal system requires examination of applications as to novelty, inventiveness and industrial applicability. If the application is accepted, it will be published in the Official Gazette and a Patent Document will be issued accordingly.

Annuities are paid without fine provided the applicant pays within maturity date/s. Patentee is allowed to pay annuity fees without fine for up to three months after the maturity date. A fine must be paid for annuities after three months of the maturity date. After six months of maturity date, if no annuities are paid, the right in the patent will lapse.

United Arab Emirates is one of the GCC countries. Accordingly, a GCC patent may be claimed to protect the interests of applicant in United Arab Emirates and the rest of countracting states as well.