Patent
Description
A patent is a grant of exclusive rights for an invention to make, use and sell the invention for a limited period of 20 years. Patents are granted for new, non- obvious product or process inventions that have an industrial application and which have not been excluded from patentability. Patentability criteria in Pakistan include Novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability.
Patent law in Pakistan is governed under 2 legislations:
- Patents Ordinance 2000
- Patents Rules 2003
Procedure:
- Ensure your invention is new, involves an inventive step, and is industrially applicable. It is recommended to conduct a prior art search through IPO-Pakistan or international databases such as the World Intellectual Property Organization to confirm novelty.
- Submit the patent application (ordinary, provisional, convention, or PCT national phase) with complete specification, claims, abstract, drawings (if any), and prescribed fee. Pakistan is a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
- The application is published in the Patent Journal after 18 months from the filing or priority date (early publication may be requested).
- A request for examination must be filed within 48 months of the filing date. The patent examiner reviews novelty, inventive step, industrial applicability, and legal compliance. Objections, if any, must be responded to within the given time.
- If approved, the patent is granted and published. The patent term is 20 years from filing, subject to payment of annual renewal fees (starting from the 4th year). Third parties may file opposition within the prescribed period.
