UAE Patent Registration – Key Information

A patent is granted for any new invention that results from an innovative idea or an improved process, provided it involves a creative step and can be applied in an industrial field. Patent protection allows inventors to legally protect their creations and prevent others from using, manufacturing, or selling them without permission.

Eligibility Criteria for Patent Registration

To qualify for a patent in the UAE, the invention must meet all the following requirements:

• New Invention: It must be original and not previously disclosed anywhere in the world.

• Creative Step: The invention must not be obvious to professionals in the same field.

• Industrial Applicability: It must be capable of being used or applied in industry.

When a Patent Cannot Be Granted

A patent will not be issued for the following:

• Discoveries of new plant or animal species

• Biological methods for producing plants or animals (except microbiological processes)

• Human or animal diagnostic, treatment, or surgical methods

• Scientific principles, theories, or mathematical methods

• Business rules, plans, or purely mental activities

• Natural materials (unless the extraction or purification method is new)

• Inventions that violate public morals, public order, or threaten human life, health, or the environment

Validity of a Patent in the UAE

A UAE patent is valid for 20 years from the filing date (or from the international filing date if applicable). The patent must be maintained through annual fees to keep it active.

Documents Required for Patent Registration in the UAE

To file a patent application, the following documents are required:

• Legalized Power of Attorney

• Company Documents (if the applicant is a company):

  • Legalized Commercial Register extract OR

  • Memorandum of Association

• Patent Specification and Claims in English with Arabic translation

• Technical Drawings illustrating the invention

• Abstract summarizing the invention

• Legalized Deed of Assignment (if the applicant is not the inventor)

• Certified Copy of Priority Application showing filing date, number, and country (if claiming priority)