Saudi Arabia Joins the PCT

Analysis

On 3 May 2013, Saudi Arabia deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT (the Patent Cooperation Treaty), thus becoming the 147th Contracting State of the PCT, and will on 3 August 2013 become bound by the PCT.

Consequently, any international application filed on or after 3 August 2013 will automatically include the designation of Saudi Arabia.

Given that Saudi Arabia will be bound by Chapter II of the PCT, it will automatically be elected in any demand filed in respect of an international application filed on or after 3 August 2013. Furthermore, nationals and residents of Saudi Arabia will be entitled, as from 3 August 2013, to file international applications under the PCT.

Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”)

The World Intellectual Property Organization’s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) provides the means to facilitate the filing and protection of patents internationally. In 2011 alone, more than 181,000 international patent applications were filed under the PCT.