Patents Laws in Armenia

Here’s a concise overview of Patent Laws in Armenia:

Patent Laws in Armenia

1. Legal Framework

The main legislation governing patents in Armenia is the Law on Inventions, Utility Models, and Industrial Designs (adopted in 2006, last amended in 2019).

Armenia is a member of several key international treaties related to patents, including:

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) — Armenia joined in 1998.

The Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO) — Armenia is a member state.

The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (since 1992).

The Armenian Intellectual Property Agency (AIPA) is the governmental authority responsible for patent registration and enforcement.

2. Patentable Subject Matter

Inventions must be new, involve an inventive step, and be industrially applicable.

Patentable inventions include:

Products,

Methods,

Use of products or methods.

Exclusions:

Discoveries, scientific theories, mathematical methods,

Methods of medical treatment and surgical methods,

Plant or animal varieties,

Other exceptions defined by law.

3. Patent Application Process

Applications can be filed either directly with AIPA or via the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO) for a regional patent covering member states including Armenia.

The process involves:

Formal examination,

Substantive examination,

Publication,

Granting of patent rights.

The term of protection is 20 years from the filing date, subject to payment of annual fees.

4. Rights Conferred by a Patent

Exclusive rights to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without consent.

Rights last for the patent term (20 years) unless invalidated.

Patentees may license or assign their rights.

5. Enforcement and Litigation

Patent disputes are handled by Armenian courts.

Armenia’s legal system supports enforcement of patent rights through injunctions, damages, and criminal sanctions for infringement.

Border measures are available to prevent the importation of infringing goods.

Summary Table

AspectDetails
Governing LawLaw on Inventions, Utility Models, and Industrial Designs (2006)
Patent AuthorityArmenian Intellectual Property Agency (AIPA)
Patentable Subject MatterInventions meeting novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability
Patent Term20 years from filing date
International TreatiesPCT, Paris Convention, EAPO
EnforcementJudicial enforcement, injunctions, damages

 

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