Patents Laws in Yemen
Here’s a summary of patent laws in Yemen:
📘 Legal Framework
Yemen’s patent law is governed primarily by the Industrial Property Law No. 26 of 2002.
This law regulates patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and other industrial property rights.
The responsible authority for intellectual property is the Yemeni Ministry of Industry and Trade, specifically the Industrial Property Office.
🧠 Patentability Criteria
To be patentable in Yemen, an invention must:
Be novel — not previously disclosed anywhere.
Involve an inventive step — not obvious to a person skilled in the art.
Be industrially applicable — capable of industrial use.
❌ Non-Patentable Inventions
Yemen excludes from patent protection:
Discoveries, scientific theories, and mathematical methods.
Methods of treatment for humans or animals.
Plant or animal varieties.
Inventions contrary to public order or morality.
Schemes, plans, or rules for intellectual activities, games, or business.
📝 Patent Application Procedure
Filing: Submit patent application to the Industrial Property Office.
Formal Examination: Check if application meets formal requirements.
Publication: Patent applications are published 18 months after filing or priority date.
Substantive Examination: Review of patentability criteria.
Grant: If criteria are met, patent is granted and published in the official gazette.
📅 Patent Term
Patents are valid for 20 years from the filing date.
Annual renewal fees must be paid to maintain the patent.
🌍 International Treaties
Yemen is a member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
Yemen is a member of WIPO.
Yemen is not a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
⚖️ Enforcement
Patent holders have exclusive rights to exploit the invention.
Infringement cases are handled by Yemeni courts.
Remedies include injunctions and damages.
Summary:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Industrial Property Law No. 26 of 2002 |
| Patent Term | 20 years from filing date |
| Patent Office | Industrial Property Office (Ministry of Industry and Trade) |
| International Treaties | Paris Convention, WIPO; not PCT |
| Enforcement | Yemeni courts |
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