If you are seeking a patent, contact us today!

Property in Lebanon extends past business and real estate. Patents are a form of intellectual property, and just like their more tangible counterparts, forms of intellectual property are protected by law. In the case of patents, the inventor can legally benefit from his work under Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the World Intellectual Property Organization.

More specifically, Lebanon enacted a law on August 7, 2000 for patent protection. Patents are defined by three conditions. First, the patent must be for a new, not already existing, invention. Second, the patent must be for an inventive creation. Third, the patent must be for a creation of use in industry. If these criteria are met, the owner, or owners, split the right for the patent. A Lebanese lawyer can help determine if the criteria have been met and if it is possible to obtain a patent.

To legally obtain the patent, an inventor must send descriptions to the ministry of economy and trade to begin the process. According to Patent Law, undisclosed information is legal. Some trade secrets are allowed to be undisclosed. After reviewing the patent request, the minister will either begin issuing the patent or reject it, in which case an applicant may appeal the decision before the Court of Appeal of Beirut. When issued a patent, the term will initially be 20 years.

The lawyers in Lebanon at Mattar Law firm are experienced in all aspects of intellectual property law, including patent law. Contact the office today for assistance obtaining or protecting a patent, or with questions regarding an invention’s qualifications for a patent.