Country: KUWAIT
Strategic Hub:
Kuwait is a high-income economy and a strategic trade partner in the GCC. The "New Kuwait 2035" vision is driving major regulatory reforms, including the 2026 Digital Commerce Law to formalize online trade.
Regulatory Body:
Kuwait is a member of WIPO, the Paris Convention, and the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty).
International Standing:
As it is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, global brand owners must file separate national applications in Kuwait to secure protection.
Member of PCT ?
NO
Can Convention priority be claimed ?
Priority applications can be filed on a reciprocal basis.
Patent Search
YES
Novelty requirement
NO
Deadline for filing supporting documents
Yes- 90 days
Does the invention specification have to be translated for filing
Yes, In Arabic language.
Required Documents
1.A Power of Attorney legalized up to the Kuwaiti Consulate.
2. A copy of the certificate of incorporation of the applicant company or a good standing certificate.
3. The title of the invention.
4. A summary description of the invention.
5. The number and date of the corresponding foreign patent.
6. The name, address, nationality and occupation of the applicant(s) and inventor(s).
7. Two copies of the specifications of the invention together with the Arabic translation.
8. Two sets of the formal drawings bearing Arabic reference numerals.
9. A signed copy of the assignment document from the inventors to the applicant.
10. A copy of the PCT patent application and a copy of the original priority of the subject patent application.
Examination
On formal and substantive grounds
Publication
Published after substantive examination and before grant
Opposition
3 months from publication date
Duration
20 years from international filing date
Compulsory Licensing
No compulsory license is granted. The compulsory licence shall be granted on condition that the applicant is able to utilize the invention effectively, and the patent owner shall be entitled to a suitable compensation.
Annuities
The 2nd to 20th annuities can be paid depending on the nature of the filing process (PCT or Paris Convention) with the first quarter (January 1 to March 31) annually
Assignment
Trademark Search
Not Mandatory- Possible for Word and Device marks
Trademark Filing
Single/Multi-Class Jurisdiction
Single class - a separate application for each class
Can services be registered
YES
Can convention priority be claimed
YES
Is the international classification
Yes; 10th edition (Class 33, alcoholic goods in class 32, and pork meat in class 29 cannot be registered)
Documentation and information required to file
Power of Attorney duly legalized up to the Consulate of Kuwait.
Simple copy of the certificate of incorporation or Extract from the Commercial Register.
Certified copy of the priority document duly legalized as above, if priority is claimed. (May be submitted within 90 days from the filing date).
Opposition period after publication
60 days
Validity
Renewal
Renewal due
Grace Period
Documents required to renew
Proof of use due
Documents required to file proof of use
License
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of License
Change of name or address
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of change of name or address
Power of Attorney executed in the new name and/or address legalized up to the Kuwaiti Consulate.
An official certificate proving the change of name and/or address legalized up to the Kuwaiti consulate.
Copy of the Kuwaiti Certificate of Registration of the mark.
Treaties and conventions
WIPO Convention, Brussels Convention, Trademark Law Treaty, Berne Convention, Paris Convention, Rome Convention, WIPO Copyright Treaty, WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, Patent Cooperation Treaty, Madrid Protocol, Nice Agreement, Patent Law Treaty, Budapest Treaty, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Trade Organization, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), GCC Patent Law.
Member of LOCARNO CLASSIFICATION
No
Can Convention priority be claimed:
Yes, the deadline for filing the priority application in Kuwait is six months from the filing date of the basic application. There is no grace period in Kuwait. The non-priority application can be filed at any time.
Novelty Requirement
Local novelty is required.
Patent search
Not Applicable
Deadline for filing supporting documents:
Multiple designs
Applicable up to 50 figures.
Required Documents:
• Power of Attorney duly legalized up to the Consulate of Kuwait.
• An Extract from the Commercial Register or a Certificate of Incorporation duly legalized as above.
• Deed of assignment signed by both parties duly legalized as above, if the applicant is not the inventor.
• Certified copy of the priority document, if claiming priority.
Publication
Opposition
No Provisions
Duration
10 years from the filing date and can be renewed for 5 more years only.
Compulsory licensing.:
No, it is not required.
Annuities:
Annuity fee is due each year on the anniversary of the filing date. There is a 6-month grace period for late payments, with a surcharge applied during the final 3 months.
Assignment:
Power of Attorney executed by the assignee legalized up to the Kuwaiti Consulate.
Deed of assignment proving the assignment signed by both parties legalized up to the Kuwaiti Consulate.
Merger:
Power of Attorney legalized up to the Kuwaiti Consulate.
A merger document legalized up to the Kuwaiti Consulate
Name / Address:
Power of Attorney executed by the assignee legalized up to the Kuwaiti Consulate.
Deed of assignment proving the assignment signed by both parties legalized up to the Kuwaiti Consulate.
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