Country: YEMEN
Strategic Hub:
Situated at the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen occupies a high-stakes position overlooking the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. For global brands, maintaining a legal presence here is essential for securing regional trade routes and protecting consumer goods in a market that serves as a gateway between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Regulatory Body:
Intellectual Property rights are administered by the General Directorate for the Protection of Intellectual Property within the Ministry of Industry and Trade (located in Sana'a). Additionally, the Ministry of Culture oversees specific copyright matters.
International Standing:
Yemen has been a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) since 1979. It is a signatory to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Berne Convention. Notably, Yemen is not a member of the Madrid Protocol; therefore, Markone secures protection here through direct national filings, navigating local legal requirements such as the publication of marks in the official trade gazette (Al-Tajirah).
Member of PCT ?
YES
Can Convention priority be claimed ?
Yes- Priority can be claimed in Yemen within 12 months from the filing date of any prior application filed in any member country of international intellectual property conventions.
Patent Search
YES
Novelty requirement
Local and worldwide novelty are required.
Deadline for filing supporting documents
Yes- It may be submitted within three months maximum.
Does the invention specification have to be translated for filing
Yes, In English with Arabic translation.
Required Documents
A Power of Attorney executed in the name of the applicant and legalized by the Yemeni Consulate.
2. A notarized and legalized deed of assignment by the Yemeni Consulate, if any, executed by the inventor(s), assigning the patent rights to the applicant.
3. One copy of the specification and claims together with its Arabic translation.
4. One set of the drawings relating to the invention, if any.
5. An abstract of the invention of no more than 100 words with an Arabic translation.
6. A certified copy of the priority documents for claiming priority.
Examination
The patent application shall be subjected to formal examination provided for in the intellectual property rights law.
Publication
Published in the Official Gazette upon allowance.
Opposition
An application that has been published in the Official Gazette can be opposed by any interested third party within 90 days from publication, noting that the opposition decision can also be appealed with the Commercial Court within 30 days from receiving the decision.
Duration
20 years from the filing date
Compulsory Licensing
A Power of Attorney executed by the licensee legalized by the Yemeni Consulate or any other Arab consulate.
A license agreement legalized up to the Yemeni Consulate.
Annuities
Due annually on the anniversary of the filing date, and for the time being, no surcharge for late payment of maintenance fees. The patent grace period will be implemented as soon as the new implementing regulation comes into force
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 -12th addition 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 legalized by the Yemeni Consulate or any other Arab consulate.
certified copy of the certificate of incorporation, or an extract of the commercial register which should include the name, address, date of incorporation and objectives of the corporation.
Print of the trademark, (not required for word marks).
Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified
Opposition period after publication
90 days
Validity
Change of name or address
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of change of name or address
Power of Attorney legalized by the Yemeni Consulate or any other Arab consulate.
Certified or notarized document showing the change of name or address.
Copy of the registration certificate or the last renewal certificate.
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
Novelty Requirement
Yes - Local and international novelty.
Patent search
Deadline for filing supporting documents:
Multiple designs
Possible for up to 3 figures
Required Documents:
1. A Power of Attorney executed in the name of the applicant and duly legalized by the Yemeni Consulate or any other Arab consulate.
2. A duly legalized extract from the Commercial Register or from the Memorandum of Association, if the applicant is a company or body corporate.
3. A copy of the model or design, preferably 3D views.
4. A duly legalized deed of assignment signed by the inventor, if the applicant is not the inventor.
5. A certified copy of the priority documents for claiming priority (if any)
Publication
Once an application is accepted, it is entered in the register and published in the Official Gazette.
Opposition
Yes, it can be opposed within 90 days calculated from the publication date.
Duration
10 years calculated from the filing date and is not renewable.
Compulsory licensing.:
Yes
Annuities:
Assignment:
Power of Attorney executed by the assignee legalized by the Yemeni Consulate or any other Arab consulate.
An assignment deed executed by the assignor and the assignee and legalized up to the Yemeni Consulate.
Merger:
Name / Address:
Power of Attorney legalized up to the Yemeni Consulate or any other Arab consulate. Copy of any document showing the change of name or address legalized up to the Yemeni Consulate.
Our Global Reach & Jurisdictions
We provide expert legal representation across an extensive network of global partners, specializing in the complex regulatory landscapes of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Our firm ensures your intellectual property rights and commercial interests are protected with the broadest possible range of international coverage
