DOHA- The Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Doha has issued Circular Number 2/2024, introducing a new directive on patent annuity fees. Applicants can now choose to defer the payment of annuity fees beyond the third year from the filing date or international filing date for PCT-national phase applications, as long as the patent application is still pending. This allows applicants to manage their financial obligations more flexibly during the early stages of the patent examination process.
Once a grant decision is issued, applicants must pay all overdue annuities along with the grant fees, while subsequent annuities can be paid on their respective due dates. This change offers greater financial control to patent applicants, potentially enhancing their ability to pursue and protect innovations. The Patent Office expects this directive to streamline administrative processes and support innovation in Qatar by making patent cost management more accessible.
For more information, contact info@miss-ip.com.