IP/LEGAL PRACTICE IN BAHRAIN

Bahrain, with the fastest-growing economy in the Arab world, is gaining global recognition. Ranked the 12th freest economy globally by the Index of Economic Freedom, it is the Middle East's most open economy. Bahrain's financial sector, particularly Islamic banking, has flourished due to rising oil demand. Petroleum, contributing 60% of exports and 70% of government revenue, is the largest export, followed by aluminum and finance. The country boasts world-class communication and transport infrastructure, attracting multinational companies and supporting major industrial projects. Additionally, the US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement has further boosted the economy by reducing trade barriers.

National Filing: Direct filing with the Bahrain Industrial Property Office, with the option to claim priority under the Paris Convention.
PCT National Phase Entry: Filing following an international application via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
GCC Patent Filing: Filing through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Patent Office, which was implemented in Bahrain via Law No. 6 of 2014. Patents granted by the GCC Patent Office are recognized in Bahrain.

For the GCC route, there is no need to designate specific member states at the time of filing or grant, nor to validate the patent in individual member states. Notably, even though Bahrain is not a signatory of the Paris Convention, applicants can still claim priority from an earlier filed application.

Like that in other countries, Invention in Bahrain will be capable of protection if it involves novelty, inventive steps, and is industrially capable. The pre-condition to the protection of invention in Bahrain, as stated, remains same as in the other countries. Moreover, those inventions, which are contrary to morals or public order, scientific theories, mathematical methods, plants and animals, and methods of treatment will not be granted protection as per the local laws.

To file a patent in Bahrain, the application must be in Arabic, and if the original document is not in Arabic, a certified translation is required. The following are the key documents needed for filing:

At the time of filing:

Applicant’s and inventor’s details
Specification (title, claims, abstract)
Drawings (if applicable)
Copy of the priority document (if claimed)
Signed Power of Attorney
Payment of the filing fee

Within 90 days after filing:

Notarized and legalized copy of the Power of Attorney
Copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Incorporation or commercial register extract, legalized by the Bahraini Embassy
Notarized and legalized Deed of Assignment (if applicable)
Certified copy of the priority document, translated into English and Arabic

IP/LEGAL PRACTICE IN BAHRAIN

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