Global Patent GO - Pakistan - Introduction to Pakistani Patent Applications

The Chinese seem to be no strangers to Pakistan. In the mouths of many Chinese, Pakistan is simply called "Pakistan". In Urdu, Pakistan means "holy land", but the name is actually made up of the initials of different regions in the country. From a geographical point of view, Pakistan is a natural "transportation gate". Since ancient times, exchanges between Europe and Asia, whether eastward, westward, northward or southbound, have all needed to pass through Pakistan. Its unique geographical advantages are clear at a glance.

Pakistan is one of the birthplaces of the oldest civilizations in the world. The legendary Gardens of Sharme and the famous mountain passes have become synonymous with adventure. The monuments and ruins of Moenjedoro, Taxila and early Muslim and Mughal civilizations, The legacy of the Silk Road can be seen everywhere in Pakistan. After Pakistan became a British colony in 1858, it took more than 100 years to finally declare independence on August 14, 1947, but it was still an autonomous territory of the Commonwealth. In 1956, Pakistan established the Islamic Republic. In 1971, Bangladesh separated from Pakistan. After coming out, the current territory was formed.

Pakistan has a diversified economic system and is the 40th largest economy in the world. In fiscal year 2022, Pakistan's industrial growth rate was 7.2%, and the largest industrial sector was the cotton textile industry. In recent years, the Pakistani government has been accelerating the process of industrialization, expanding exports, narrowing the foreign trade deficit, and has stable and growing trade relations with more than 90 countries and regions around the world. In 2016, China has become Pakistan's largest importer. China's exports to Pakistan have become increasingly diversified. The main export commodities are: machinery and equipment, steel and its products, chemicals, etc., of which machinery and equipment account for more than 40%. Pakistan's exports to China mainly consist of textiles. With the launch and advancement of projects such as the "Pakistan-China Special Economic Zone", the "One Belt and One Road", and the "Pakistan Economic Corridor" jointly constructed by China and Pakistan, China and Pakistan have developed more in-depth and extensive cooperation in the fields of transportation, energy, ocean and other fields. Communication and cooperation.

Before 2005, Pakistan was one of the world's major exporters of pirated products. In 2005, Pakistan stepped up legislation and law enforcement, and its intellectual property rights situation also improved greatly. Today we will learn about Pakistan’s patent system.

Introduction to patent applications in Pakistan

• For a specific introduction to patent application in Pakistan, please refer to our website " Introduction to Patent Application Process in Pakistan ": Patent Application Process in Pakistan - Page Number - Make Patenting Easy · Make patent application easier (yezhimaip.com)
• For the patent application fees in Pakistan, please refer to our website " Pakistan Patent Price Calculator ": Pakistan Invention Patent Application Package Paris Convention - Page Number - Make Patenting Easy · Make patent application easier (yezhimaip.com)

1. Patent submission language:

• English

2. Access methods:

• Paris Convention

3. Patent management unit:

• Intellectual Property Office of Pakistan, Intellectual Property Organization Of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan)

4. Validity period:

• Invention: 20 years
• Appearance design: Initial protection is for 10 years, and can be renewed twice after expiration, up to 30 years.

5. Application deadline:

• Invention: 12 months from earliest priority date
• Design: 6 months from earliest priority date

6. Novelty grace period:

• 12 months before filing date/priority date

7. Submission method:

• paper submission

8. Review process:

--Formal examination: After submitting a patent application, the IPO initiates a preliminary investigation to review whether the submitted documents correspond to the application content and confirm that the minimum requirements for continued examination are met. The acceptance notice will generally be issued within 2-4 weeks from the application date. Proforma documents can be submitted within 3 months from the application date, but an extension request must be submitted and relevant fees must be paid.

--Substantive examination: Both invention and design patents are subject to substantive examination. There is no need to submit a separate request for substantive examination, the examination begins automatically.

--Authorization: Invention: After passing the formal examination and substantive examination procedures, if the examiner believes that the authorization conditions are met, the official will grant the patent right, and the authorization fee for the invention patent should be paid within 4 months after authorization; Design: No authorization is charged fee.

--Objection: The objection period is four months from the date of publication of the authorization announcement of the invention patent. Anyone can raise objections to the invention patent.

--Annual fee: Invention: The first annual fee should be paid in the 4th year from the earliest filing date (i.e. priority date). The annual fee can be paid within 6 months of expiration, subject to additional fees. If the 6-month period is missed and the fee is not paid, the patent will become invalid; Design: The maintenance fee for the design should be paid every 10 years.