29 Jan 2009 , ag-IP-news
Kuwait to Examine Pending Industrial Design Applications
KUWAIT CITY - The Kuwait Patent Office has begun to examine pending industrial design applications, with the exception of those filed 10 or more years ago, which will be considered expired.
According to Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) Kuwait office, the formal examination process is conducted by first checking the applications thoroughly to ensure that they are filed properly.
If the applicant is a company or corporation, the memorandum of association or commercial register entry is required. If the applicant is a non-Kuwaiti individual, then a photocopy of the identification document is required. A photocopy of the civil identity card is required of Kuwaiti applicants.
If the application is filed through an agent, a Power of Attorney should be submitted. For claiming priority, the priority application should be filed.
In the technical examination stage, the designs are separated into categories according to the Locarno Classification. Then, each category is examined separately. Examination is conducted in chronological order to avoid conflict.
After completing the technical examination and accepting the design, the application will be published in one issue of the Official Gazette. Any interested party can oppose the design within 30 days from the date of publication. In the absence of opposition to the published design within 30 days, the corresponding certificate of registration will be due for issuance.
The Kuwait Patent Office grants a grace period of three months from the date of filing the design application to submit the required documents.
The Patent Office has not yet issued any official notification in this respect.