Algeria recently announced a revision in the official fees for all intellectual property matters, including trademarks, patents, and industrial designs. The new rates also apply to examination and the annuity maintenance fees for patents and utility models. The revised official fees entered into force on December 30, 2018.
By way of background, Algeria is the largest country in Africa and has a highly educated population, which speaks three languages fluently: Arabic, French, and Tamazight. The country is rich in natural resources and has the tenth-largest proven reserves of natural gas in the world.
It is conceivable that the Patent Office in Algeria can become a strong examination authority with the proper training. Alternatively, Algeria may follow in the footsteps of its neighboring countries, Morocco and Tunisia, and enter into an agreement with the European Patent Office.
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