Beginning August 3rd, 2013, any international patent application filed will automatically include the designation of Saudi Arabia, under its country code “SA”.
By way of background, on May 3rd, 2013, Saudi Arabia deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT. Also, because it will be bound by Chapter II of the PCT, it will automatically be elected in any demand filed in respect of an international application filed on or after August 3rd, 2013.
The Saudi Patent Office (SPO) has issued an official notification that their office will be accepting PCT designation starting August 3rd, 2013. The SPO has also indicated that the time limits that apply to entry into the national phase are as follows:
Chapter I (PCT Article 22.(1)) 30 months from the priority date
Chapter II (PCT Article 39(1)(a)) 30 months from the priority date
However, as of the date of publication of this article, the SPO has not yet issued the regulations associated to the national phase entry in Saudi Arabia.
Should you have any questions, or require any additional information, please contact us atinfo@sabaip.com