New Members of the Patent Cooperation Treaty: Saudi Arabia and Iran

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Saudi Arabia and Iran have become the 147th and 148th Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) contracting states. All PCT applications filed on or after 3 August 2013 will automatically designate Saudi Arabia and all PCT applications filed on or after 4 October 2013 will also automatically designate Iran.

As a result, from 3 August and 4 October 2013, it will no longer be necessary to file a Saudi Arabian or Iranian application, respectively, at 12 months from the earliest priority date if a PCT application is filed. National phase applications will still have to be filed in Saudi Arabia or Iran to obtain patent protection in these territories, but only at the end of the international phase of PCT.

Saudi Arabia: General Information

• Area: Approximately 2,149,690 km²
• Population: 27 million
• Capital: Riyadh
• Currency: Saudi Riyal
• GDP: $ 740 billion
• Domain name extension: .sa
• Languages: Arabic (official language)
• Exports: Petroleum and petroleum products (90%)
• Imports: Machinery and equipment; foodstuffs; chemicals; motor vehicles; textiles

• Patents: Chemical and engineering inventions make up 51% of patent applications filed (in the last decade)
• Total filings: Increased by 126% during 2007-2011

Iran: General Information

• Area: Approximately 1,648,195 km²
• Population: 77 million
• Capital: Tehran
• Currency: Rial
• GDP: $ 549 billion
• Domain name extension: .ir
• Languages: Persian (official language)
• Exports: Oil, petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas
• Imports: Iron and steel; motor vehicles; machinery; foodstuffs

Patent Cooperation Treaty

75% of countries worldwide are members of the PCT, coverage and information on the PCT can be viewed here. (Source: WIPO).

The PCT Contracting States in Africa specifically are shown on our interactive Africa map.

Please contact us for more information on PCT filing.

By Sandra Clelland, Head of Africa Patents