Saudi Arabia to join PCT by end of 2010

One of the Partners in our Life Sciences and Chemistry Group, Dr David Elsy, has recently returned from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

He had been extremely honoured to meet with the Head of the Saudi Arabia Patent Office, Dr Khalid Alakeel.  David discussed the progress of Saudi Arabia signing up to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system.  It now appears likely that Saudi Arabia will be signed up for the PCT within the next three to six months.

David believes that the PCT system will be of great benefit both to Saudi Nationals wishing to access the PCT system and applicants from outside the country seeking easy access into the Saudi Arabian patent system.

David was in Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Badir for Biotechnology (www.badirbio.com).  This is the new biotechnology incubator based in Riyadh where David presented a number of talks on patents and the intellectual property rights to companies, scientists and lawyers from Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is increasing its investment in science and technology with the formation of incubators such as the Badir for Biotechnology.  This is a move intended to decrease the reliance of the country on oil revenue and move more towards wealth creation through the exploitation of new technologies.

David Elsy
Life Sciences & Chemistry Group