Strengthening cooperation between Bahrain and South Korea and the European Union in the field of intellectual property

​Bahrain has been actively strengthening international cooperation in the field of intellectual property by signing Memorandums of Understanding with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO).

The agreement with the EPO, which entered into force on January 12, 2025 and runs until the end of 2027, provides for bilateral cooperation aimed at sharing resources and knowledge, harmonizing patent practices, and improving the efficiency of the patent system.

In addition, a two-year pilot program for the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) between Bahrain and the EPO was launched on 1 March 2025, allowing applicants to expedite the examination of patent applications based on the examination already conducted by the partner office.

"Participation in programs such as the PPH requires a thorough understanding of the procedures and criteria set by the partner offices. Companies wishing to take advantage of the patent prosecution high-speed route must ensure that their applications comply with international standards and requirements."

For businesses, this opens up new opportunities: accelerated patent prosecution, international recognition of patents and simplified access to foreign markets. Such initiatives help attract foreign investment and stimulate innovation within the country.

By contacting us, you will receive:

• Advice from a patent attorney on international intellectual property protection, including an explanation of the provisions of the signed Memorandums and their impact on your business.

• Assessing the potential benefits of participating in patent prosecution programs and developing a patenting strategy.

• Assistance in preparing and filing patent applications taking into account international standards and requirements of partner offices, interaction with foreign patent authorities.