PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
Jordan

Jordan has been a proud Contracting Party to the prestigious Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property since July 17, 1972, demonstrating its longstanding commitment to global intellectual property standards. Additionally, since June 09, 2017, Jordan has been an active Contracting Party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), further strengthening its role in the international IP landscape. The country is also a key player in the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure, showcasing its dedication to cutting-edge scientific advancements. Furthermore, Jordan is an integral part of the influential regional IP information platform, ARABPAT, solidifying its leadership in the Arab world’s intellectual property network.

The Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed amendments to the 1999 Patent Law to align with international treaties and enhance public access to patent information. These changes aim to provide greater flexibility for patent owners and improve the overall intellectual property protection environment in Jordan. While Jordan has not yet acceded to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), these amendments may indicate steps toward further integration into the global patent system. Jordan has made significant progress in recent years regarding intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement; however, there remains potential for further strengthening enforcement mechanisms and legal procedures.

A national phase application in Jordan based on a PCT application must be filed within 30 months from the priority date of the international application.

In Jordan, the patent application must be filed in both Arabic and English. The Arabic translation can be submitted within two months from the filing date. However, the Arabic and English translation of the title and abstract, and the English translation of specification, claims and drawings are required to submit at the time of filing the application.

In Jordan, there is no general extension for late patent applications.

• Power of Attorney: Power of Attorney, legalized to the embassy of Jordan, must be submitted within two months from the filing date.
• Affidavit of patent ownership: An affidavit of ownership, legalized to the embassy of Jordan, must be submitted within two months from the filing date.
• Certificate of Incorporation: If applicant is a company, a certified copy of the applicant's certificate of incorporation or an extract from the commercial registry must be submitted within two months from the filing date.
• Certified copy of the Priority Document:  If priority is claimed, a certified copy of the Priority Document must be submitted in English with its Arabic translation within two months from the filing date.

There are no cost exemptions available for patent applications in Jordan.

There is no deadline for requesting an examination, as the Jordanian Patent Office will initiate examination on its own. The office does not conduct independent examinations but will rely on the European examination results to determine whether to grant the application. However, the examination results from countries outside of Europe may be considered under certain conditions.

The first and second renewals are paid upon entering the national phase. Subsequent renewals are paid annually, due on the anniversary of the international filing date.

In Jordan, the patent term is 20 years from the filing date of the application. Jordan offers a Patent Term Extension (PTE) for pharmaceutical products to compensate patent owners for delays in obtaining regulatory approval that shorten the patent term. The extension can be granted for up to 5 years, but the total patent term, including the extension, cannot exceed 14 years from the date the pharmaceutical product receives regulatory approval.

In the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII), Jordan is ranked 73rd out of 133 economies, with a score of 27.50. This is a slight decrease from 2023, when Jordan ranked 71st with a score of 28.20. Jordan's key strengths in innovation include scientific and technical articles per billion PPP$ GDP (rank 12), venture capital received as a percentage of GDP (rank 14), and the state of cluster development (rank 15). This year, Jordan improved its position in innovation inputs, ranking 69th, and also saw a rise in innovation outputs, moving up to 74th.

Jordan stands out as one of the most captivating countries in the Middle East, renowned for its rich archaeological heritage, vibrant local art, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. It boasts some of the oldest cities and most remarkable natural landmarks on the planet. One fascinating aspect of Jordan’s history and culture is that it hosts over 100,000 archaeological and religious sites. Among its most iconic destinations is Petra—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and one of the oldest cities globally. Additionally, the Dead Sea in Jordan holds the unique distinction of being the lowest point on Earth, sitting 420 meters below sea level.