Once a patent application is filed, it is examined as to unity and form only. There is no examination as to the novelty of the invention, although the provisions of the Patent Law in Algeria stipulate that an application should be filed before the invention has become known through publication or use.
A patent is valid for twenty years starting from the date of filing the application; such a validity is subject to payment of the prescribed annual fees. Annuities are to be paid counting from the filing date. A six month grace period with fine is allowed for late payment of the annuity.
The rights to a patent may be assigned or transferred through succession. An assignment shall have no effect against third parties unless it has been entered in the relevant records of the Patent Office. A patentee may license the right to use his invention. License agreements must be recorded to be effective against third parties.
