Egypt has finalized drafting a new patent law fully compatible with the TRIPs Agreement. It provides protection for product patent, including pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals, and for a protection period of 20 years. Dr. Fawzi Al-Rifa'ai, the Registrar of Patents, pointed out that the Academy of Scientific Research has lately signed an agreement with the US Development Agency to develop the Egyptian Patent Office. He added that development work includes drafting a new patent law, upgrading the office facilities, supplying modern equipment and training of office staff.
Dr. Al-Rifa'ai explained that the office will occupy a prominent status during the upcoming stage especially in the light of recent international developments under the GATT-TRIPs Agreement and the importance of innovation encouragement in developing domestic industry.
