“This program operates on the principle of work-sharing, allowing the Bahrain patent office to capitalize on the prior examination conducted by these trusted partner offices,” he explained. “If KIPO or the EPO determines that an invention is patentable, this determination serves as a strong indicator that the invention likely fulfils the fundamental criteria of novelty, inventive step (non-obviousness), and industrial applicability.”

Consequently, the Bahraini patent office can expedite its examination process, relying on the presumption that these criteria have been satisfactorily met. However, the Bahraini authorities retain the ultimate discretion to conduct their own independent assessment of the patent application, ensuring that it aligns with the specific provisions of Bahrain’s patent law.

This independent review safeguards the integrity of Bahrain’s patent system and prevents the automatic acceptance of patents that might not fully comply with local regulations. The PPH programme primarily focuses on streamlining the procedural aspects of patent prosecution, significantly reducing the time and resources required for examination.

Hasan described the implementation of the PPH programme as “a strategic leap forward for Bahrain, solidifying its ambition to emerge as a prominent regional hub for innovation and foreign investment within the intellectual property domain. By leveraging these PPH agreements, Bahrain effectively shortens the patent approval timeline, a critical factor for businesses and inventors operating in rapidly evolving technological landscapes. This reduction in time associated with obtaining patent protection acts as a powerful incentive, making Bahrain a more competitive destination for those seeking to safeguard their intellectual assets.” 

He added that this initiative is closely linked to Bahrain’s overall strategy for economic diversification, which aims to shift the nation’s reliance away from traditional sectors and towards knowledge-intensive industries. The expedited patent process not only stimulates domestic innovation by providing a more efficient pathway for inventors to protect their creations but also serves as a magnet for foreign direct investment in research and development activities. 

Moreover, the adoption of the PPH programme significantly enhances the perceived credibility and reliability of Bahrain’s patent system. This alignment with internationally recognized best practices signals a strong commitment to upholding high standards of intellectual property protection, fostering trust and confidence among international stakeholders, including multinational corporations and individual inventors.

- Excel V. Dyquiangco