HBKU Intellectual Property Office (IPO) plays a key role in managing the patenting process from initial disclosure to registration. Once a technology disclosure is assessed and selected for protection, the IP Office initiates the patent filing process, ensuring a strategic and efficient approach to safeguarding innovations.

Patent Filing Process

Invention Disclosure Submission & Election 

After an invention disclosure is submitted, the IP Office conducts an initial assessment to determine its patentability and commercial potential. If elected for patent protection, the filing process begins.

Provisional Patent Application (PPA) Filing 

In most cases, the IP Office elects to file a provisional patent application to be filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This is intended to provide the inventors with a 12-month period during which the inventors can further develop their technology, explore commercialization opportunities, and seek market feedback prior to converting the application into a non-provisional application.

Patent Strategy & Conversion 

Before the 12-month period expires, the IP Office works with inventors to evaluate the progress of the submitted technology and reach a decision whether to proceed with a non-provisional patent application and elect other potential international filings. This will involve reviewing a progress sheet report to ensure the technology remains in progress and under development. 

Ongoing Patent Prosecution & Management 

The IP Office oversees all patent filings through various external legal counsel and foreign law firms, managing closely all interactions with worldwide patent offices, instruct and liaise with inventors to review and effectively respond to examiner requests and various office actions and review patent draft application prior to filing the IP Office manage the tracking of all IP deadlines to ensure a smooth prosecution process until the patent is granted.

Inventor Engagement & Communication 

Throughout the patent filing process, the IP Office actively communicates with inventors, seeking their input and involvement to strengthen the patent application and address any technical or market-related developments.

By handling the entire patenting process efficiently, the IP Office ensures that innovations are well-protected, paving the way for smooth and successful commercialization and technology transfer.

For guidelines, templates, and submissions, click here. 
For queries, contact innovation@hbku.edu.qa.