The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) has approved a series of significant amendments to the Law "On Patents" in its final reading, aimed at streamlining the protection of intellectual property in Azerbaijan.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the document, adopted during today's plenary session of the parliament, introduces new concepts based on international best practices and provides for the simplification of registration procedures. A key highlight of the reform is the reduction of the examination period for inventions, utility models, and industrial designs, which currently stands at 12 months.
Streamlined patenting and reduced examination periods
According to the approved legislation, the procedures for filing applications, registration, and examination will be significantly eased. These changes are designed to increase the flexibility of services provided to both legal entities and individuals seeking patents in Azerbaijan, ensuring a faster transition from application to protection.
Direct application access for foreign citizens
In a move to boost international cooperation, the new law allows foreign applicants to apply directly to the national patent office of Azerbaijan. Under previous regulations, foreign legal and physical entities were required to conduct all correspondence and procedures exclusively through patent attorneys.
This restriction often led to additional costs and delays, hindering foreign inventive activity within the country. By removing these technical barriers, the government aims to increase the volume of patent filings and improve Azerbaijan's standing in international intellectual property rankings.
Enhanced royalties: 50 percent share for inventors
The document establishes a fairer compensation system for authors who create inventions, utility models, or industrial designs as part of an employer's assignment. Under the new rules, the author is entitled to receive at least 50 percent of the income generated from the patent as a royalty, after deducting the employer's initial costs.
This amendment aligns Azerbaijan's industrial property legislation with the requirements of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and enhances the protection of trademarks and geographical indications.
Broader impact on innovation
The legislative overhaul is expected to yield several strategic benefits for the Republic of Azerbaijan:
- Increased inventive and patenting activity across the country;
- Simplified procedures and a marked reduction in examination timelines;
- Improved socio-economic conditions for authors through higher royalty payments;
- Enhanced performance in the Global Innovation Index;
- Further modernization of the national intellectual property legal framework.
The reforms come as Azerbaijan continues to diversify its economy and foster a knowledge-based environment. By strengthening intellectual property rights, the country aims to attract more high-tech investment and encourage local researchers to bring their innovations to the industrial market. The document was put to a vote and adopted in the third reading following extensive parliamentary discussions.
