Once an application for a patent is filed with the GCC Patent Office, it is examined with respect to the compliance of the applicant with the formalities. If executed satisfactorily, the application receives a filing number and the filing date is secured. The Patent Law stipulates absolute universal novelty.

Disclosure of the invention anywhere, expressed by use, in writing, by oral disclosure, or in any other way before the relevant date of filing of the patent application, or the priority date of validity claimed in respect thereof, shall destroy the required absolute novelty unless the disclosure has occurred due to arbitrary actions of others, against the applicant or his predecessor or as a result thereof.

The patentee may claim priority of a previous application from another country or regional application within 12 months of the original filing.

A patent is valid for twenty years from the date of filing of the patent provided the maintenance annuities are paid. A patent is subject to annuity payments at the beginning of each year starting from the year following the filing date and for a period of three months. Late payment is possible within 90 days thereafter in exchange for an additional fee.

The patentee shall exploit the invention covered by the patent as sufficient exploitation in the GCC member states, within three years from the date of granting. If the prescribed grace period lapsed without the patent being sufficiently exploited, the Board of Directors may grant a compulsory license according to specific conditions.