Intellectual Property lawyers in Syria (ME)

Patent attorneys in Syria primarily work with these IP laws:

• Law No. 18 of 2012 governing patents and utility models
• Law No. 8 of 2007 covering trademarks and geographical indications
• Law No. 47 of 2009 for copyright and related rights
• Law No. 24 of 2007 regarding industrial designs

These laws form the foundation of intellectual property protection in Syria, with additional regulations published in the Official Gazette. Syrian patent attorneys must maintain expertise in these laws plus relevant international treaties Syria has joined.

The main intellectual property offices in Syria are located in Damascus, the capital city. The Directorate of Commercial and Industrial Property Protection (DCIP) houses both the Patent Office and Trademark Office at its headquarters in central Damascus. Branch offices exist in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and Homs, though these handle limited functions. The Copyright Office operates under the Ministry of Culture, also based in Damascus. Most formal filings and registrations must be processed through these Damascus-based offices, requiring trademark attorneys to maintain a presence in the capital.

Trademark registration costs in Syria typically include:

• Official filing fees: 8,000-10,000 SYP per class
• Publication fees in the Official Gazette: 5,000 SYP
• Registration certificate fees: 15,000 SYP
• Attorney fees: Ranging from $300-700 USD

Additional costs may apply for priority claims, oppositions, or renewal procedures. The entire process from application to registration usually takes 12-18 months when handled by a Syrian trademark attorney. These figures represent standard costs, though they may vary based on case complexity and currency fluctuations.

Foreign companies need local attorneys for intellectual property matters in Syria because:

1. Syrian law requires a local legal representative for all IP filings
2. Documents must be submitted in Arabic with proper legalization
3. Power of attorney must be notarized and authenticated by Syrian diplomatic missions
4. In-person appearances are often required at IP offices in Damascus
5. Local attorneys can monitor the Official Gazette for potential infringements

Additionally, Syrian IP lawyers understand the nuances of local examination practices and can navigate administrative procedures that may not be transparent to foreign entities.

Syria has signed several international treaties affecting patent protection:

• Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property
• WIPO Convention
• PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty)
• Nice Agreement for Classification of Goods and Services

Syria has not yet joined the Patent Law Treaty or the Budapest Treaty on microorganisms. These treaties allow patent holders to seek protection internationally while working with patent attorneys in Syria to secure local rights. The PCT membership particularly benefits applicants by providing a simplified filing process for patents in multiple countries.

A business should consider copyright registration in Syria when:

• It creates original works such as literature, music, or software
• It wants to protect its creative content from unauthorized use
• It seeks to enhance its legal standing in disputes regarding copyright infringement

Copyright protection is automatic upon creation, but registration provides additional legal benefits and evidence of ownership, particularly in legal proceedings.