Bahamas : Registering a Patent

Name of the Organization : Registrar General’s Department
Type of Facility : Registering a Patent
Country : Bahamas

Website : https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/porta…vZ0FBIS9nQSEh/

Bahamas Registering a Patent

A patent for an invention is a grant by the government to an inventor for certain rights. A patent is granted by the Bahamian Government through the Intellectual Properties Section of the Registrar General’s Department.

Related : Bahamas Registration of Medical Professionals : www.statusin.org/6404.html

The right conferred by a patent excludes others from making, using or selling the invention.

Eligibility :
There are no eligibility criteria for this service.

Process :
** Complete relevant forms.
** File the completed forms at the Intellectual Properties Section of the Registrar General’s Department.
** Pay applicable fees.

Note: At present the Intellectual Properties Section situated in the Registrar General’s Department in Nassau is the only location where this service is offered.

Application Form(s) :
Patent Application Form #1 along with Form #2 (to be furnished in duplicate).

These forms can be obtained at the Intellectual Properties section of the Registrar General’s Department.

Supporting Documents :
** Completed application forms.
** Two original sets of drawings (for medication or perfume, submit two original sets of formula).
** Document containing the function, purpose and materials used in the makeup of the invention.

Turn-around time :
The entire process from the date of submission to obtaining the Letters of Patent could take up to one year.

Deadline :
For clients claiming priority i.e. Patents that have been registered in another country and wishing to be registered in The Bahamas, the application must be filed within a year from the date of the first application in the first country.

Related Fee(s) :
Application fee: BS$90.00
Letters of Patent: BS$40.00

Renewal fees vary from the fifth year up to the sixteenth year as listed in the fees schedule in the Industrial Property Act.

For more information please contact :
Intellectual Properties Section
Registrar General’s Department
Cor. of Shirley and Charlotte Street
P.O. Box N 532
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas

Tel: (242) 397-9114/9119
Fax: (242) 322-5553
Email: Regbirth [AT] bahamas.gov.bs
Email: RegistrarGeneral [AT] bahamas.gov.bs

Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except on Public Holidays.

FAQs :
How many work permits would my business be entitled to?
Necessary work permits for key personnel will be granted. Businesses requiring permits for persons other than key personnel are encouraged to discuss these requests with The BIA in advance.

How can I become an International Owner of Second Homes?
Overseas Investors may acquire residential properties in The Bahamas of up to two acres without prior Government approval.

Such acquisitions are required to be registered in accordance with the International Persons Landholding Act. Second Home Owners are eligible for a Home Owners Residence Card, renewable annually.

Please N.B. This card will :
** Facilitate entry into The Bahamas and entitle the owner, his spouse and minor children to enter and remain in The Bahamas for the duration of the validity of the card.
** Application may be made to the Director of Immigration.

Am I eligible for Annual or Permanent Residence?
Accelerated consideration of application for Permanent Residence will be given to:
i) Major International Investors; and
ii) Fit and proper owners of residence valued at $1,500,000.00 or more.

Why should I invest in the Bahamas?
** A politically stable environment conducive to private investment
** An atmosphere where investments are safe and the expropriation of investments capital is not a considered option;

** A legal environment based on a long tradition of Parliamentary Democracy, the rule of constitutional and statue laws and where security of life and personal property is guaranteed;

** A stable macroeconomic environment bolstered by a prudent fiscal policy, a stable exchange rate, flexible exchange control rules and free trade;

** An environment in which freedom from Capital Gains, Inheritance, Withholding, Profit Remittance, Corporate, Royalties, Sales,l Personal Income, Dividends, Payroll and Interest Taxes are ensured;

** Essential public service, an adequately equipped police constabulary, modern health and education facilities and other social services;
** Dependable Public Utilities; and
** Essential Public Infrastructure such as roads, ports and airports.