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Chapter 1 · Inventions (Patents)

Article 4

The following are not instances of an invention referred to in this Act, or fall outside the scope of patent protection:

  1. 1.Discoveries, scientific theories, mathematical methods, and works of art
  2. 2.New uses of known products or processes
  3. 3.Schemes, rules, and methods for performing mental acts, and for social, business, and gaming activities
  4. 4.Methods of prevention, diagnosis, surgery, and treatment for human and animal diseasesNote — This Clause does not include products used in the aforesaid methods that conform to the definition of an invention.
  5. 5.Plants, animals, and microorganisms and parts thereof as they are found in nature; plant and animal varieties and their genetic components; natural biological derivatives; as well as essentially natural biological processesNote 1 — Genetically manipulated microorganisms, and the microbiological processes for their production and propagation, that are obtained through direct human intervention in the genetic composition and possess properties not normally obtainable from natural species, as well as biological processes based on technical design and intervention that satisfy the three conditions of an invention, shall not be deemed instances of this Clause.Note 2 — "Genetically manipulated plant varieties" shall be registered pursuant to the Law on Registration of Plant Varieties and Control and Certification of Seeds and Seedlings, adopted 1382/4/29 [20 July 2003], and "genetically manipulated livestock resources" pursuant to the Law on the Comprehensive Animal Husbandry System of the Country, adopted 1388/5/7 [29 July 2009].
  6. 6.An invention whose exploitation is contrary to Sharia principles, public order, or morality
  7. 7.An invention whose exploitation is incompatible with the preservation of human life or health, or causes serious harm to the environment or a reduction in biodiversity

Frequently asked

Article 4 · in plain terms

What cannot be patented in Iran?

Excluded from patent protection are: discoveries, scientific theories, mathematical methods and works of art; a new use of a known product or process; schemes, rules and methods for mental acts, business or games; methods for diagnosis, surgery and treatment of humans or animals; naturally occurring biological material; and inventions whose exploitation is contrary to sharia, public order or good morals, or that harm human life, health or the environment.