Qatar
Trademark
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
CLASSIFICATION
In the 12th edition of single-class applications, it’s important to note that registration is not permitted for Class 33, alcoholic goods in Class 32, and pork meat in Class 29.
SEARCH
Possibility of word and gadget markings
EXAMINATION
Formally, absolutely, and relatively
OPPOSITION
4 months from publication date
PROTECTION TERM
The registration is valid for 10 years from the date of filing and can be renewed for subsequent equal periods.
USE
Subject to potential cancellation if the mark remains unused for a continuous period of 5 years from the filing date.
EXTENSION OF TIME
Not possible to file oppositions, counter oppositions, and respond to office actions
REQUIREMENTS
Filing Requirements
A legalized POA is required for all of the below procedures
TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS
The key international organizations and agreements in this context include
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Berne Convention
Nairobi Treaty
Paris Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty
Budapest Treaty
GCC Patent Law
Patent Cooperation Treaty
REGISTRATION
Filing Requirements
A duplicate of the certificate of incorporation.
A certified copy of the priority document, if a priority claim is made.
What you need to know
The Power of Attorney (POA) and the certificate of incorporation can be provided within two months from the filing date.
Priority documents can be submitted within a six-month window starting from the filing date.
RENEWAL
Filing Requirements
No additional documents are required
What you need to know
A grace period of 6 months
CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS
Filing Requirements
A legalization process is required for an extract from the commercial register or any other document that verifies this modification.
What you need to know
May be recorded for applications and registrations
ASSIGNMENT
Filing Requirements
A legalized Deed of Assignment.
A copy of the certificate of incorporation of the assignee.
What you need to know
Trademarks can be transferred with or without the associated business goodwill and may be officially recorded for both applications and registrations.
MERGER
Filing Requirements
Certificate of the merger legalized
What you need to know
Recordable for registrations and applications
LICENSE
Filing Requirements
Legalized copy of the license agreement and the licensee’s certificate of incorporation
What you need to know
Records of licenses are required for effectiveness against third parties, and they can be officially recorded for registration purposes only.
Patents
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
EQUIVALENT SEARCH
Not available at this time
EXAMINATION
Regarding form, novelty, inventiveness, and industrial applicability, applications are subject to examination.
PUBLICATION
Upon grant, applications will be published in the official gazette,
OPPOSITION
60 days for any opposition.
ANNUITIES
While the law allows for payment with a surcharge, there is no set statutory grace period for annuity payment. The Intellectual Property (IP) Office accepts annuity payments at any time, either before or after the due date, without imposing a 10% surcharge.
PROTECTION TERM
The protection period extends for 20 years from the international filing date.
REQUIREMENTS
Filing Requirements
A duly legalized Power of Attorney (POA) is mandatory for all the procedures listed below.
REGISTRATION
Filing Requirements
A copy of the International Publication (including the ISR if published).
Copies of the specifications in both English and Arabic are also necessary.
What you need to know
All documents can be submitted within 6 months from the filing date.
CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS
Filing Requirements
An extract from the commercial register or any other document confirming this change is required to be legalized.
ASSIGNMENT
Filing Requirements
Deed of assignment legalized
What you need to know
At present, we are unable to provide the requested documents. Instead, we can submit a letter affirming that the subject application has been transferred from the assignor to the assignee.
MERGER
Filing Requirements
No additional documents are required
- What you need to know
We are unable to fulfill this request. We can, however, provide a letter confirming that the owner of the application has undergone a merger to establish a new entity.
LICENSE
Filing Requirements
No additional documents are required
Design
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Qatar introduced Law No. 10 of 2020 for the Protection of Industrial Designs on April 19, 2020. The implementing regulations are anticipated to be released shortly. In the interim, protection can be pursued by periodically publishing cautionary notices in local Qatari newspapers. These notices could hold legal significance when presented in court in cases of infringement, establishing ownership of the design and notifying third parties about potential infringeme