To file a trademark in Qatar, you must first submit your application to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, specifically to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) within the Ministry. As the authority responsible for overseeing intellectual property registration applications, the IPO manages all trademark registrations in Qatar. Therefore, applicants should follow the IPO’s procedures carefully to ensure a smooth registration process.
What is a trademark in Qatar?
In Qatar, trademarks encompass various elements that serve to distinguish goods or services of a facility. For example, trademarks may include names, words, signatures, letters, symbols, numbers, titles, seals, designs, graphics, images, distinctive engravings, or the manner in which graphic elements are presented. Additionally, trademarks can consist of shapes, colors, combinations of colors, or any sign or group of signs, provided they are used or intended to be used for the purpose of distinguishing the goods or services of a business or entity.
How to file a trademark in Qatar?
To file a trademark in Qatar, the application form must contain at least the following:
Note: A trademark application in Qatar must typically be filed in Arabic. Filing in a foreign language with a later submission of an Arabic translation may not be possible.
Our in-house translators can assist you.
- TM information
- Name of the trademark (if it is a design or combination of word + design, we need the corresponding specimens)
- Complete name and address of the applicant and state/country of incorporation.
- Power of Attorney: signed by the applicant or an authorized officer of the applicant company and duly legalized up to Qatar Consulate.
Goytia & Associates can proceed with a search free of charge. Click here
How is the process of filing a Trademark in Qatar?
1. Preliminary Search:
Applicants must first verify that their distinctive sign is available and complies with applicable restrictions. We can assist with this process and provide a free trademark search. [Click here to start your search.]
2. Submission of Application:
After confirming availability, you can submit your trademark application to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) within Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The office will conduct a preliminary review to detect any errors or missing information.
3. Examination:
Next, the IPO examines the application to ensure it meets all formal requirements.
4. Opposition Period:
Following examination, the application is published, allowing third parties with legitimate interests to file oppositions and provide additional evidence during the opposition period. This stage helps resolve potential disputes.
5. Formal Examination:
Once the opposition period ends, the examiner verifies whether the application fulfills all requirements, including applicant details and proper goods or services classification.
6. Review and Registration Certificate:
Finally, after successfully completing all stages, the IPO issues a Certificate of Trademark Registration. This certificate grants the trademark owner exclusive rights to use the mark in Qatar for the specified goods or services.
You may be interested in filing a patent in Qatar.
FAQ
- How long does a Trademark Registration take? The average time for a trademark registration in Qatar to be approved can vary but typically takes around 12 to 24 months or more from the filing date, assuming there are no objections or oppositions.
- How long does the right to a Trademark last? The term of the right of your trademark in Qatar is 10 years from the date of application.
- Is Qatar a member of the Madrid System? No
- Is Qatar a member of the Paris Convention? Yes
Representation by an Intellectual Property Agent
Please note that a general power of attorney is admitted and we can use it to file any number of applications on behalf of the same client.
Goytia & Associates has local offices in Argentina and in key cities of the world to ensure the best quality of IP service. Our extensive coverage of +120 countries enables our clients to effectively manage multiple filings and cases through one centralized agent.
Do you need to file a trademark in another country?
This content may suffer modifications due to updates in the official regulations of Qatar.
