Qatar  Intellectual Property Law (New)

A new law relating to Trademarks, Commercial Data, Trade Names, Geographical Indications and Industrial Designs has issued in Qatar. We have been advised that the Implementing Regulations of the new law have not been issued. The principal features of the new law are as follows:

The definition of a trademark has been broadened to include any visible signs capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises.

Protection is afforded to well-known marks. Any mark similar to a third party’s well-known mark will not be accepted for registration, whether or not the well-known mark is registered in Qatar.

The term for filing an opposition has been reduced from four months to two months from publication. The term for filing a response to an opposition has also been reduced from four months to two months.

A cancellation action based on non-use of the trademark cannot be filed unless the registrant is given notice of such action and given a one-month grace period to use the mark.

A trademark can be assigned with or without the goodwill of the enterprise.

The Recordal of Assignment of a trademark in which one of the parties is a foreign national will no longer require the consent of the Minister of Economy and Commerce.

A collective mark cannot be assigned without the consent of the Industrial Property Office.