QATAR: Madrid System Opens Up World to Qatari Trademarks

Qatar joined the Madrid System, becoming its 115th member, a significant milestone in the nation’s intellectual property (IP) landscape, on May 3, 2024. Announced on May 4 and confirmed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) two days later, Qatar’s accession took effect on August 3, 2024, marking a pivotal shift in how its businesses protect their trademarks globally.

Qatar’s entry into the Madrid Protocol offers numerous benefits. It simplifies the international trademark registration process for Qatari businesses, particularly startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), by reducing the costs and complexities associated with managing global IP portfolios.

This streamlined approach is expected to boost international trade and make Qatar an even more attractive destination for foreign investment, while noting that Qatari Trademark Law (No. 56 of 2023) will still govern local procedures, ensuring that existing timeframes and processes remain intact.

 Key Provisions and Procedures

 Notification Process for International Registration Applications

Trademarks filed in Qatar must first be registered domestically before International Registration applications are processed through the Madrid Protocol. WIPO will handle notifications, with the Qatari Trademark Office (TMO) relaying updates to applicants.

For International Registration applications designating Qatar, WIPO will notify the Qatari TMO, which will review the application under national laws and communicate any issues to WIPO.

Role of the Qatari TMO

The Qatari TMO ensures domestic registration compliance before processing International Registration applications.

The Qatari TMO examines applications designating Qatar for local compliance and manages records and renewals according to both international and national regulations.

Procedures and Deadlines

Final registration may take up to 18 months, with the examination of International Registration applications involving Qatar completed within two months.

Responses to decisions must be made within two months, and a duly legalized power of attorney is required for oppositions or appeals.

The opposition period is 60 days from publication in the Official Gazette. Qatar continues to apply the 11th Edition of the Nice Classification.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest. Law & Practice updates are published without comment from INTA except where it has taken an official position.

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