Overview of the Legal Framework

Lebanon's intellectual property system is mainly based on stand-alone legislation, including:

• Law on Trademarks and Geographical Indications (Decree No. 2385/1939, as amended 2014)

• Law No. 240 of 2000 on Patents

• Decree No. 2385/1939, Articles 44–56 on Industrial Designs and Models

• Law No. 75 of 1999 on the Protection of Literary and Artistic Property

Competent authority:

• Intellectual Property Protection Office (IPPO)
  under the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MOET).

Lebanon is a member of WIPO, the Paris Convention, the Berne Convention and TRIPS (observer), but has not yet joined the PCT or the Madrid System.

International Cooperation and Regional Alignment

• Lebanon is a member of WIPO, the Paris Convention, the Berne Convention and TRIPS (observer);

• It has established cooperation on training and data sharing with INPI France and WIPO;

• It participates as an observer in projects of the Arab Intellectual Property Organization (AIPO);

• It is promoting 'Lebanon IP Strategy 2025', focusing on digitalization and international recognition.

Trademark System

Filing Routes

• National trademark applications may be filed directly with the MOET Intellectual Property Office (IPPO);

• International registrations via the Madrid Protocol are not accepted for the time being.

Classification Standard

• Uses the Nice Classification;

• Single-class applications only.

Examination Procedure

• Formal examination: about 1–2 months;

• Substantive examination: about 6–9 months;

• Opposition period: oppositions may be filed within 2 months from the date of publication.

Use and Renewal

• Registration term is 15 years, renewable indefinitely;

• Non-use for 5 consecutive years may lead to cancellation.

Examination Features

• Examination is conducted in Arabic or French;

• Focuses on distinctiveness and conflict with prior rights;

• Religious and political symbols may not be registered.

Patent System

Types of Protection and Term

• Invention patents: 20 years from the filing date;

• Utility models: not specifically provided for.

Examination Mechanism

• Invention patents are subject only to formal examination; no substantive examination is carried out;

• Average examination period is 1–2 years;

• Annual fees must be paid after grant to maintain the patent.

International Routes

• Lebanon has not yet joined the PCT system;

• International protection must be sought through separate national filings.

Key Features

• Examination is conducted in Arabic or French;

• First-to-file system applies;

• Patents are not granted for pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs or living organisms;

• Letters patent serve as judicial proof of ownership.

Industrial Design Protection

Legal Basis

• Decree No. 2385/1939 on Trademarks and Industrial Designs.

Scope of Protection

• Shape, lines, ornamentation, patterns and their combinations applied to products;

• Applicable to industrial and handicraft products.

Term of Protection

• 25 years from the registration date (initial 15 years plus one 10-year renewal).

Examination Procedure

• Examination period is approximately 3–6 months;

• Examination is conducted in Arabic or French;

• Only formal examination is carried out; novelty and individual character are not assessed.

Key Features

• A single registration is valid nationwide;

• Lebanon has not yet acceded to the Hague Agreement;

• Partial and combination designs may be registered;

• The official register is maintained by the MOET.