Overview of the Legal Framework

Qatar's intellectual property system is mainly based on the following legislation:

• Trademarks Law (Law No. 9 of 2002 on Trademarks, Trade Names, and Geographical Indications)

• Patents and Industrial Designs Law (Law No. 30 of 2006 on Patents, Industrial Designs, and Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits)

• Copyright Law (Law No. 7 of 2002 on Copyright and Related Rights)

Competent authority:

• Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) – Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department

• The patent section has historically shared technical examination mechanisms with the GCC Patent Office.

Qatar is a member of WIPO, the PCT, the Paris Convention, TRIPS, the Arab Intellectual Property Organization (AIPO) and the GCC.

International Cooperation and Regional Integration

• Qatar is a member of WIPO, the PCT, the Paris Convention, TRIPS, AIPO and the GCC;

• It has established regional cooperation mechanisms with WIPO, SAIP and the UAE Ministry of Economy (UAE MoE), as well as the GCC Patent Office;

• Implements the "Qatar National IP Strategy 2030", strengthening digital services and international mutual recognition;

• Has established a WIPO Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) to support research-driven patent filings.

Trademark System

Filing Routes

• National trademark applications may be filed directly with the MOCI Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department;

• Qatar is not yet a member of the Madrid Protocol, so protection must be sought via national filings rather than international designation.

Classification Standard

• Uses the Nice Classification;

• Multi-class applications are accepted.

Examination Procedure

• Formal examination: around 1–2 months;

• Substantive examination: around 6–9 months;

• Publication period: oppositions may be filed within 4 months from the publication date.

Use and Renewal

• Registration term is 10 Gregorian years, renewable for further 10-year periods;

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

Examination Features

• Examination is conducted in Arabic (with an English translation of the mark where appropriate);

• Focus on distinctiveness and religious sensitivity;

• Registration is refused for marks consisting of religious, state or tribal emblems.

Patent System

Types of Protection and Term

• Invention patents: 20 years from the filing date;

• Utility models: 10 years from the filing date.

Examination Mechanism

• Invention patents are subject to a substantive examination system;

• The average examination period is about 3–5 years;

• Certain technical examinations may be carried out in cooperation with the GCC Patent Office.

International Routes

• Qatar has been a PCT member state since 2011;

• National phase entry is available via the PCT international phase.

Key Features

• Examination is conducted in Arabic;

• First-to-file principle applies;

• Patents must be maintained by payment of annual renewal fees;

• Pharmaceutical and food patents are not allowed;

• Electronic patent services are available via the ePatent Portal.

Industrial Design Protection

Legal Basis

• Law No. 30 of 2006 on Patents, Industrial Designs, and Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits.

Scope of Protection

• The external appearance of products, including shape, patterns, lines, colours and ornamentation;

• Applicable to both industrial and handicraft products.

Term of Protection

• From the registration date, 10 years, not renewable.

Examination Procedure

• Examination period is approximately 6–9 months;

• Examination is conducted in Arabic;

• Primarily formal examination.

Key Features

• A single registration is valid nationwide;

• Qatar is not yet a member of the Hague Agreement.