New eligibility requirements for .qa domain names are expected with the launch of Qatar’s new registry system, planned for 22 October 2026. Currently, .qa domains are available to applicants worldwide without documentary evidence of a connection to Qatar. Under the forthcoming changes, applicants will need to demonstrate a Qatar connection, such as a Qatari entity or a trademark...

The newly launched facility enables businesses and practitioners to conduct searches by applicant/proprietor name and obtain a comprehensive overview of patent applications filed under a specific applicant’s name. This development provides greater visibility into patent portfolios in Qatar and may assist businesses and IP practitioners with portfolio management, due diligence,...

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) – Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department has launched a new set of electronic services for Industrial Designs. The newly available services include: 🔹 Application for Registration of an Industrial Design 🔹 Request for Preliminary Examination 🔹 Appeal against a Registration Decision 🔹 Opposition to the Acceptance of...

We are pleased to share that Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has furthered its digital transformation by launching five new e-services for copyright and neighboring rights as of April 2026. Under Law No. 7 of 2002, these enhancements streamline the protection of creative works by allowing for the electronic processing of deposit and protection certificates,...

In line with the update of procedures and in keeping with international developments in the field of trademark registration, we are pleased to inform you that the Nice Classification  13th Edition has been officially adopted in Qatar. The Trademark Office in Qatar, via a communication from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry circulated has clarified that all trademark...

Starting February 16, 2026 and as part of aligning with international developments in the field of trademark registration, the State of Qatar has officially adopted the Nice Classification – 13th Edition (Nice 13). The 13th Edition enhances legal protection of trademarks by clearly defining the scope of goods and services in each class, while aligning Qatar’s trademark system with...

H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, concluded a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (Davos 2026). The engagements reflect Qatar’s ongoing efforts to accelerate economic diversification and deepen international cooperation across trade, investment, and industry, in line with the Third...

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has entered into a contract with the Ministry of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Intellectual Property Strategy Agency (KIPSA) within the framework of the National Intellectual Property Strategy, with the objective of developing the intellectual property ecosystem and enhancing the innovation environment in the...

In a world full of copycats, stand out and be truly unique! That’s exactly what a trademark does… We’ve all heard inspiring stories behind famous brands, but did you know that Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” trademark has a surprisingly dark origin? Most people hear Nike’s slogan and think of motivation, ambition, and athletic grit but few know it was born from a moment far darker than...

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has announced revised individual fee amounts for designating Qatar under the Madrid Protocol. These new, lower fees will take effect on November 9, 2025. This change will reduce the cost of securing and maintaining international trademark protection in Qatar. Summary of Fee Changes (Per Class): • International Application /...