Overview of the recent happenings in the world of intellectual property in Qatar from 2024 until now: 1.  Accession to the Madrid Protocol: On May 3, 2024, Qatar officially joined the Madrid Protocol as its 115th member. This kicked off on August 3, 2024, allowing trademark owners to protect their marks across 130 territories with just one application. Talk about making...

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar has announced the integration of its registered and published trademark databases into the Global Brand Database platform managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). While the trademark data has been accessible on the WIPO platform since the enforcement of the Madrid Protocol in Qatar on August 4, 2024, this...

We refer to circular number 2/2024 previously issued by the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department of the Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry (the “Patent Office”). This circular allowed applicants to defer the payment of annuity fees after the third year, provided the patent application was still pending. We wish to inform you of an important update....

On May 3, 2024, Qatar achieved a major milestone in its intellectual property journey, becoming the 115th country to join the Madrid System. his achievement was formally announced by the Qatari authorities on May 4, 2024, and later confirmed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on May 6, 2024. As the protocol took effect on August 3, 2024, Qatar entered a new era...

Qatar: Updates on the New Regulations by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Following the issuance of guidelines on the validity of the power of attorney documents effective as of June 25, 2024, and Decision No. 60 on the reduction of the official fees for various services effective as from July 11, 2024, the Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry has officially declared the...

The Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a set of guidelines to ensure the validity and accreditation of power of attorney documents. These guidelines, effective as of June 25, 2024, are crucial for legal compliance and effective representation. Requirements for a Valid Power of Attorney: 1.     The principal must possess the authority to act on their own behalf....

Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued Ministerial Decision No. 60 for 2024, implementing fee reductions for specific services in the commerce, industry, business development, and consumer protection sectors. The aim is to spur economic growth, attract investment, and create a favorable business environment. The new fees will be effective the day after their...

The Intellectual Property Department at the ministry of commerce and industry has issued a new directive concerning the payment of annuity fees. it has been decided not to accept the annual fees starting from the fourth year for applications that have been pending for three years without being granted. After grant all outstanding annual fees must be settled concurrently with the...

On May 3, 2024, Qatar marked a significant milestone in its intellectual property journey by becoming the 115th member of the Madrid System. The protocol will officially take effect in Qatar on August 3, 2024, heralding new efficiencies and broader protections for Qatari businesses. This development not only streamlines the trademark registration process but also emphasizes the...

On May 3, 2024, Qatar became the 115th member of the Madrid Protocol, enhancing global trademark protection. This benefits brand owners in Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE, enabling them to secure cross-border brand protection. Starting August 3, 2024: Qatari brand owners can safeguard their brands in 130 countries with one application, using English, French, or Spanish, and...