Intellectual Property & Trademark in Bahrain

Intellectual property work in Bahrain

The firm covers Bahrain matters in cooperation with a partner office in the Kingdom of Bahrain. That partner office is not a branch owned by the firm, and the firm does not itself hold a Bahrain law practice license; local licensing and representation are assessed for each matter in the Kingdom. Within that cooperation we scope trademark filings, portfolio reviews, licence recordals and enforcement strategy for the Bahraini market, and the file is coordinated with the partner office from our head office in Kuwait.

The Bahraini IP framework

Trademarks are governed by the GCC Trademark Law, approved in Bahrain by Law No. 6 of 2014 and amended by Law No. 3 of 2021; the implementing regulation was issued by Ministerial Decision No. 65 of 2016, as amended. Copyright and neighbouring rights are governed by Law No. 22 of 2006. Registration runs through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Trademark registration and term

Applications are filed under the Nice Classification. The authority decides on a complete application within 90 days; a refusal can be challenged before the grievance committee within 60 days, and its decision before the competent court within 60 days. Accepted marks are published, and any interested party may oppose within 60 days. Registration runs ten years from the filing date and is renewable for equal periods; renewal is requested in the final year, with a six-month grace period. A mark not genuinely used for five consecutive years is exposed to cancellation.

Enforcement and international protection

Bahrain was the first GCC state to join the Madrid System - the Protocol has been in force there since 15 December 2005 - so the Kingdom can be designated in international registrations and Bahraini owners can file outward. For enforcement, the GCC Trademark Law provides customs suspension of suspected counterfeit goods, court measures and criminal penalties. For the wider commercial practice, see General Commercial & Corporate; to scope a Bahraini filing, contact our team.

MENA coordination

The firm was founded in Kuwait in 1986 and has a branch in Cairo. It covers MENA matters in cooperation with partner offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, and partner offices in Turkey and the United States. Those partner offices are not branches owned by the firm; local licensing and advice are assessed in the relevant jurisdiction.

This page is general information, not advice for a particular entity or transaction.

Frequently asked questions

What law governs trademarks in Bahrain?

The GCC Trademark Law, approved by Law No. 6 of 2014 and amended by Law No. 3 of 2021, with implementing regulations under Ministerial Decision No. 65 of 2016, as amended.

How long is a Bahraini trademark protected?

Ten years from the filing date, renewable for equal periods, with a six-month grace period for renewal after expiry.

Is Bahrain part of the Madrid System?

Yes - it was the first GCC state to join, and the Protocol has been in force for Bahrain since 15 December 2005. Bahrain matters are handled in cooperation with the firm's partner office in the Kingdom; the firm does not itself hold a Bahrain law practice license.

Other markets

Corporate & Commercial Law in Bahrain · Intellectual Property & Trademark in Egypt · Intellectual Property & Trademark in Saudi Arabia · Intellectual Property & Trademark in the UAE · Intellectual Property & Trademark in Qatar · Intellectual Property & Trademark in Oman