Intellectual Property & Trademark in Oman

Intellectual property work in Oman

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

The Omani IP framework

Trademarks are governed by the GCC Trademark Law, applied in Oman by Royal Decree No. 33/2017, in force since 31 July 2017. Other rights sit under the Industrial Property Rights Law (Royal Decree No. 67/2008) - patents, industrial designs, trade names and undisclosed information - and the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law (Royal Decree No. 65/2008). Registration runs through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.

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

Oman has been a member of the Madrid System since 16 October 2007, so the Sultanate can be designated in international registrations and Omani 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 an Omani 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 Oman?

The GCC Trademark Law, applied by Royal Decree No. 33/2017. Patents and industrial designs follow the Industrial Property Rights Law (Royal Decree No. 67/2008), and copyright the law issued by Royal Decree No. 65/2008.

How long is a trademark protected in Oman?

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

Is Oman part of the Madrid System?

Yes - since 16 October 2007. Brand owners can designate Oman in an international registration, and Omani owners can file outward. Oman matters are handled in cooperation with the firm's partner office in the Sultanate; the firm does not itself hold an Oman law practice license.

Other markets

Corporate & Commercial Law in Oman · 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 Bahrain