Intellectual Property & Trademark in Qatar

Intellectual property work in Qatar

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

The Qatari IP framework

Trademarks are governed by the GCC Trademark Law, approved in Qatar by Law No. 7 of 2014; the implementing regulation was issued by Ministerial Decision No. 56 of 2023 and applied by the Ministry from 10 August 2023, replacing the trademark provisions of Law No. 9 of 2002. Copyright and related rights remain governed by Law No. 7 of 2002. The competent body is the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Trademark registration and term

Applications are filed under the Nice Classification. The department 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

The Madrid Protocol has been in force for Qatar since 3 August 2024, so Qatar can be designated in international registrations and Qatari 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 Qatari 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 Qatar?

The GCC Trademark Law, approved by Law No. 7 of 2014, with implementing regulations issued by Ministerial Decision No. 56 of 2023. It replaced the trademark provisions of Law No. 9 of 2002.

How long does a Qatari trademark registration last?

Ten years from the filing date, renewable for equal periods. Renewal is requested in the final year of the term, with a six-month grace period after expiry.

Can Qatar be designated in a Madrid application?

Yes. The Madrid Protocol entered into force for Qatar on 3 August 2024. National filings run through the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Qatar matters are handled with the firm's announced partner office in Qatar.

Other markets

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