Filing Requirements:
1. Power of attorney, legalized. A general power may be used for subsequent filings.
2. Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified.
3. Prints of the mark.
* A copy of the notarized power of attorney may be submitted at the time of filing.
* The legalized copy of the notarized power of attorney along with Document 2 are filed within 3 months from filing date.
Classification:
The International Classification of Goods and Services (9th Edition) is followed. A separate application is required for each class.
Opposition:
Trademark applications accepted by the Registrar are published in the Official Gazette. Oppositions may be filed within 3 months from publication date.
Extension Of Time:
Extension of time for oppositions/counter-oppositions or for responding to office actions is possible.
Protection Term:
Trademark registrations are valid for 10 years from filing date or from priority date if priority is claimed, and are renewable for like periods. There is a grace period of 1 year for late renewals without payment of a surcharge.
Documents Required For Renewal:
- Power of attorney, legalized.
Use Requirements:
Use of a trademark is not required for registration or renewal of a mark. However, a trademark is vulnerable to cancellation by any interested party if there has been no effective use of the mark for a period of 3 consecutive years preceding date of filing for cancellation.
Search:
An official search may be conducted for word marks and devices. It takes approximately 2 to 3 working days for the results to be available. A separate application is required for search in each class. The search report discloses similar and/or identical trademark applications as well as registrations.
Assignment:
* Trademark registrations may be assigned with or without the goodwill of the business concerned.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney from the assignee, legalized.
- Deed of Assignment, legalized.
Change Of Name/Address:
* A change of name/address may be recorded for trademark registrations only.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney, legalized.
- Certificate of change of name, legalized.
- Change of address, only a legalized power of attorney showing the new address is required.
Licensing:
* License recordal is not compulsory but advisable in order to be effective against third parties.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney, legalized.
- License agreement, legalized with Arabic translation.
Merger:
* A merger may be recorded for trademark registrations only.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney, legalized.
- Certificate of merger, legalized.
Marking:
Marking is not compulsory.
Cancellation:
A trademark is subject to cancellation by any interested party within 5 years from registration date.
Registration Time Frame:
The time frame for completing the registration process is 10 to 12 months.
Three Dimensional Trademark Applications:
Unacceptable.