Lebanon Trademarks

Filing Requirements:

1. Power of attorney, simply signed. A general power may be used for subsequent filings.

2. Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified.

3. 1 film and 3 prints of the mark.

* Items 1 and 3 must be submitted at the time of filing.

* Document 2 may be submitted within 3 months from filing date.

Classification:

The International Classification of Goods and Services (9th Edition) is followed. A single application may include several classes.

Opposition:

Registered trademarks are published in the Official Gazette. Oppositions to any registered trademark may be filed before the Court.

Extension Of Time:

Extension of time is not possible.

Protection Term:

Trademark registrations are valid for 15 years from filing date and are renewable for like periods. There is a grace period of 3 months for late renewals without payment of a surcharge.

Documents Required For Renewal:

  • Power of attorney, simply signed.
  • 1 film and 3 prints.

Use Requirements:

Use of a trademark is not required for registration or renewal of a mark.

Search:

An in-house search is conducted for word marks and device marks. The search takes 2 working days for word marks and 4 working days for other marks. A single application is required for search in all classes. The search report discloses similar and identical trademark registrations and applications.

Assignment:

* Registered trademarks may be assigned with or without the goodwill of the business concerned. The recordal of an assignment may be made within 3 months after the transfer. Late recordals are possible upon payment of a surcharge for each delay of 2 months.

* Documents required:

  • Power of attorney from the assignee, simply signed.
  • Deed of Assignment, legalized.

Change Of Name/Address:

* A change of name/address may be recorded for trademark registrations.

* Documents required:

  • Power of attorney, simply singed.
  • Certificate of change of name, legalized.
  • For a change of address, no documents are required.

Licensing:

* License recordal is not compulsory but advisable in order to be effective against third parties.

* Documents required:

  • Power of attorney, simply signed.
  • License agreement, legalized.

Merger:

* The recordal of a merger may be made within 3 months after its effective date. Late recordals are possible upon payment of a surcharge for each delay of 2 months.

* Documents required:

  • Power of attorney, simply signed.
  • Certificate of merger, legalized.

Marking:

Marking is not compulsory.

Cancellation:

A trademark may be subject to cancellation by any interested party within 5 years from filing date.

Registration Time Frame:

The time frame for completing the registration process is 1 month.

Three Dimensional Trademark Applications:

Acceptable.