Trademarks are acceptable for registration in accordance with the Law No. 103/88.

The period of trademark registration is for ten years, renewable for similar periods. The Trademark Law in Oman allows a three-month grace period for late trademark renewals. However, such late trademark renewals are usually subjected to a late payment fine.

At present, there is no statutory law for the protection of patents and designs in Oman. It is, however, advisable to publish Cautionary Notices in the local Arabic and English newspapers in order to protect owners' rights.

LAWS

Trade Marks:

Law of 1987

Royal Decree No. 38/2000, Law on Trademarks, Indications and Secrets and Protection against Unfair Competition

Patents:

Royal Decree No.82/2000, Patent Law

Designs:

Royal Decree No. 39/2000, Law on the Protection of Industrial Designs

Copyright:

Law of 1996

Royal Decree No. 37/2000, Law on the Protection of Copyright and Related Rights

FILING REQUIREMENTS IN OMAN

A - TRADE/SERVICE MARK REGISTRATION

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the applicant and duly legalised by the Omani Embassy.
2. A certified copy of the certificate of incorporation of the applicant company, an extract of its entry in the Commercial Registry, or a good standing certificate if all relevant information is included in such a document. (For U.S. clients, a certificate of good standing is sufficient).
3. Twenty prints of the trademark identical to the one affixed on the application for registration.
4. A clear statement of the goods to be covered and colours to be protected by the trademark.

B - RECORDAL OF AN ASSIGNMENT

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the Assignee and duly legalised by the Omani Embassy in the country of the applicant.
2. A Deed of Assignment form, signed by the Assignor and the Assignee, duly legalised by the Omani Embassy.
3. An extract of the entry of the assignee company in the Commercial Registry.

C - RECORDAL OF MERGER/LICENCE

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the applicant.
2. A certificate of merger or licence agreement, duly legalised by the Omani Embassy in the country of the applicant. The trademark registration number in Oman should be clearly stated in the licence agreement.
3. An extract of the entry of the licensee company in the Commercial Registry.

D - RECORDAL OF CHANGE OF NAME/ADDRESS

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the applicant clearly showing the new name or address and duly legalised by the Omani Embassy in the country of the applicant.
2. A certificate of change of name or address, duly legalised by the Omani Embassy in the country of the applicant.

E - PATENTS & DESIGNS

At present, the Trademark Law in Oman does not provide protection for either patents or designs. Nevertheless, it is advisable to publish Cautionary Notices in the English and Arabic local daily newspapers, in order to protect owners' rights.