The State of Qatar is located halfway along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf'. It borders the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the south, the United Arab Emirates to the south-east and the State of Bahrain to the west.

In September 1971, Qatar became an independent and sovereign state. Shortly afterwards, it became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League.

Trademarks are acceptable for registration in accordance with the Law No. 3, of 1978.

The period of a trademark registration is ten years, renewable, for similar periods. The Trademark Law in Qatar 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 Qatar. 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 No. 9 of 2002 on Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Industrial Designs

Patents:

Patent Regulation of the GCC (approved by the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf) - 1992

Designs:

Law No. 9 of 2002 on Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Industrial Designs

Copyright:

Law No. 25 of 1995
 
Law No. 7 of 2002, on Protection of Copyright and Related Rights

FILING REQUIREMENTS IN QATAR

A - TRADE/SERVICE MARK REGISTRATION

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the applicant and duly legalised by the Qatari Embassy in the country of the applicant.
2. A copy of the certificate of incorporation of the applicant company or an extract of the entry of the applicant in the Commercial Registry duly legalised by the Qatari Embassy in the country of the applicant.
3. A copy of the home certificate of registration, duly legalised by the Qatari Embassy in the country of the applicant.
4. Ten prints of the trademark identical to the one affixed on the application for registration.
5. 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 Qatari Embassy in the country of the applicant.
2. A Deed of Assignment signed by the Assignor and the Assignee, authenticated and legalised by the Qatari Embassy.
3. A copy of the certificate of incorporation or an extract of the entry of the assignee company in the Commercial Registry.

C - RECORDAL OF REGISTERED USER/LICENCE AGREEMENT

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the registered user or licensee and duly legalised by the Qatari Embassy.
2. A licence agreement in writing, signed by the parties and duly legalised by the Qatari Embassy.
3. A copy of the certificate of incorporation or an extract of the entry of the Assignee in the Commercial Registry.

D - RECORDAL OF CHANGE OF NAME/ADDRESS

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

E - RECORDAL OF TRADEMARK AMENDMENT

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the applicant and duly legalised by the Qatari Embassy in the country of the applicant.
2. A certificate showing the amendment and duly legalised by the Qatari Embassy.

F - RECORDAL OF MERGER

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the applicant and duly legalised by the Qatari Embassy.
2. A copy of the merger document, duly legalised by the Qatari Embassy.

G - PATENTS & DESIGNS

At present, the Trademark Law in Qatar 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.