As of 3 August 2024 it will be possible to designate Qatar in an International trade mark application using the Madrid Protocol.
They have joined Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates in embracing the Madrid System for the International registation of trade marks. This means that 4 of the 6 Gulf countries are now Members of the Protocol.
What does this mean for you?
• If you are a trademark holder in any other Madrid System Member you will be able to seek overseas protection of your trademark in Qatar, and;
• If you are already the holder of an international trademark registration, you will be able to expand its geographical scope to include Qatar.
The benefit of the International system is that you file a single application which covers multiple territories. Whilst each national office would still examine for their territory, the system is more cost effective when filing and also with regard to the ongoing maintenance and renewal of the registration once granted.