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Is there a time frame for the trademark registration approval?
The average time frame for the registration approval is 14 months, if no objections or oppositions arise.
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If I register my trademark in Qatar, do I have protection in other territories?
A trademark registration in Qatar extends to its borders.
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Do I need to sign a Power of Attorney?
Yes, a power of attorney is necessary.
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Are there any benefits from a pre-filing use of the trademark?
- Use may demonstrate acquired distinctiveness
- Use may help overcome an objection on the ground of non-distinctiveness
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Will there be problems in case I don’t use my trademark after registration?
The Trade Mark Law provides that a trademark may be removed from the register if it has not been used by the proprietor or a licensee in a period of five consecutive years, without specifying the date of commencement of the relevant period.
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What are the types of trademark that can be registered in Qatar?
- words
- names
- devices
- certain three-dimensional shapes
- colors
- slogans
- trade dress/get-up
- holograms
- collective marks
- certification marks
- well-known marks
- service marks
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What are the phases of application after a trademark has been filed in Qatar?
The order of the application process is examination, publication, and registration.
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What type of trademark is not registrable?
- generic terms
- geographic location names
- non-distinctive trademarks
- marks contrary to moral standards or public order
- names, flags or symbols of states, nations, regions or international organizations
- marks identical with or similar to symbols of a religious character
- a mark that consists of the picture or emblem of a third party without authorization or consent
- symbols that are identical with or similar to the Red Crescent or Red Cross and other similar symbols
- indications of honorary distinctions to which the applicant cannot prove that he is legally entitled
- marks belonging to the natural or legal persons or States
- marks that the Boycott of Israel Office has decided are similar to an Israeli mark, symbol or emblem
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Does Qatar use the "Nice Classification" system?
Qatar uses the Nice Classification System.
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Does the Community Trademark apply for Qatar?
The Community Trademark is not effective in Qatar since this jurisdiction is not part of the European Union.
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Is there any possibility to claim priority in Qatar?
- If an applicant's home country is a signatory to the Paris Convention.
- If the home application was filed within six months preceding the application in Qatar.
- If an applicant's home country is a member of the World Trade Organization.
- If an applicant's home country is a member of the Andean Community.
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What do I need to do to satisfy the use requirement?
A registered trademark must be used within 5 consecutive years.
The amount of use must be on a commercial scale and must occur in this jurisdiction.
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Once my trademark has been registered, for how many years will be valid?
The initial term of a registration is 10 years calculated from the application date.
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What will be the renewal date of my trademark?
The first renewal date of a registration is 10 years from the application filing date.
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Is it legal to use my trademark even if it is not yet registered?
Use of an unregistered mark for any goods or services is legal.