There are many variables to consider when you plan to form a company in Qatar. Brand protection may come as a secondary thing to do when trying to start a business in Qatar. Trademark registration in Qatar is more than just protection. It helps your customers distinguish the product or service that you are offering to your customers.
Basics of Getting Trademark Registration in Qatar
Trademark: It is intellectual property in the shape or form of an icon, a symbol, a word, artwork, or a logo that distinguishes your business from other competitors. Business owners looking to secure their brand presence have to get trademark registration in Qatar within the relevant class. There are 45 different classes for trademark registration in Qatar related to the different products and services.
Getting A Trademark Registered in Qatar
You are not mandated to necessarily get a trademark registration. However, there are many benefits of getting a trademark registered for your Qatari business. You may have to consider it a big expense. But consider the benefits that it can offer which clearly outweigh the expenses when there is a chance that once your business or product or service becomes successful or a household name, a competitor chooses to get it registered in their company name.
The rules written in the International Classification of Goods and Services are applicable to trademark registration in Qatar. Once you have your trademark registered, you can market the product or service that you wish to sell in Qatar. Upon getting a trademark registration in Qatar, the Procurement Regulatory Department (GPRD) under the Ministry of Finance will issue a Classification Certificate.
Trademark registration in Qatar has a life of 10 years starting from the date of approval. However, the protection provided to a trademark in Qatar is not applicable outside the country. The process can take up to one year or more for getting your trademark registered.
Legal Documentation Required for Trademark Registration in Qatar
- Businesses need a Qatari trade license copy.
- Individuals passport copy (the ones participating in the business venture).
- Trademark design’s soft copy.
- The power of attorney of the business that the trademark will represent.
- Completely filled application for registration or trademark form.
How to Get a Trademark Registration in Qatar?
Excel Consultants & Partners LLC specializes in forming a business in Qatar including trademark registration. You can get in touch with our trademark registration specialists in Qatar who can help you meet the requirements, documentation, and formalities. Shared below the steps for getting a trademark registered in Qatar.
Step 1
Fill completely the trademark search and registration order form.
Step 2
Make sure that you search for the name of the trademark that you are about to register to ensure availability.
Step 3
Fill the application for trademark registration in Qatar, getting confirmations from departments of industrial designs, commercial registration, geographical indication, and licensing intellectual property.
Step 4
Upon the approval of the trademark, you need to get it registered within the Trademark Journal.
Step 5
After publication, if no third party shows up with any objection, your company will be issued a registration certificate.
Benefits of Trademark Registration in Qatar
Legal Protection for Your Brand or Business in Qatar
Many companies do not have a trademark registration in Qatar. But that means they are not providing legal protection to their brand and the product or services they are selling under its name. However, having a brand registered provides legal protection to the company that owns it and protects the copy-cats from trying to infringe upon your intellectual property rights. The owner of the trademark also has a reduced burden of proof and is presumed to be the true owner of that intellectual property.
Unique Brand Identity
There are many foreign brands already operating in and selling to their customers in Qatar. In such a competitive environment, it can sometimes become overwhelming for the customers to identify look-alike brands, logos, icons, and names. When you have a brand’s trademark registration in Qatar, you do not need to worry about your products or services getting drowned among too many competing products or services. Thus, you are able to carve out a unique brand identity that cannot be overshadowed or dominated by any of your competitors.
On the contrary, if you do not have your trademark registered, considered the amount of money getting wasted on marketing literature if your brand gets hijacked by the competitors. It may also result in your company losing valuable customers by not being able to identify your product or service from what others are offering.
Exclusive Rights to Your Trademark in Qatar
When you are trying to create a separate identity for your business, you don’t want someone to take away all your hard work. Therefore, it is imperative that you consider the implications and the rights that you will have access to, should you choose to have a trademark registration in Qatar. Upon registration, you will get exclusive rights to your brand, use it for marketing and also make business dealings with everything on your online presence, stationery, and for your branding.
Right to Take Legal Action
When you get trademark registration in Qatar, you are its rightful owner. Your trademark right cannot be denied or infringed upon. Therefore, if some other company or competitor tries to show association with your trademark, being the owner, you can take legal action against that company.
Excel Consultants & Partners LLC has an expert team of WLL company formation in Qatar. Hire our company formation specialists by getting in touch via email at info[at]excelconsultants.org or by calling us at +974.70268254.
Read more on different topics on the following blog categories
You can also read our previously written blog posts on company formation and starting a business in Qatar.
- What to Know Before You Start A Business in Qatar?
- WLL Company Formation in Qatar
- How to Start a Trading and Contracting Company in Qatar?
- How-To & Tips for Establishing Home Based Business in Qatar?
- Open A Business Bank Account in Qatar
- How to start LLC (Limited Liability Company in Qatar)?
- Open a Company in Free Zone in Qatar
- Open a Branch Office in Qatar
- Open a Holding Company in Qatar
- Open a Liaison Office in Qatar
- Shelf Company in Qatar
- Types of Companies in Qatar
