Qatar will become the 115th member of the Madrid System when the Madrid Protocol comes into effect in the country on August 3, 2024. This accession of Qatar joins that of Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, bringing the total number of Gulf countries that are members of the Protocol to four.
Insights:
- Expansion of the Madrid System: Qatar’s membership will further broaden the reach of this international system for trademark registration.
- Increased Coverage for Trademarks: Qatar’s accession will allow both local and international trademark owners to more easily extend the protection of their trademarks abroad.
- Benefits for SMEs: The Madrid System offers a simpler and more cost-effective process for registering and maintaining trademarks internationally.
The Madrid System: International Registration or International Trademark
The Madrid System continues to grow, and this addition is welcomed, allowing for the expansion of trademark portfolios into additional territories more efficiently and conveniently for those based in Qatar as well as for those seeking protection there.The Madrid System provides a cost-effective way for stakeholders to seek trademark protection in up to 130 territories (including Qatar starting in August 2024) by filing a single international application with the national or regional IP office of a Madrid Union member.Starting from August 3, 2024, local trademark owners in Qatar will be able to use the Madrid System to protect their trademarks in other covered territories. This also means that foreign businesses and individuals can seek trademark protection in Qatar through the Madrid System, offering an additional avenue for protection.Although each designated territory is subject to examination by each national office, as with a national application, the submission of a single application to cover multiple territories, along with the ongoing maintenance and renewal of the resulting international registration, can lead to an addition to the trademark portfolio in a cost-effective and administratively simple manner.The continued expansion of the Madrid System ensures it remains an attractive avenue for trademark protection, facilitating the process for industrial property professionals and guaranteeing greater international coverage for registered trademarks.
