In the present article we will discuss the key elements of the unified GCC trademark law (the “Trademark Law”) and the prospect of it being adopted throughout the GCC. 

In a nutshell the main focus of the Trademark Law is to create uniformity between the local trademark laws of each of the GCC member states namely, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Whilst the adoption of the Trademark Law will result in a more unified set of regulations for GCC trademark protection, it is important to point out that the Trademark Law will not provide a unified filing system. As such, right holders will still be required to file separately in each applicable GCC country in order to ensure protection and enforcement rights. We explore matters in further detail below.

Background