Customs Law in Jordan

Analysis

The Jordanian Customs Department plays an important role in the enforcement of a protected right. Specifically, the Intellectual Property Unit within the Customs Department is the authority responsible for the protection of Intellectual Property rights, Trade Mark rights and other related rights. Intellectual Property rights are defined under Article 43 of the Customs Law Jordan Law No 20/1998 (the ”Customs Law”) as copyrights and related rights, trademarks, patents, layout-designs of integrated circuits, undisclosed information, industrial designs, industrial models and geographical indications.

By virtue of Article 41 of the Customs Law, infringing products are prohibited from being imported into Jordan. Article 41 lists the courses of action in relation to imported infringing goods. Specifically, seizure and notification of the holder of the right by virtue of Article 41(D) of the Customs Law, which states that:

“The director or a customs officer duly authorized by the director may halt the procedures of clearing and releasing of goods, if he is convinced based on clear evidence that there is an infringement of intellectual property right in cases of copyright infringement and trademark counterfeiting ….