Trademark Office Update – Qatar
Expansion of Registrable Goods and Services & Procedural Updates
Doha, Qatar 30-Mar-26
We are pleased to announce significant developments and updates at the Qatar Trademark Office.
- Expansion of Registrable Goods and Services.
Under this update, it is now permissible to register trademarks across all classes and items under the Nice Classification, including Class 33, as confirmed by the TMO in its communication dated 30 March 2026.
Notably, previous restrictions imposed on certain goods and services have been lifted. This includes alcoholic beverages and alcoholic preparations for making beverages.
This development marks a substantial shift in practice, offering broader protection opportunities and enhanced flexibility for trademark filings in Qatar.
- Power of Attorney (POA) Validity Updates.
Further procedural clarifications have been introduced regarding the validity of Powers of Attorney:
- Foreign POAs:
Foreign POAs are valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) at the time of filing the application. This validity remains unaffected even if the three-year period expires during the registration process. Accordingly, a new POA must be issued every three (3) years.
- Local POAs:
Local POAs executed in Qatar are valid for three (3) years from the date of attestation by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). However, it is possible to obtain a validation stamp from the MOJ confirming the continued validity of the POA, thereby avoiding the need to issue a new POA every three years.
- Oppositions Against International Registrations.
In relation to oppositions filed against International Registrations (IR marks), the TMO now allows the filing of an opposition without submitting a sub-legalized POA at the time of filing, provided that a formal undertaking is submitted to furnish the POA within a specified period.
Please note that no final decision will be issued by the TMO until the sub-legalized POA is duly submitted.
Alyafi IP Group is following every change at TMO to keep you updated.
For further information or assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at: qatar@alyafi-ip.com
