Qatar - Madrid Protocol

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Written By Richard Stilwell

The Government of Qatar deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol on 3rd  May 2024, with the Protocol entering into force on 3rd August 2024.  In doing so, it becomes the 131st member of the international trade mark system administered by WIPO.

The state of Qatar adopted the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) Trademarks Law No. 7 of 2014 and its regulations in August 2023 and, whilst this GCC law does not contain provisions for the Madrid Protocol, Qatari jurisprudence considers accession to an international treaty as legally binding.  Therefore, rights holders can benefit from the simplified application and maintenance processes that are available via the international route, bypassing for example the requirement for a legalised Power of Attorney at the time of filing.

Qatar joins neighbouring GCC countries of Bahrain, Oman and the UAE in joining the Madrid system in recent years, allowing easier access to the Middle East for brand owners, as well as allowing applicants from these countries the opportunity to file international applications themselves

 
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Author: Richard Stilwell

Richard is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and manager in the Patents and Design department. He is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the department, as well as being part of operational working groups to develop and enhance internal policies and procedures.

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Richard Stilwell

Richard is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and manager in the Patents and Design department.  He is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the department, as well as being part of operational working groups to develop and enhance internal policies and procedures.

Richard graduated from the University of Leeds in 2012 with a Master’s degree (with Distinction) in Medicinal Chemistry, which included a placement year with a major U.K. pharmaceutical company. He joined Lysaght in 2015 and has worked in the IP industry for over ten years.

In 2016 Richard was awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property (with Distinction) from Bournemouth University, and he became a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney in 2018.

He adds a considerable skill set to the company, where he is responsible for a wide-ranging portfolio, particularly for patent cases in the Caribbean and Middle East.  In his dual role, Richard also handles prosecution and contentious matters within the trade mark department in several complex jurisdictions.

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