The short answer
Under the GCC Trademark Law as approved in Bahrain, a mark is protected for 10 years, and the effect of registration starts from the date the application was submitted, so the term counts from filing. Apply for renewal in the last year of protection, or within 6 months after expiry as a last chance. Anyone concerned can object within 60 days of publication. A court can strike off a mark that was not used for 5 consecutive years.
Trademark deadlines in Bahrain at a glance
These periods come from Law No. 6 of 2014 approving the Trademarks Law of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), English text on WIPO Lex. The Executive Regulations are Ministerial Decision No. 65 of 2016, and the law was later amended by Law No. 3 of 2021. We re-check every deadline against the current Bahraini text before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does protection last? | 10 years, renewable for similar successive periods (Article 20(1)). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The application date. The effect of registration starts from the date of submission of the application, and the certificate states the expiry date of protection (Article 17). |
| When can I renew? | Apply for renewal within the last year of the protection period (Article 20(1)). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes, a last chance: renew within 6 months following expiry (Article 20(2)). |
| What if I miss it? | If no renewal is requested within those 6 months, the competent authority removes the mark from the register (Article 20(3)). |
| Objection period | 60 days from the date of publication, in writing. The applicant is notified within 30 days and has 60 days to reply, or the application is deemed waived or abandoned (Article 14(2)). |
| Reply to restrictions or amendments | 90 days from notification, or the application is deemed waived. The authority decides within 90 days of submission if the conditions are met (Article 12). |
| Complaint against a refusal | Within 60 days to the committee, then within 60 days of its decision to the court. If you do not act in time the application is deemed waived (Article 13). |
| Priority claim | Attach the earlier application copy and acknowledgement within 6 months, or the claim is forfeited (Article 11). |
| Non-use striking off | A court can strike off a mark that has not been seriously used for 5 consecutive years, unless the owner proves the non-use was beyond their control (Article 24). |
| Assignment | Cannot be relied on against third parties until entered in the Trademarks Register and announced (Article 27(3)). |
Who can register a trademark in Bahrain
An application for registration is submitted by the party concerned or its representative, on the proper form and under the Executive Regulations (Article 8).
Representation. The law says an application is submitted by the party concerned or its representative. The Executive Regulations decide the exact requirements for a foreign owner, such as the power of attorney, so we confirm them before filing.
Trademark registration process in Bahrain
Search the register
- Check the trademark register for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File on the proper form, through your representative if you are a foreign owner. Claim priority at filing with the supporting copy (Article 11).
Examination
- The authority decides within 90 days if the conditions are met, and may impose restrictions or changes.
- You have 90 days to answer a notification (Article 12).
Publication and objection
- After acceptance, the mark is published at the applicant's expense.
- Any concerned person can object within 60 days (Article 14).
Registration
- The owner receives a certificate showing the registration number, the application and registration dates and the expiry of protection (Article 17).
Official fees are set by the Executive Regulations and the trademark office, and they change. We confirm the current official fee for your classes before we quote.
Bahrain trademark validity and renewal
- Protection lasts 10 years from the application date, not from the date the certificate was issued.
- The renewal application is made in the last year of protection.
- A further 6 months after expiry is allowed as a last chance. After that the mark is removed from the register.
- Diarise the expiry date shown on the certificate.
Renew in the last year. Do not plan to use the 6-month last chance.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Bahraini trademark
Assignment
Transfer of a mark
A mark can be wholly or partly transferred with or without compensation, mortgaged or seized, together with the business using it unless agreed otherwise (Article 27(1)).
Third parties
Recordal and announcement
A transfer, mortgage or seizure counts against third parties only after it is entered in the Trademarks Register and announced (Article 27(3)).
Licence
Licence contracts
A licence may be granted for a term that does not exceed the protection term of the mark.
Register
Changes to the record
The register records owners' names and addresses, assignments, licences, renewals and other amendments. Ask us for the current procedure and form.
Striking off and non-use of a Bahraini trademark
On the request of any concerned person, the competent court can strike off a mark that has not been seriously used for 5 consecutive years, unless the owner proves the non-use was due to a reason beyond their control (Article 24). Once struck off, the mark can be registered for a third party for the same or similar goods or services only after 3 years, unless a court ruling sets a shorter period (Article 25).
Keep dated proof of use in Bahrain, such as invoices, packaging and advertising.
How to check a trademark in Bahrain
The competent authority keeps the Trademarks Register, and any interested party can examine it. Publications for objection follow the Executive Regulations, and the 60-day clock runs from the publication date.
Sources used
- Law No. 6 of 2014 on Approval of the Trademarks Law of the GCC, Bahrain, English text on WIPO Lex: Articles 8, 11 to 14, 17, 20, 24, 25 and 27.
- Law No. 3 of 2021 amending the GCC Trademark Law, and Ministerial Decision No. 65 of 2016 (Executive Regulations), as listed on WIPO Lex.
Bahrain trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Bahrain, and from when?
10 years, counted from the application date because the effect of registration starts from the date of submission (Articles 17 and 20).
When should I renew a Bahraini trademark, and is there a grace period?
Apply in the last year of protection. You can still apply within 6 months after expiry, and after that the mark is removed (Article 20).
What is the objection period in Bahrain?
60 days from the date of publication (Article 14(2)).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Bahrain?
The official fee is set by the Executive Regulations and changes. We confirm the current fee for your classes and quote the full cost before filing.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Bahrain?
Yes, through a representative. We confirm the current requirements before filing.
Can I assign a Bahraini trademark?
Yes, but the assignment counts against third parties only after it is entered in the Register and announced (Article 27(3)).
How long do I have to answer the authority?
90 days from notification of restrictions or changes, or the application is deemed waived (Article 12).
Can a Bahraini trademark be struck off for non-use?
Yes. A court can strike off a mark not seriously used for 5 consecutive years (Article 24).
What can I do if my application is refused?
Complain to the committee within 60 days, then go to the court within 60 days of its decision (Article 13).
Can I claim priority from my home country?
Yes. Attach a copy of the earlier application and an acknowledgement within 6 months, or the claim is forfeited (Article 11).
Protect your brand in Bahrain
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Bahraini deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
