The short answer
Under the Law on Industrial Property Rights (Royal Decree No. 67/2008, amended by Royal Decree 131/2008), the protection of a registered mark lasts ten years from the filing date and is renewed for consecutive similar terms, with a six-month grace period and a surcharge, after which the mark lapses with no restoration. Opposition is open for ninety days from publication in the Official Gazette, and a mark unused for three continuous years can be removed from the Register.
Trademark deadlines in Oman at a glance
These rules come from the Law on Industrial Property Rights promulgated by Royal Decree No. 67/2008 of 12 May 2008, in the English text on WIPO Lex. Oman also applies GCC trademark rules in some respects, so we confirm which text applies and the current fees with the Registrar before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | Ten years from the filing date of the application, renewable for consecutive similar terms (Article 41). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The filing date of the application for registration (Article 41). |
| When can I renew? | The registration can be renewed on request for consecutive similar terms, on payment of the prescribed fee (Article 41). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. A grace period of six months is allowed for late payment of the renewal fee, on payment of the prescribed surcharge. Otherwise the mark lapses, and lapsed marks cannot be restored (Article 41). |
| Opposition period | Any interested person can file a written notice of opposition with the Registrar within ninety days of publication in the Official Gazette, after paying the fee. The applicant can file a counter-statement within ninety days of receiving the notification, and the Registrar decides after hearing the parties (Article 38(2)). |
| Reply to an office action | The Registrar examines the application against the formal requirements and registrability rules and can refuse it. The applicant can answer or request a hearing (Article 38). |
| Priority claim | Priority from an earlier application in a Paris Convention or WTO country is available. We confirm the claim steps when we file. |
| Non-use | Any interested person can ask the Registrar to remove a mark from the Register, for some or all goods, if up to one month before the request the mark had not been used by the owner or a licensee for a continuous period of three years or longer. A mark is not removed if special circumstances, such as import restrictions or market impediments, prevented use and there was no intention to abandon it (Article 42(2)). |
| Assignment | A mark can be assigned and licensed, and the transaction is recorded in the Register. We confirm the formalities with the Registrar. |
| Invalidity | Any interested person can ask the Court to invalidate a registration within five years of the certificate, or at any time if it was obtained in bad faith (Article 42(1)). |
Who can register a trademark in Oman
The exclusive right to a mark is acquired by registration (Article 36). The application is filed with the Registrar with the application fee, a reproduction of the mark and the goods and services by class (Article 37).
Representation. We act as your agent before the Registrar. We confirm any local agency rule for foreign applicants before filing.
Trademark registration process in Oman
Search
- Search the the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman (the Registrar) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman (the Registrar), through your Omani agent.
- Claim priority at filing if you filed abroad recently.
Examination
- The office examines the application and tells you in writing if there is a problem. We reply within the time set in the notice.
Publication and opposition
- An accepted application is published.
- After acceptance, the application is published in the Official Gazette, and any interested person can oppose within ninety days. The applicant answers within ninety days (Article 38).
Registration
- If there is no opposition, or it fails, the mark is registered and a certificate is issued.
Official fees are set by the the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman (the Registrar) and change. We confirm the current fee for your classes before we quote, so the figure you see is the one that applies on the day.
Oman trademark validity and renewal
- Protection lasts ten years from the filing date.
- Renew for consecutive similar terms.
- A six-month grace period costs a surcharge.
- Lapsed marks cannot be restored.
Diarise the renewal date from the filing date, because there is no restoration after lapse.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Omani trademark
Collective marks
Covered
The Law applies to collective marks (Article 43).
Certification marks
Covered
The Law applies to certification marks (Article 44).
Invalidation
5 years
Court invalidation within five years of the certificate, or at any time for bad faith (Article 42).
Removal
Non-use
Removal after three continuous years of non-use (Article 42).
Non-use and cancellation of a Omani trademark
The Court can invalidate a registration within five years, or at any time for bad faith (Article 42(1)). The Registrar can remove a mark unused for three continuous years unless special circumstances applied (Article 42(2)).
Keep dated proof of use in Oman: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Oman
Ask the Registrar for the register entry and check the Official Gazette for publication, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- Law on Industrial Property Rights promulgated by Royal Decree No. 67/2008 (Oman), English text on WIPO Lex: Articles 36 to 38 and 41 to 44.
- The Ministry for the regulations, fees and forms.
Oman trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Oman, and from when?
Ten years from the filing date of the application, renewable for consecutive similar terms (Article 41). It counts from the filing date (Article 41).
When should I renew a Omani trademark, and is there a grace period?
The registration can be renewed on request for consecutive similar terms, on payment of the prescribed fee (Article 41).
What is the opposition period in Oman?
Any interested person can file a written notice of opposition with the Registrar within ninety days of publication in the Official Gazette, after paying the fee. The applicant can file a counter-statement within ninety days of receiving the notification, and the Registrar decides after hearing the parties (Article 38(2)).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Oman?
The official fee is set by the the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman (the Registrar) 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 Oman?
Yes. A foreign company can register a mark in Oman, normally through an Omani agent. We arrange this.
Can I assign a Omani trademark?
A mark can be assigned and licensed, and the transaction is recorded in the Register. We confirm the formalities with the Registrar.
Can a Omani trademark be cancelled for non-use?
Any interested person can ask the Registrar to remove a mark from the Register, for some or all goods, if up to one month before the request the mark had not been used by the owner or a licensee for a continuous period of three years or longer. A mark is not removed if special circumstances, such as import restrictions or market impediments, prevented use and there was no intention to abandon it (Article 42(2)).
How can I check the status of a Omani trademark?
Use the the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman (the Registrar) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
Priority from an earlier application in a Paris Convention or WTO country is available. We confirm the claim steps when we file.
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman (the Registrar) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Oman
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Omani deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
