The short answer
Under Law No. 23 of 2010 on Trademarks and Geographical Indications, a mark is protected for ten years from the date of payment of the filing fees and the protection is renewable for similar periods. Objections to an announced request must be filed within ninety days of the announcement. Renewal is requested within a year from the end of the protection period, after which the mark is cancelled from the register.
Trademark deadlines in Yemen at a glance
These rules come from Law No. 23 of 2010 on Trademarks and Geographical Indications, in the English text on WIPO Lex. The Regulations set many procedures, and the security and legal situation can affect how the registry works, so we confirm the current practice before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | Ten years from the date of payment of the fees for filing the registration request, renewable for one or more similar periods (Article 22). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The date of payment of the filing fees for the registration request (Article 22(1)). |
| When can I renew? | During the tenth year of the protection period the Administration informs the holder of the renewal deadline. The holder pays the prescribed fees and applies to the Registrar to renew within a year from the end of the protection period. The renewal or cancellation is published (Article 24). |
| Is there a grace period? | The Law allows renewal within a year from the end of the protection period. If that deadline passes, the competent Administration cancels the mark from the register (Article 24). |
| Opposition period | Any interested party can present a written, reasoned objection to the Registrar within ninety days of the announcement of the request. The Administration gives the applicant a copy, and the applicant must respond in writing within thirty days, or is deemed to have relinquished the request (Article 14). |
| Reply to an office action | An applicant can lodge a complaint against the Registrar's decision within thirty days of being informed, and can then appeal to the competent Tribunal within thirty days of the committee's decision (Articles 12 and 13). |
| Priority claim | The Law and its Regulations recognise priority from an earlier application in a Paris Convention state. We confirm the filing steps when we file. |
| Non-use | The Law deals with the consequences of non-use and protects the registered mark for the first five years after registration. We confirm the current non-use rules before advising on a cancellation action. |
| Assignment | Cessions, transfers, hypothecations, permits to use the mark, renewals and annulments are entered in the register (Article 20). |
Who can register a trademark in Yemen
A person or entity that uses or intends to use a mark can apply. The Law also covers collective marks and geographical indications.
Representation. We act as your agent before the Registrar. We confirm any local representation rule before filing.
Trademark registration process in Yemen
Search
- Search the the Yemeni Intellectual Property Protection Department (the Registrar) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Yemeni Intellectual Property Protection Department (the Registrar), through your Yemeni 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 the request is announced, any interested party can object in writing within ninety days. The applicant responds within thirty days (Article 14).
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 Yemeni Intellectual Property Protection Department (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.
Yemen trademark validity and renewal
- Protection lasts ten years from payment of the filing fees.
- Renew within a year from the end of the protection period.
- The Administration informs the holder in the tenth year.
- A mark not renewed in time is cancelled from the register.
Diarise the end of the ten years from the date the filing fees were paid.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Yemeni trademark
Register entries
Recorded
Cessions, transfers, permits to use and renewals are recorded in the register (Article 20).
Appeals
30 days
Complaints and appeals to the Tribunal have thirty-day periods (Articles 12 and 13).
Cancelled marks
Re-registration
A mark cancelled for non-renewal can only be registered by another party after the Law's waiting rule.
Announcement
Mass media
Announcements are made by the means defined in the Regulations (Article 13).
Non-use and cancellation of a Yemeni trademark
The Administration cancels a mark from the register if it is not renewed within the year after the end of the protection period (Article 24). Other cancellation grounds, including non-use, are set in the Law and the Regulations.
Keep dated proof of use in Yemen: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Yemen
Ask the Registrar for the register entry and check the announcement, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- Law No. 23 of 2010 on Trademarks and Geographical Indications (Yemen), English text on WIPO Lex: Articles 12 to 14, 20, 22 and 24.
- The Registrar for the Regulations, fees and forms.
Yemen trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Yemen, and from when?
Ten years from the date of payment of the fees for filing the registration request, renewable for one or more similar periods (Article 22). It counts from the date the filing fees are paid (Article 22).
When should I renew a Yemeni trademark, and is there a grace period?
During the tenth year of the protection period the Administration informs the holder of the renewal deadline. The holder pays the prescribed fees and applies to the Registrar to renew within a year from the end of the protection period. The renewal or cancellation is published (Article 24).
What is the opposition period in Yemen?
Any interested party can present a written, reasoned objection to the Registrar within ninety days of the announcement of the request. The Administration gives the applicant a copy, and the applicant must respond in writing within thirty days, or is deemed to have relinquished the request (Article 14).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Yemen?
The official fee is set by the the Yemeni Intellectual Property Protection Department (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 Yemen?
Yes. A foreign company can apply to register a mark in Yemen, normally through a local agent. We arrange this.
Can I assign a Yemeni trademark?
Cessions, transfers, hypothecations, permits to use the mark, renewals and annulments are entered in the register (Article 20).
Can a Yemeni trademark be cancelled for non-use?
The Law deals with the consequences of non-use and protects the registered mark for the first five years after registration. We confirm the current non-use rules before advising on a cancellation action.
How can I check the status of a Yemeni trademark?
Use the the Yemeni Intellectual Property Protection Department (the Registrar) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
The Law and its Regulations recognise priority from an earlier application in a Paris Convention state. We confirm the filing steps when we file.
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Yemeni Intellectual Property Protection Department (the Registrar) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Yemen
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Yemeni deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
