Trademark Registration in Oman

In Oman, trademark registration is mandatory in order to obtain rights over a trademark, as it is a “first to file” jurisdiction. Only in some exceptional cases can an unregistered trademark be protected. Trademark applications must be filed with the commercial sector of the Directorate General of Commerce MOCI.

Trademarks can only be registered in the name of a company; it is not possible to register a trademark in the name of an individual.

Oman is also a member state of the Madrid Protocol, so an international registration can be extended to Oman via the Madrid System. We offer trademark filing through the Madrid System.

It is not necessary for a trademark to be in use in Oman in order for it to register, although prior use may help to overcome objections based on lack of distinctiveness by proving that the mark has acquired distinctiveness.

If you register a combined trademark (word + figurative elements) in Oman, the exclusive right is limited to using the mark in the exact configuration in which it was filed and registered. If you wish to use the word element separately from the logo (or vice versa), it is advisable to file an additional trademark covering only the elements you want to use and protect independently.

To register a trademark in Oman, you will generally need:

• Original Power of Attorney, signed, notarized, and legalized by Apostille or before the Consulate of Oman.
• The name or logo you want to register
• The applicant’s details

Your iGERENT consultant will confirm the exact requirements for your case and guide you through each step.

The average application process takes 4 months.

This is an estimated process time for straightforward cases based on current timeframes for applications. It may vary considerably.

Registered trademarks in Oman have a validity of 10 years from the application date.

They can be renewed indefinitely for additional periods of ten (10) years. Renewal can be requested:

• Within twelve (12) months before the expiration date, and
• Up to the last day of the month in which the trademark expires.

After this, there is a grace period of six (6) months during which the trademark can still be renewed, subject to payment of a late renewal fee.

Yes. If a third party attempts to register a mark that includes a primary or distinctive part of your trademark for similar goods or services, you have the right to oppose the application based on confusing similarity.

Opposition actions may be filed by third parties within ninety (90) days from the date on which the trademark application is published in the official gazette of Oman. The probabilities of success will depend on the circumstances of each case.

A trademark does not have to be in use in order to be registered in Oman.

However, if the trademark goes unused for a period of three (3) consecutive years after registration, it becomes vulnerable to cancellation actions based on lack of use. Actual commercial use of the mark is therefore important to maintain the registration in force in case of challenge.