Trademark Registration in Lebanon

Why and How to Register a Trademark in Lebanon

The rights to a trademark in Lebanon are granted to the person or company that first uses it in this territory. Although registration is not mandatory, in practice it is highly recommended in order to demonstrate clear ownership, prevent future conflicts regarding ownership of the trademark and in order to defend against cases of trademark infringement.

In Lebanon, trademark applications are filed with the Trademark section of the Ministry of Economy & Trade of the Republic of Lebanon.

It is not necessary for a trademark to be in use in Lebanon in order for it to register.

If you register a combined trademark (which includes both word elements and figurative elements) in Lebanon, the exclusive right to use the trademark is limited to a use of the trademark in the exact configuration or way in which it was filed and registered. If you wish to use the word element of your trademark separately from the logo (or vice versa), it is recommended you register for another trademark including only the word or figurative elements you wish to use and protect separately.

Nevertheless, if a third party eventually intends to register or use a trademark for similar goods or services that includes a primary or distinct part or portion of your trademark, you will have the right to take legal actions in order to prevent this.

In Lebanon, opposition actions before registration are not possible. However, during five (5) years after registration, cancellation actions may be filed against a trademark by third parties, based on previously registered similar or identical trademarks. The probabilities of success of such cancellation actions will vary in each case depending on the circumstances.

In Lebanon there is no need to use a trademark in order to maintain its protection. Cancellation actions based on lack of use are not available in this jurisdiction.

Registered trademarks in Lebanon have a validity of fifteen (15) years from the application date and can be renewed indefinitely for further periods of fifteen (15) years. The renewal can be requested within twelve (12) months before the expiration date. After this, there is a grace period of three (3) months during which the trademark can still be renewed, upon payment of a late renewal fee.

For trademark search reports the trademark must be in Latin alphabet and will only consider other trademarks in Latin alphabet. If you wish for a search for a trademark written in the local writing system (Arabic) and that includes results of trademarks in the local alphabet (Arabic), please contact us. Additional fees will apply.

If you would like for the figurative or design elements of your trademark to be considered when assessing your trademark for registration in Lebanon (Trademark Search Report), contact us directly in order to determine if we may be able to offer this in this jurisdiction. In such cases, prices for service and estimated delivery times may vary.