Qatar Joins the Madrid System

On May 3, 2024, Qatar became the 115th member of the Madrid System by depositing its instrument of accession with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), expanding the cover of the Madrid International Trademark Registration System to a total of 131 countries.

The Madrid Protocol will enter into force in Qatar on August 3, 2024.

With this new accession, the majority of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are now members of the Madrid International Trademark System.

What is The Significance of Qatar's Accession to the Madrid System?

With this new accession, trademark holders in both Qatar and in other Madrid Member States will be able to enjoy the benefits of international trademark system in different ways.

Following August 3, 2024;

• Trademark holders in any of the Madrid Member States (including Turkey) will be able to designate Qatar in their international trademark applications.

• International trademark registration holders will be able to expand the geographical scope of their international trademark protection by subsequently designating Qatar without the need of filing a new application.

• Trademark holders in Qatar will be able to seek protection in up to a 130 member states by filing just one international application through the Madrid System.

Contact us if you would like to learn more about how you can benefit from Qatar's accession to the Madrid System.