by husain abdulelah 26, April 2024 | Last update 26, April 2024
Trademark in Bahrain
Trademarks are distinct words, names, symbols, and logos that serve as an identity for your company or brand in the global marketplace.
Registered Trademarks in Bahrain is considered an important element in the world of business and commerce. The brand plays a crucial role in enhancing the identity of a product or service and differentiating it from competitors. Here is an overview of the brand in Bahrain and its significance.
The brand in Bahrain is one of the fundamentals of success and competitiveness in the market. The brand significantly contributes to building trust and loyalty among customers, as they recognize the product or service through the brand and evaluate it based on its reputation and quality. The brand reflects the values, vision, and personality of the company or institution, and it helps in building a positive image and establishing a strong presence in the market.
Bahraini brands work towards promoting national identity and belonging, as they are designed to reflect Bahraini culture, heritage, and values. With the advancements in technology and social media, Bahraini brands today can reach a global audience and interact with them, contributing to enhancing Bahrain’s position as an important business destination in the region.
The Bahraini government encourages and supports local brands by providing a supportive business environment and facilitations for startups and small and medium enterprises. They also offer support through educational and training programs to raise awareness about the importance of branding and develop management and marketing skills.
Bahraini brands stand out for their diversity and innovation, as many young individuals and innovators work on developing new and innovative brands in various sectors such as technology, hospitality, fashion, and culture. These brands are known for their quality, innovation, and visionary approach, attracting customers and contributing to their sustainable success and growth.
refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. Here are the main types of intellectual property:
Patents – Protect inventions and improvements to existing inventions.
Trademarks – Protect brand names, slogans, and logos used in commerce.
Copyrights – Protect original works of authorship, such as books, music, and movies.
Trade Secrets – Protect confidential business information that provides a competitive edge.
Industrial Design Rights – Protect the visual design of objects that are not purely utilitarian.
Geographical Indications – Protect names that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g. Champagne, Bordeaux).
Each type of IP rights has its own criteria and duration of protection, tailored to the specific nature and function of the creation.
Trademark registration in Bahrain
1. Trademark Search: Conduct a trademark search to ensure that your proposed trademark is unique and does not infringe on existing trademarks.
2. Trademark Application: Submit a trademark application to the Industrial Property Directorate of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism in Bahrain. The application should include details such as the trademark design, description of goods and services, and your contact information.
3. Examination: The Industrial Property Directorate will examine your application to check if it meets the necessary requirements. If there are any issues, you may be asked to make amendments.
4. Publication: Once your trademark application is accepted, it will be published in the Official Gazette to allow for any oppositions from third parties.
5. Registration: If there are no oppositions or if they are resolved in your favor, your trademark will be registered, and you will receive a certificate of registration.
6. Renewal & trademark fees: Trademarks in Bahrain are valid for 10 years and can be renewed for further periods upon payment of the renewal fee.
Bahrain Trademark law
The trademark law in Bahrain is governed by the Law No. 6 of 2003 on Trademarks and Geographical Indications. Here are some key points regarding trademark law in Bahrain:
– Trademark Eligibility: In Bahrain, trademarks can be registered for words, names, symbols, logos, devices, or any combination thereof that are distinctive and capable of distinguishing the goods/services of one entity from another.
– Registration Procedure: To register a trademark in Bahrain, applicants must file an application with the Industrial Property Directorate of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism. The application should include details of the trademark, the applicant’s details, and a list of goods/services for which the trademark will be used.
– Examination: The Industrial Property Directorate examines trademark applications to ensure compliance with the law and determine if the trademark is distinctive and not similar to existing trademarks.
– Publication and Opposition: Accepted trademark applications are published in the Official Gazette to allow interested parties to oppose the registration within a specified period. If no opposition is filed or if opposition is unsuccessful, the trademark proceeds to registration.
– Duration and Renewal: Trademarks in Bahrain are initially valid for ten years from the filing date and can be renewed for further periods of ten years each upon payment of the renewal fee.
– Enforcement: Trademark owners in Bahrain have the right to enforce their trademarks against infringement, unauthorized use, or passing off by third parties. Legal remedies such as damages, injunctions, and seizure of counterfeit goods are available to protect trademark owners.
It is advisable to consult with a trademark power of attorney or IP professional familiar with Bahrain’s trademark laws to guide you through the registration process and ensure compliance with the requirements.
Benefits of register a trademark in Bahrain
1. Legal Protection: Registering a trademark provides legal protection for your brand, preventing others from using a similar mark for similar goods or services. This helps in avoiding infringement issues and protects your brand’s reputation.
- Exclusive Rights: Trademark registration grants you exclusive rights to use the registered mark in Bahrain for the specified goods or services. This gives you a competitive edge in the market and distinguishes your products/services from competitors.
- Asset Value: A registered trademark can be a valuable asset for your business. It can increase the value of your brand and be a significant intangible asset that can be licensed, franchised, or sold.
- Market Recognition: A registered trademark helps in creating brand recognition and loyalty among consumers. It distinguishes your products/services from others in the market and builds trust with customers.
- Legal Recourse: In case of trademark infringement, having a registered trademark in Bahrain gives you legal grounds to take action against infringers. You can seek damages, injunctions, and other legal remedies to protect your brand.
- Global Expansion: Trademark registration in Bahrain can also serve as a basis for expanding your brand internationally through the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks.
Documents Required
- Power of Attorney – Appointing us to act and apply on your behalf.
- Copy of Passport of the Applicant(s).
- Copy of Trade License – In case of Corporate Application.
- Artwork of the Brand Name or Logo.
In summary, the brand plays a crucial role in Bahrain in promoting national identity and reflecting Bahraini values and culture. The brand contributes to building trust and loyalty among customers and helps achieve competitiveness in the local and global markets. The Bahraini government also supports local brands by providing support and facilitations. Bahraini brands are known for their diversity and innovation across various sectors, contributing to enhancing Bahrain’s position as a leading business destination in the region , registering a trademark in Bahrain provides you with essential legal protections, brand recognition, and market advantages that are crucial for the success and growth of your business.