Commerce Ministry highlights trademark compliance rules to protect IP rights, boost fair competition

Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has stressed the importance of complying with legal requirements when selecting, designing, and registering trademarks. Adhering to these regulations ensures the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights, reduces commercial disputes, and enhances consumer confidence and fair competition.Engineer Khalid bin Hamoud Al Hinai, Director of the National Intellectual Property Office at MoCIIP, emphasised that building a successful brand begins with verifying its legal eligibility for registration and protection. He noted that the Ministry continues to strengthen Oman's IP protection system and foster a culture of respect for brand ownership to support competitive local businesses. Key Trademark Regulations & Restrictions• Sovereign Symbols & Flags: The law strictly prohibits incorporating official flags, emblems, or sovereign symbols of countries and international organisations, or any imitations thereof, to prevent false suggestions of government affiliation or endorsement.• Geographical Names & Indications: Using country or region names is subject to strict rules to avoid misleading consumers regarding the origin or source of goods and services.• Historical Landmarks: Images of castles, forts, and historic sites are not absolutely banned, but acceptance depends on whether the overall design implies official government backing or includes protected elements.Preliminary Checks & Legal FrameworkGhalib bin Mohammed Al-Saidi, Head of the Trade Department at the Directorate in Musandam Governorate, urged business owners and designers to conduct preliminary legal research before filing. Early checks identify potential obstacles, saving time and avoiding the costs of redesigning brand identities after submission.MoCIIP clarified that trademark registration in Oman is governed by the GCC Trademark Law (Royal Decree No. 33/2017) and the Industrial Property Rights Law (Royal Decree No. 67/2008).Submitting an application does not guarantee automatic approval; all filings undergo strict examination. Once accepted, trademarks are published for a mandatory 60-day public objection period. Approved trademarks are protected for 10 years from the date of application and are renewable for similar terms.