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The Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (‘MOCI’) has officially announced that the Industrial Property Office located at the Ministry’s headquarters has begun accepting applications for industrial designs and models.
Qatar
Intellectual Property
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The Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry (‘MOCI’) has officially
announced that the Industrial Property Office located at the
Ministry’s headquarters has begun accepting applications for
industrial designs and models.
This marks a major milestone in Qatar’s intellectual
property system, as design filings were not previously available in
the country despite the enactment of Law No. 10 of 2020 on the
Protection of Industrial Designs and Models. Until now, right
holders could only rely on indirect or temporary protection
measures such as cautionary notices in local newspapers, 3D trade
mark filings (often refused) or copyright registration for
qualifying designs.
Background
Although the law was passed in 2020 and the implementing
regulations were later issued under Ministerial Decision No. 129 of
2024 (published in March 2025), the absence of a designated
Industrial Designs Office delayed implementation. The recent
circular confirms that this new office is now fully operational and
ready to receive design applications.
Filing Procedure
Applications must be submitted physically at the MOCI
headquarters, with fees payable at the reception desks upon filing.
Required forms, documents and the official classification are
available on the MOCI website under the Intellectual Property
Rights Protection Department’s transaction forms, available
here: E-Services
Key Documentary Requirements
As per the executive regulations, each design application must
include:
- Power of Attorney (‘POA’) legalized up to Qatar
Consulate/authenticated - Details of the inventor (name, nationality, address, and ID
proof) - Details of the applicant/assignee (if different from
inventor)
Examination, Publication & Term of
Protection
No formal guidance has yet been issued regarding examination,
though it is expected to be formalities examination only (similar
to other GCC jurisdictions). Accepted designs will be published as
per Articles 14–18 of the executive regulations. The
protection term is five years from the filing date, renewable twice
for the same term, allowing for a maximum of 15 years of
protection.
Practical Outlook
At present, filings are manual, though MOCI has indicated that
electronic filing capability is in development. The best way to
gauge the process in practice will be through actual filing
experience with the newly established office, as its operations and
examination process take shape.
We will continue to monitor developments closely and share
further updates as new guidance or practical insights become
available.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
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