Geographical Indications Law in Qatar
Qatar provides legal protection for Geographical Indications (GIs) under Law No. 9 of 2002, which governs trademarks, trade names, commercial indications, GIs, and industrial designs. This law is administered by the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry .
🇶🇦 Legal Framework for Geographical Indications in Qatar
1. Protection of Unregistered GIs:
Article 38 of Law No. 9 of 2002 stipulates that GIs are protected even without registration. This means that producers can prevent others from using GIs that may mislead the public regarding the origin of goods, even if the GI is not officially registered
2. Registration of GIs:
Article 40 allows any interested party—whether a natural or legal person—to apply for the registration of a GI to protect the origin of a specific product. However, registration does not grant exclusive rights; the GI may be used by others trading in that geographical origin, provided they comply with the established rules
3. Enforcement and Sanctions:
Under Article 47, individuals found guilty of counterfeiting or imitating a registered GI, or fraudulently using such a GI, may face imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of up to 20,000 Qatari Riyals. The court may also order the closure of the enterprise involved for a period ranging from 15 days to three months and the confiscation of equipment used in the infringement .
🌍 International Commitments
Qatar is a signatory to several international treaties that influence its approach to GIs:
TRIPS Agreement (WTO): Sets minimum standards for the protection of GIs.
Paris Convention: Provides a framework for the protection of industrial property, including GIs.
WIPO Convention: Establishes the World Intellectual Property Organization, promoting international cooperation in IP matters.
📌 Conclusion
Qatar's legal framework for GIs, as outlined in Law No. 9 of 2002, offers protection for both registered and unregistered GIs, allowing producers to safeguard the reputation and authenticity of their products. The law provides mechanisms for registration and enforcement, aligning with international standards to ensure the integrity of GIs in the market.
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