Industrial Designs Law in Oman
Here’s an overview of the Industrial Designs Law in Oman:
Industrial Designs Law in Oman
1. Legal Framework
Industrial designs in Oman are governed by Royal Decree No. 67/2008 issued under the Industrial Property Law, specifically covering industrial designs.
The law is administered by the Oman Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Industrial Property Department.
Oman is a member of international treaties including the Paris Convention and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
2. Definition and Protection
An industrial design protects the appearance of a product or part of a product — including lines, contours, colors, shape, texture, or materials.
Protection applies only to new designs that have not been disclosed publicly anywhere before the filing date.
The design must have an individual character or originality.
3. Registration Procedure
Designs are registered by filing an application with the Industrial Property Department of Oman.
The application must include clear representations (drawings, photographs) of the design.
The office conducts a formal examination; there is no substantive examination regarding novelty or originality.
Upon successful registration, the design is published in the official gazette.
4. Term of Protection
The initial protection term is 5 years from the filing date.
Protection can be renewed in 5-year increments for a maximum total of 15 years.
5. Rights Conferred
The registered design owner has the exclusive right to use the design and to prevent third parties from producing, selling, or importing products that incorporate the protected design without permission.
6. International Treaties and Cooperation
Oman is a party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
Oman complies with TRIPS Agreement standards.
Oman is not a member of the Hague Agreement on industrial designs, so international registration through WIPO is not currently possible for Oman.
Oman is not a member of the GCC Patent Office, so industrial design protection is national only.
7. Enforcement
Design right infringement cases are heard in Omani courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, seizure and destruction of infringing goods.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Royal Decree No. 67/2008 (Industrial Property Law) |
| Registration Authority | Oman Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Industrial Property Dept.) |
| Examination | Formal examination only |
| Protection Term | 15 years (initial 5 years + two renewals of 5 years) |
| International Treaties | Paris Convention, TRIPS |
| Hague Agreement Member? | No |
| Enforcement | Courts; injunctions, damages, seizure, destruction |
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