Trademarks Law in Lebanon
Trademark Law in Lebanon
1. Legal Framework
Trademark protection in Lebanon is governed by:
Trademark Law No. 57/2001 (enacted in 2001)
Administered by the Ministry of Economy and Trade – Intellectual Property Directorate
Lebanon is a member of international treaties such as:
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
TRIPS Agreement
Madrid Protocol (not yet ratified by Lebanon, so no Madrid international applications accepted)
2. What Can Be Registered as a Trademark?
Under Lebanese law, trademarks can include:
Words, letters, numerals
Logos, symbols, designs
Shapes, colors, combinations thereof
Any sign capable of graphical representation that distinguishes goods or services
Marks must be distinctive and not deceptive or contrary to public order or morality.
3. Trademark Registration Process
Filing Authority: Ministry of Economy and Trade – Intellectual Property Directorate
Process:
Application Filing with representation of the mark and list of goods/services.
Formal Examination for completeness.
Substantive Examination for distinctiveness and conflicts.
Publication in the Official Gazette.
Opposition Period: 60 days from publication.
Registration if no opposition or after opposition is resolved.
4. Duration and Renewal
Trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date.
Renewable indefinitely for successive 10-year terms.
Renewal must be requested within 6 months before expiration or within a 6-month grace period (with surcharge).
5. Rights Conferred
Exclusive right to use the mark in Lebanon on the registered goods/services.
Right to prevent unauthorized use or confusingly similar marks.
Right to license, assign, or transfer the trademark.
6. Infringement and Enforcement
Trademark infringement involves unauthorized use or imitation that causes confusion.
Enforcement includes:
Civil lawsuits seeking injunctions and damages.
Administrative actions.
Criminal penalties in cases of counterfeiting.
7. International Protection
Lebanon has not ratified the Madrid Protocol, so international trademark applications cannot designate Lebanon via Madrid.
Lebanon recognizes priority claims under the Paris Convention.
Foreign applicants must file directly in Lebanon or through local agents.
Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Trademark Law No. 57/2001 |
| Registration Authority | Ministry of Economy and Trade – IP Directorate |
| Protection Duration | 10 years, renewable indefinitely |
| Opposition Period | 60 days after publication |
| Madrid Protocol Member | ❌ No |
| International Treaties | Paris Convention, TRIPS |
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