Trademarks Law in Syria
Here’s an overview of Trademarks Law in Syria:
Trademarks Law in Syria
Legal Framework
Trademark protection in Syria is governed by Law No. 33 of 1952 on Trademarks and its amendments.
Syria is a member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, which influences its trademark laws.
Syria is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, so international trademark registration is handled differently.
Competent Authority
The Ministry of Industry and the Department of Trademarks and Patents administer trademark registration and enforcement in Syria.
Key Features:
Definition of a Trademark
A trademark in Syria is any visible sign that distinguishes the goods or services of one enterprise from those of others, including words, letters, numbers, shapes, drawings, and combinations thereof.
Registration Process
Applications must be filed with the Department of Trademarks and Patents, including representation of the trademark and list of goods/services (classified by Syrian classification system).
The application undergoes a formal and substantive examination to ensure distinctiveness and no conflict with earlier marks.
Accepted marks are published in the official gazette for opposition.
Duration and Renewal
Trademark registration lasts 10 years from the filing date.
Registrations can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year terms upon payment of renewal fees.
Rights Conferred
Exclusive rights to use the trademark in Syria for the registered goods/services.
The owner can prevent unauthorized use and counterfeit products.
Grounds for Refusal
Trademarks lacking distinctiveness, descriptive or generic marks.
Marks that may deceive the public or are contrary to public order and morality.
Identical or confusingly similar to prior registered marks.
Opposition and Cancellation
Third parties may oppose registration within a set period after publication.
Registered marks may be canceled for non-use (after 5 years) or invalidity.
Infringement and Enforcement
Trademark infringement can be addressed through civil lawsuits and criminal penalties under Syrian law.
Customs authorities can assist in preventing the import/export of counterfeit goods.
International Protection
Syria follows the Paris Convention, allowing priority rights for foreign applicants who file in their home country first.
Since Syria is not part of the Madrid Protocol, international trademark applications must be filed separately in Syria.
Summary
Syria’s trademark law provides for registration and protection under national law administered by the Ministry of Industry. While aligned with the Paris Convention, Syria does not participate in the Madrid Protocol, so trademark protection requires direct national filings.
RELATED Blog
0 comments