English
The average time frame for the registration approval is 10 months, if no objections or oppositions arise.
The territorial limit of registration is the territories of Jordan.
A power of attorney is required to complete the application process.
- Pre-filing use may demonstrate acquired distinctiveness
- Pre-filing use may help overcome an opposition on the grounds of non-distinctiveness
If a trademark has not been used within three consecutive years from the filing date, it becomes vulnerable to cancellation.
- names
- words
- colours
- slogans
- holograms
- devices
- trade dress/get-up
- certain three-dimensional shapes
- collective marks
- certification marks
- service marks
The order of the application process is as follows:
- Examination of the application on the basis of:
- formalities
- classification
- clarity
- descriptiveness
- distinctiveness
- deceptiveness
- conflict with prior registration
- Publication of the application particulars:
- mark
- name of applicant
- address of applicant
- state or country of incorporation of applicant
- citizenship of applicant
- application number
- application date
- goods/services
- priority claim information
- representation of trademark
- conditions or limitations to the registration
- Registration
- generic terms
- non-distinctive marks
- names, symbols or flags of states, regions, nations or of international organizations
- marks that function principally as surnames
- marks that resemble the emblem of the Crown or royal crests
- the word “royal” or any other words, symbols or characters that may lead to the belief that the applicant enjoys royal patronage
- marks that are similar to the:
- Red Cross
- Red Crescent
- Geneva Cross
- marks that contain the picture or name of a third party without consent
- marks that function principally as geographic location names
- marks contrary to moral standards or public order
- marks that include the following words and expressions:
- “patent”
- “patented”
- “by royal patent”
- “registered design”
- “copyright”
- “counterfeiting is forgery”
- or similar words or expressions
- marks that lead to the deception the public
- marks that encourage unfair trading competition
- marks that contain false indications as to their real origin
- marks that are identical or similar to any emblem of religious significance
Jordan uses the Nice Classification System.
Jordan does not follow the European Union Trade Mark registration which is formerly known as the Community Trade Mark registration.
Priority application can be claimed if:
- the applicant's home country is a member of the Paris Convention
- the home application was filed within six months prior to the application in Jordan
- the applicant's home country is a member of the World Trade Organization
To satisfy the use requirement, the amount of use must be on a commercial scale and must occur in Jordan.
The initial term of a registration is 10 years calculated from the application date. If a priority application was claimed, this date will be followed.
The first renewal date of a registration is 10 years from the application filing date. If a priority application was claimed, this date will be followed.
It is legally permitted to use an unregistered mark for any goods or services.
Registration is a requirement to establish rights in a trademark. Jordan follows the "first to file" rule. However, the first-to-use principle is still recognized in courts.
The national office is accessible online at the following URL: http://www.mit.gov.jo.
Neither actual use nor intent to use is required for application.
The following can be grounds for opposition:
- breach of copyright
- proprietary rights
- the mark is functional
- the mark is descriptive
- the mark is generic
- the mark is not distinctive
- notorious or well-known mark
- the mark is misleading, deceptive or disparaging
- protection of armorial bearings, flags and other State emblems
- registration in the name of the agent or representative of the owner of the mark
- trade names
- rights in a personal name
- registered design rights
- the mark consists of a geographical indication
- the mark is against public policy or principles of morality
- the mark resembles the emblem of the Crown or royal crests
- the word “royal” or any other words, characters or symbols that may lead to the belief that the applicant enjoys royal patronage
- the mark is similar or identical to the:
- Red Crescent
- Red Cross
- Geneva Cross
- the mark contains the picture or name of a third party, unless the third party's consent has been previously obtained
- the mark includes the following words and expressions:
- “patent”
- “patented”
- “by royal patent”
- “registered design”
- “copyright”
- “counterfeiting is forgery”
- or similar words or expressions
- the mark leads to the deception of the public
- the mark encourages unfair trading competition
- the mark is identical to any emblem of religious significance
- the mark contains false indications as to its real origin
Anyone may oppose an application.
The following can be grounds for cancellation:
- proprietary rights
- breach of copyright
- the mark is generic
- the mark is descriptive
- the mark is not distinctive
- the mark is functional
- rights in a personal name
- registered design rights
- rights under Article 6 septies of the Paris Convention
- rights under Article 6ter of the Paris Convention
- rights under Article 8 of the Paris Convention
- rights under Article 6bis of the Paris Convention
- the mark consists of a geographical indication
- the mark is against public policy or principles of morality
- the mark is misleading, deceptive or disparaging
The following rights are established by registration:
- the exclusive right to use the registered trademark
- the right to object to a later conflicting application
- the right to file for a cancellation action against a later conflicting registration
- the right to file an infringement case against third parties for using a confusingly similar mark
- the right to license other third parties to use the trademark
- the right to request for counterfeit goods to be seized by customs authorities
- the right to obtain damages for infringement
The opposition period begins on the date of publication of the application in the official gazette.
The opposition period ends three months from the publication of the application in the official gazette.
Jordan is not a party to either the Madrid Agreement or the Madrid Protocol. International applications may not be designated in this jurisdiction.
Periodic statements of use are not required.
Subsequent renewals last for a period of 10 years from the renewal date of the registration.
The first renewal date of a registration is 10 years from the application filing date. If a priority application was claimed, this date will be followed.
A power of attorney is required.
The grace period after the renewal date has expired is 12 months.