English
The “first to file” principle is applicable in Bahrain. Registration is mandatory in order to secure trademark rights.
The national office for trademark registration is not accessible online.
No. The applicant is not required to use the mark or to have intention to use the mark prior to filing of application.
Yes. Opposition to trademark application is available based on the following reasons:
- Earlier registered right or proprietary right
- Descriptive, misleading, functional, deceptive, or generic mark
- Use of religious symbols
- Non-distinctive mark
- Violation of right to a personal name
- Violation of rights under Article 6bis, Article 6ter, Article 6septies, and Article 8 of the Paris Convention
- Marks that are against moral principles
- Marks that are contrary to public order
- Use of degree of honour without proof of eligibility
- Use of third party photos, names or logos without written consent
- Use of geographic indication
- Application in bad faith
Any interested party or aggrieved person may oppose an application or registration.
Yes. Registration for a trademark can be cancelled on these grounds:
- Proprietary rights
- Personal name rights
- Article 6ter of the Paris Convention
- Article 6septies of the Paris Convention
- Article 8 of the Paris Convention
- Generic mark
- Non-distinctive mark
- Misleading or deceptive mark
- Functional mark
- Descriptive mark
- Mark with geographical indication
- Marks that are against principles of morality
- Marks that contradict public order
Yes. The following rights are obtained by the trademark owner after registration:
- Exclusive right to use the mark
- Right to appeal against subsequent conflicting applications
- Right to appeal for the cancellation of later conflicting registrations
- Right to file a legal case against third parties for infringement
- Right to demand for compensation from third parties for infringing the mark
- Right to appeal for seizure of counterfeit goods
The opposition period starts on the Gazette publication date and will end 60 days after that date.
Yes. Bahrain is a signatory of the Madrid Protocol.
No. Period statements of use and other similar documentations are not required.