News & Insights

On 3 May 2024, Qatar signed on to the Madrid Agreement, and on 3 August 2024 will become the 115^th participant in the Madrid Protocol system for international trade mark registration.

The Madrid Protocol system allows for streamlined centralised filing of trade mark applications across multiple countries. It is not necessary to engage lawyers in each designated country at the time of filing, allowing some of the application costs to be deferred until later and in some countries saving overall costs. The Madrid system also involves significant cost savings when it comes to trade mark renewal.

Why Qatari trade marks matter to Australians

According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Qatar is a top-three trading partner for Australia in the Middle East and North Africa. Two-way trade in 2022 was worth AU$30.8 billion, growing at an annualised 7.7%.

Qatar is Australia’s 30^th largest export market. Australian exports to Qatar are primarily alumina, cereals, meat and engineering services, while Qatar exports aviation services, fertiliser and aluminium to Australia.

While Qatar on its own may not be Australia’s largest export market, Qatar joints Persian Gulf countries Bahrain, Iran, Oman and the UAE as Madrid Protocol members.  It means that particularly for those businesses already operating in the Persian Gulf region, expanding operations to Qatar is about to become easier.

If you already have a registration under the Madrid Protocol, you will be able to make an additional designation of Qatar, extending protection to Qatar.

The Macpherson Kelley IP team regularly assists its clients in protecting their trade marks internationally, including in a range of Persian Gulf countries.

The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.