Qatar Announces New PTO Regulations

The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) in Qatar has unveiled notable updates to the validation of power of attorney (POA) documents, alongside a series of fee reductions designed to boost efficiency and attract investment.

Validation of Power of Attorney Documents

Circular No. 5/2024 introduces significant changes to the validation process for POA documents:

• Validity Period: POAs will now be valid for a maximum of three years.
• Legalization: POAs issued outside Qatar must undergo a legalization process, first through the Qatari Consulate in the issuing country and then through the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This “super legalization” ensures compliance with Qatari legal standards.
• Sworn Translation: POAs must be accompanied by a sworn translation from an accredited translation office.

Key Changes and Fee Adjustments

Ministerial Decision No. 60 for 2024 brings about fee reductions for patents and industrial designs, effective July 11, 2024. These changes aim to enhance procedural efficiency. Key adjustments include:

• Patent Fees: The revised filing and examination fees for patents are now payable at the time of filing. Publication and grant fees are payable upon acceptance. These fees will be consolidated into a single item instead of being separate as before.
• Other Adjusted Fees: Reductions apply to fees related to patent registration, technical examination, patent grant and publication, and technical search requests.

These updates reflect Qatar’s commitment to streamlining processes and fostering a more investor-friendly environment.