Reviewed by Nour Saleem, Registered Trademark & Patent Agent and Dubai Courts IP expert · Last updated September 2026
Quick answer: There is no single GCC trademark. Each of the six Gulf countries registers trademarks separately, one class per application, for 10 years. Five of them (the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain) are in the Madrid System; Kuwait always needs a national filing.
GCC Trademark Registration Compared
| Country | Trademark office | Madrid System | Opposition | Official fees (1 class) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates | Ministry of Economy and Tourism | Yes (2021) | 30 days | AED 6,500 |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) | Yes (2026) | 60 days | SAR 6,500 + VAT |
| 🇶🇦 Qatar | Ministry of Commerce and Industry | Yes (2024) | 60 days | On request |
| 🇴🇲 Oman | Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion | Yes (2007) | 60 days | On request |
| 🇰🇼 Kuwait | Ministry of Commerce and Industry | No | After publication | On request |
| 🇧🇭 Bahrain | Ministry of Industry and Commerce | Yes (2005) | 60 days | On request |
National Filing or Madrid Designation?
For most brands entering the Gulf, a mix works best. National filings give you a local registration certificate, which some enforcement authorities and customs offices prefer. A Madrid designation can be cheaper when you are already filing in many countries worldwide. Kuwait always requires a national filing.
Planning a GCC Filing
- File early. Every GCC country is first-to-file, so the first applicant generally wins.
- Choose classes carefully. Each class is a separate application in each country, so class choice drives your budget.
- Prepare documents once. Several countries need a notarised and legalised power of attorney; Kuwait also needs legalisation at its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Check restricted goods. Marks for goods such as alcohol and pork products are refused in several GCC countries.
Country Guides
- 🇦🇪 Trademark registration in the UAE
- 🇸🇦 Trademark registration in Saudi Arabia
- 🇶🇦 Trademark registration in Qatar
- 🇴🇲 Trademark registration in Oman
- 🇰🇼 Trademark registration in Kuwait
- 🇧🇭 Trademark registration in Bahrain
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a single GCC trademark that covers all six countries?
No. Although the GCC countries share a common Trademark Law, there is no single GCC registration. You need a separate registration in each country, either by national filing or, where available, through the Madrid System.
Which GCC countries are in the Madrid System?
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain are Madrid members. Kuwait is the only GCC country outside the system, so it always needs a national filing.
Can one application cover several classes in the GCC?
Generally no. The GCC offices work on a one-class-per-application basis, so each class is a separate filing with its own fees.
How long is a trademark valid in the GCC?
10 years in each country, renewable for further 10-year periods.
Can NAS & Associates file in every GCC country from Dubai?
Yes. We file directly in the UAE and coordinate filings in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain through our network of associate agents, with one point of contact and one quotation.