In Lebanon, the rights to a trademark is given to the person or organization who uses it for the first time in the country. Although trademark registration is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended in practice to demonstrate indisputable ownership, avoid potential trademark ownership problems, and defend against trademark infringement allegations.
Trademark applications are filed with the Ministry of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Lebanon’s Trademark Section.
In order to register a trademark, it does not need to be in use in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s minimum filing requirements
In order to get the date of filing, the trademark application in Lebanon must include the following information:
– request to register a trademark, containing applicant details and type of industry practiced as well as the agent details;
– a brief description of the trademark and its representation;
– list of goods and services;
– Power of Attorney, legalized at Lebanese Consulate abroad and super legalized at the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the name of the signatory has to be mentioned);
– filing fee.
If priority is claimed, a certified copy of the priority document shall be issued together with an Arabic translation within three months of the filing date.
Examination, publication, and opposition to a trademark application
In Lebanon, trademark applications are examined for adherence to formal requirements as well as the presence of any absolute factors for refusal or invalidity. After a successful examination, an application is published in the Official Gazette and can be opposed.
Term of Validity and Renewal
The official filing fee includes the grant fee. A trademark’s validity duration in Lebanon is 15 years from the date of registration, and it can be renewed for the next 15 years by filing a renewal request within 12 months of the due date or within 3 months of its expiration by paying a surcharge.
Use requirement
The use of a trademark is not required in Lebanon.
Representation by a trademark attorney
It is advised that foreign applicant(s) should be represented by a local agent and a licensed Lebanese trademark attorney.