01
One product creates several rights
A name and logo, source code, technical solution, interface, packaging, documentation, database and confidential process require different tools. Before filing, prepare an IP map covering countries, owners and commercial uses.
- Brand
- Trade mark, trade name and domain
- Technology
- Patent, utility model or secrecy
- Appearance
- Industrial design
- Content
- Copyright and contractual chain
- Know-how
- Confidentiality, access and evidence
02
Clear the mark before market entry
Bahrain applies the GCC Trademarks Law approved by Law No. 6 of 2014 and amended by Law No. 3 of 2021, with procedures under Decision No. 65 of 2016. Review the word and device elements, Arabic rendering, classes, owner and conflicting signs before filing.
Registration of the Latin spelling alone may not address use or registration of another Arabic rendering of the brand.
03
National and international filing serve different goals
MOIC provides electronic filing and post-filing actions. For an international portfolio, compare the national route and Madrid Protocol, keeping the territories, base application, owner and goods aligned with the business.
04
Disclosure before filing can undermine the strategy
Patents and utility models are governed by Law No. 1 of 2004 as amended, including Law No. 14 of 2006, and 2018 implementing instruments. Before disclosure, review patentability, inventorship, entitlement, prior art, deadlines and a national or PCT route.
05
Product appearance is a separate asset
Law No. 6 of 2006 and Decision No. 1 of 2010 form the industrial-design framework. For packaging, products or interface elements, align the representation, novelty, owner, disclosure date and countries where protection is commercially useful.
06
Registration does not repair a broken chain of title
Employment and contractor agreements, briefs, acceptances, assignments, licences and corporate approvals should establish the applicant's title. In an acquisition, registry entries, domains, source code, renewals and encumbrances need separate review.
07
A licence connects the right to the revenue flow
Territory, field of use, exclusivity, sublicensing, quality control, royalties, tax, improvements, audit, termination and post-termination use must match registration and actual exploitation. Intragroup licensing also requires transfer-pricing and substance analysis.
08
Preserve evidence before sending a demand
Keep registry data, specimens of use, discovery dates, purchase trail, screenshots, source files, metadata and infringer details. Then select opposition, negotiation, platform action, administrative or judicial relief according to the right and facts.
FAQ
Bahrain IP questions
Should an Arabic version of the brand be filed?
That depends on use and clearance risk, but the Arabic rendering should always be searched and included in the filing strategy.
Is a Madrid Protocol filing available?
Bahrain participates in the Madrid Protocol; eligibility and dependence on the base application must be checked for the owner and portfolio.
Does a patent protect a business idea?
No. Patents concern technical solutions meeting legal criteria; the business model, code, brand and secrets require other tools.
Is an NDA enough for know-how?
No. Define the confidential information and combine access controls, technical measures, marking, copy controls and evidence of the protection regime.
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Related Bahrain routes
- Company registration
- Open route
- Contracts and international trade
- Open route
- Disputes and arbitration
- Open route