Intellectual property refers to the intangible assets that a business entity holds. These properties play a significant role in developing and structuring the company brand. After setting up a company in Oman , registering for intellectual properties is a must. Now, when we talk about intellectual properties, it has been classified into four categories namely: Trademark, Trade Secrets, Patent, and Copyright. Each of them has got their way of protecting the intangible assets. In this article, you will read about the intellectual property services that one needs to build a business in Oman. Let’s get started.

Intellectual Property in Oman

With an area of over 0.3 million sq. Km. and a population of 3.6 million, Oman is a member of GCC and WTO. As a member of WTO, Oman is a party to TRIPS, which serves as an agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. The Sultanate implements its obligations under the treaties made over 2000 on patents, copyrights, neighbouring rights, trademarks, industrial designs, geographical indications, and semiconductor topographies. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry serves as the intellectual property office for the Sultanate. Let’s move on to the types of IP in Oman.

Trademark in Oman

A recognisable sign or a design that speaks on behalf of an organisation about itself and its products or service is known as a trademark. It must be unique and can’t be used by any other company. Over the time, a trademark ends up defining and communicating about the company. Omani companies are required to register for the mark with the Trademark Registry that serves for ten years.

Trade Secrets in Oman

Some manufacturing and production entities deal with specific processes, design, formula, commercial method etc. that are confidential, intangible instruments that serve an essential purpose in building an organisation. These instruments are known as trade secrets. The Sultanate of Oman has got industrial zones established for the manufacturing industries, which in turn needs to register their trade secrets accordingly.

Copyright in Oman

Oman is a member of the Berne Convention for Copyright, and has three international copyrights agreements:

• Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
• Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
• WIPO Copyright Treaty

The copyright in Oman is regulated by the Law of Protection of Copyright and Neighboring Rights. The Omani law grants exclusive economic rights to copyright holders such as:

• Right to reproduce work
• Right to translate, create different versions, rearrange them
• Right to rent the work for commercial purpose
• Right to perform the work to the public
• Right to broadcast the work

Patent in Oman

Just like the other IP categories, Patent also serves as a type of Intellectual property. It refers to the government authority or licenses that a patent owner obtains that offers him the exclusive rights to protect his creations. In Oman, the patent owner can hold the patent right for 20 years. The international agreements signed by Oman for patent protection are Paris Convention, PCT, and GCC.

Thus, we see that it turns out to be a significant step for the industrial segment as well as the business organisations to register for their intellectual property rights. Now, to proceed towards the registration step, it becomes tough to get well-versed with the nation’s legal framework. Choosing a professional expert at this point turns out to be a smart decision. Xcellence, one of the leading business consultants in Dubai, is whom you can count on. Our business advisors are well-versed with the Omani framework and will ease the process of availing the IP services for your business. To know more about the process to initiate, contact us today. We’d be happy to assist you.