DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad issued on March 12, 2007, Law No. 8 of 2007 for Distinctive Marks, Geographical Indications and Industrial Designs and Models.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the law, which will enter into force thirty days after its publication in the Official Gazette, was endorsed by the Syrian People’s Assembly on March 6.
According to the law, a trademark shall be registered if it is distinctive, as to words, letters, numbers, figures, colors, or other signs that are visually perceptible. The law provides protection for collective, certification and service marks, and recognizes well-known international trademarks even if they are not registered in Syria.
The law introduces the trademark opposition system, where a period of 90 days from the publication date will be given during which any third party can oppose the trademark application.
The law also brings in developments in the Intellectual Property (IP) field including, improved customs measures, a specialized court to settle IP cases and the regulation of IP agents in Syria.
With respect to the duration of protection, a registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of filing the application, renewable for similar consecutive periods. Non-use of the trademark for continuous three years without a legitimate reason makes it subject for cancellation by any interested person.
To guarantee that the rights of trademark owners are well protected, penalties for trademark infringements have been stiffened. Violators of the said law shall be penalized with imprisonment between 3 months and 3 years and/or a fine of $6,000 to $20,000.
In connection with the law, a new scale of official fees for the registration and maintenance of trademarks and industrial designs has been issued. Once the law is entered into force, the new rates will be applicable on all new applications filed with the Ministry of Economy and Trade.
The Implementing Regulations will be issued in the near future by the Syrian Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Lutfi.
It is noteworthy that filing of trademark and industrial design applications in Syria ceased on March 25, 2007, as per a decision by the Syrian Trademark Office excluding renewal and recordal applications. The cessation will apply until the new law enters into force.
In the meantime, the Trademark Office will be engaged in overhauling relevant administrative measures.