The President of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh, has issued the new Trade Names Law No. 20 of 2003 on March 5th. As of this date, the Law shall go into effect, and shall be published in the Official Gazette.
The new Law consists of four chapters. The first chapter deals with the definitions related to the law as well as stating its objectives, which are as follows:
- To regulate the registration and protection of registered trade names.
- To differentiate between the name of one merchant and another and protecting them from the danger of similarity of the trade names and at the same time to protect the public who deal with them.
- Not to repeat the similar or identical names with the registered trade names according to this Law.
- To set down the conditions and the regulating procedures to the priority of ownership of the trade name in relation to use, registration and protection.
The second chapter examines thoroughly trade names for both individuals and companies. It states clearly all conditions required to grant a trade name for individuals and companies of different types such as partnerships, limited partnerships, joint-stock company, and limited liability companies.
Chapter three examines details pertaining to the registration of trade names, stating the names that cannot be registered as trade names and the validity of registration. The chapter also states the type of protection granted to trade names according to this Law in addition to the disposal of trade names.
Chapter four lays down the penalties imposed on the infringers of trade names. It also states final and general provisions related to trade names.
AGIP/Yemen