Intellectual Property
Kuwait is associated with World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) which makes it a signatory of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). In Kuwait, the intellectual property rights (IPR) are governed by a number of copyright and trademark laws introduced in 1999 and 2006.
The Implications of Intellectual Property Laws in Kuwait
Formerly, all matters of intellectual property were regulated by the old Intellectual Property Rights law (Law Number 64 of 1999). But the economic progression and changing nature of business demanded a more elaborate and structured law to protect intellectual property. Accordingly, the new law of Copyrights and Related Rights (Law Number 22 of 2016) was formulated which replaced the old law.
The new laws provided a reliable system to protect intellectual property in Kuwait. A series of other laws were also put into place in 2015 and 2016 which include Gulf Cooperation Council Trademark Law and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Both nationals of Kuwait and foreigners are covered under the law along with any author who chooses to release his work in Kuwait. The WIPO member states are also covered by the same laws and provisions. Article 3 of the 2016 Law defines the different types of properties that can be requested for protection while Article 4 presents a list of situations and circumstances when the regulations would not be applicable.
Any provision of the Old Law that does not conform to the New Law is considered void. The new provisions of the law have been developed to align with the international intellectual property standards.
Applying for patents and retaining its rights have been made simpler under the new laws. They also provide sufficient provisions for protecting copyright and trademark usage and can be used to tackle issues of counterfeit or piracy.
Sound Intellectual Property Consultation and Protection
Al Naqeeb and Partners is experienced in all domains of intellectual property rights and can provide comprehensive advice to clients on all related matters. We can help domestic and international companies apply for a patent and register them with necessary entities. The service also includes applying for trademarks and other copyright issues such as searching for brand names, slogans and so on.
Our lawyers can also pick out unauthorized use of our client’s patents or trademarks and advise the necessary course of action. We offer full consultation and assistance with all sorts of infringement such as piracy and counterfeiting and develop remedial actions such as filing of claims.
It is necessary to protect your intangible properties and they are contributing factors to a company’s reputation and brand value. With our help clients can safeguard their patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property and ensure their proper usage only by the authorized parties. We will keep track of any infringement and violation of copyright and bring it to the client’s notice.
Subsequently, we will also lay out the remedial course and help you file claims in the court. We always stay proactive and ensure the protection of our client’s intellectual properties.
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