Trademark applications in Kuwait are administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry – Trademark Department. The Registry is responsible for examining applications, publishing accepted marks, handling oppositions, and issuing registration certificates. Kuwait follows a single-class filing system, meaning a separate application is required for each class. Marks must be distinctive, non-descriptive, and not conflicting with earlier filed or registered marks. Certain goods are prohibited under Kuwaiti law (e.g., alcoholic beverages, pork-related goods)
Kuwait's trademark system is governed by Law No. 68 of 1964, administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) through its dedicated Trademark Department, and forms part of the GCC Trademark Law that applies uniformly across all six Gulf Cooperation Council member states. Kuwait has been a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) since 1998 and is a signatory to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, which allows applicants from member countries to claim six-month priority rights in Kuwait based on their first filing date abroad. Since Kuwait is a first-to-file jurisdiction, trademark rights are granted to the first party to register rather than the first party to use the mark, making early filing a critical step for any business entering the Kuwaiti market.
Trademark applications follow the Nice Classification System (11th Edition) under a single-class filing system, meaning each class of goods or services requires a separate application. Certain product categories are prohibited from registration under Sharia law, including alcoholic beverages under Classes 32 and 33 and pork-related goods. All marks must be filed in Arabic or accompanied by a certified Arabic transliteration, and the Power of Attorney must be legalised up to the Kuwaiti Consulate prior to submission.
Exclusive Rights: You gain the sole right to use your trademark for your specific goods/services in Kuwait, preventing unauthorised use.
Legal Enforcement: It gives you the power to file civil lawsuits and seek criminal charges against counterfeiters and infringers.
Monetary Compensation: You can claim financial damages for lost profits and reputational harm from infringement.
Nationwide Protection: Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Kuwait.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Kuwait.
Trademark applications are submitted electronically at the Kuwaiti Trademark Office (KTMO). Kuwait registry uses Nice Classification, 11th edition and registration of a trademark for certain goods or services in any class will provide complete coverage in the whole class and such coverage will in return provide full legal protection of the trademark in the effect that no other party can obtain registration of an identical mark or confusingly similar or any other item falling in the same class although they are not explicitly included in the application. New trademark applications can be filed electronically with a signed and sealed copy of POA, while the original legalized version must be submitted within 90 days from office action stipulating submission of same. Trademark Registration certificate will be issued only upon the submission of the original documents to the Kuwait trademark registry.
Examination of the application takes place within 30 days. There will be a formal examination to check the correctness of the documents followed by Substantive Examination which will evaluate the distinctiveness of the mark and checks for conflicts with prior registered or pending marks. Examinations are to be responded within 30 days.
If the application passes examination with no refusals, KTMO officially accepts it and the Applicant must pay publication fees within 30 days. The mark is then published in the Official Gazette for public inspection.
Once published, any third party may file opposition. The statutory opposition period is 60 days from the date of publication. If opposition is filed, procedures follow as per rules-objections, hearings, resolution. If no opposition or opposition resolved in favour of applicant, proceed to registration.
Registration fee to be paid after 60 days of publication and within 30 days. Once Registration fees is paid, the official Trademark Registration Certificate will be issued.
The protection is granted for a term of ten years, with the option to renew indefinitely in successive ten-year periods by paying the prescribed renewal fees.
In-depth legal search for potential conflicts in Kuwait.
Complete filing and application management for Kuwait trademarks.
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Kuwait trademark protection.
Continuous monitoring of Kuwait trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in Kuwait.
Expert guidance to license or expand your Kuwait brand.
| Service Description | Official Fee | Attorney Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trademark Search(optional) | 150 | -- | 150 |
| Registration(Filing to Registration) | 1030 | -- | 1030 |
Fees are indicative and subject to change. Contact us for the latest details.
**Last updated on: March 17, 2026
Time frame from filing a trademark application up to registration: 6-8 months
The protection is granted for a term of ten years, with the option to renew indefinitely in successive ten-year periods by paying the prescribed renewal fees.
We highly recommends Legacy Partners for trademark registration and IP protection services in Kuwait. Their knowledgeable team ensured accurate documentation, efficient trademark filing, and timely communication throughout the registration process. Their professionalism and commitment to protecting our brand made the entire experience smooth and hassle-free
Working with Legacy Partners for international trademark registration and brand protection services in Kuwait was a highly professional experience for MRA INTERNATIONAL. Their team demonstrated strong expertise in global trademark filing, intellectual property protection, and legal documentation support. We highly appreciate their prompt communication and reliable service throughout the process.
We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Kuwait. Their team provided excellent guidance throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring smooth documentation, timely updates, and professional support at every stage. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.
The validity of a trademark registration in Kuwait is 10 years from the filing date of the application.
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