Trademark Registration in Bahrain | Costs, Process & Requirements

Trademark registration in Bahrain protects your brand from competitors stealing your ideas. Many business owners worry about losing their valuable brand names. They fear someone else might copy their logos or company names. This complete guide solves these problems with simple, clear steps. You will discover precisely how to protect your brand legally.

Business owners lose millions when competitors steal their brands. Without proper protection, anyone can copy your logo or name. Your customers get confused about which business is real. This damages your reputation and significantly reduces your profits.

This blog post provides everything you need for a successful trademark registration. We explain the exact costs, which total BHD 684 per class. You will learn the step-by-step process through MOIC’s Industrial Property Directorate. By the end, you will know exactly how to register your trademark successfully.

Trademark Registration in Bahrain

Clear government rules and procedures govern trademark protection in Bahrain. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism handles all applications. Understanding these basics helps you make smart decisions about your brand. The Industrial Property Directorate processes over 8,000 applications yearly.

What is a Trademark in Bahrain?

A trademark is any sign that makes your business different. It can be words, logos, colors, or even sounds. The Bahrain trademark law protects these signs for a period of ten years. Legislative Decree No. 11 of 2006 governs all trademark rules.

Your trademark must be unique and not copy others. It should help customers recognize your products or services. Generic words like “restaurant” or “phone” cannot be trademarks. Descriptive terms also face rejection during examination processes.

Legal Framework of Trademark Registration in Bahrain

The trademark registration in Bahrain closely follows international best practices. The GCC Trademarks Law was adopted by Law No. 6 of 2014. The law establishes the same protection as for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The system used also establishes uniform rules within the region. 

Who Can Register Trademarks in Bahrain?

Bahraini Nationals and Residents:

• Apply directly to the Industrial Property Directorate.
• Submit applications without needing representatives.
• Use a simple online e-services portal.
• Pay lower processing fees.
• Get faster response times.

Foreign Applicants:

• Must use authorized IP registration agents.
• Cannot file applications directly.
• Need a power of attorney with consular legalization.
• Require additional documentation and fees.
• Face longer processing timelines.

Foreign businesses need local representation for good reasons. Authorized agents are familiar with local procedures and language requirements. They handle official correspondence and government communications. This ensures compliance with all legal requirements.

Types of Trademarks You Can Register

Bahrain accepts various types of trademark registrations. The system follows the international Nice Classification standards. Each type offers specific protection for different business needs.

Traditional Marks

• Word marks (company names, slogans).
• Logo marks (symbols, designs).
• Combined marks (words plus logos).
• Number and letter combinations.

Non-Traditional Marks

• Sound marks and smell marks.
• 3D shapes and packaging designs.
• Color combinations.
• Signatures and characters.
• Motion marks and holograms.

Service Marks vs. Trademarks

Service marks protect services, such as non-profit consulting or banking. Trademarks protect tangible products, like clothing or electronics. Both follow identical registration procedures and offer equal protection. You select one based on how your business generates revenue.

Complete Document Requirements

Documentation requirements vary significantly between applicant types. Proper preparation prevents delays and rejection notices. Missing documents cause automatic application suspension.

Documents for Bahraini Nationals

Required Documents Include:

• Completed trademark application form (Arabic or English).
• High-resolution trademark image (minimum resolution of 300 DPI).
• Detailed description of goods and services description.
• Applicant identification documents.
• Commercial registration certificate.

Additional Considerations:

• Images must clearly and completely display trademarks.
• Descriptions cannot exceed 100 words per class.
• Arabic translations may be required.
• All signatures must be original.

Documents for Foreign Applicants

Essential Documentation Includes:

• Power of attorney (notarized and legalized).
• Company incorporation certificate with an apostille.
• Home country registration proof.
• Authorized agent appointment letter.
• Detailed business description.

Legalization Process Steps:

• Notarize documents in the home country.
• Apostille certification from the government.
• Bahraini consular legalization.
• Arabic translation by certified translators.
• Final submission through authorized agents.

Trademark Registration Cost in Bahrain

Understanding costs helps you plan your trademark budget properly. Bahrain’s fees have increased significantly in recent years. Here’s the complete breakdown of all expenses you’ll face.

Official Government Fees

Fee Type	Amount (BHD)	When Paid
Filing Fee	100	At application
Registration Certificate	500	After approval
Publication Fee	84	During process
Total Official Cost	684	Per class

Renewal and Maintenance Costs

The trademarks last for ten years after the filing date, and renewal extends protection for another 10 years. Planning prevents unexpected expenses.

• Renewal Fee: BHD 550-684.
• Grace Period Renewal: Additional 25% penalty.
• Late Renewal Deadline: Six months after expiration.
• Restoration After Cancellation: BHD 1,000+ plus lawyer’s fees.

Step-by-Step Process of Trademark Registration in Bahrain 

The trademark registration process follows government procedures. There are deadlines and requirements for each step of the process. Missing one step can cause delays in processing or result in the denial of your application to register. It is essential to have professional assistance to get through the process smoothly. 

Step 1: Conduct a Comprehensive Trademark Search

Before filing a trademark application, you should search the registry for existing trademarks. This prevents conflicts with registered marks. The Industrial Property Directorate maintains searchable databases. Professional searches provide more accurate results. 

Search Covers:

• Identical and similar marks.
• Same goods and services classes.
• Arabic and Latin alphabet variations.
• Well-known international marks.
• Pending applications and registrations.

Search Strategies Include:

• Exact word matching.
• Phonetic similarity checking.
• Visual design comparison.
• Meaning and translation analysis.
• Industry-specific conflict assessment.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Document preparation varies based on your location and status. Accuracy prevents delays and additional costs.

For Bahraini Nationals:

• Completed application form.
• Clear trademark image (JPG/PNG format).
• Detailed goods/services description (100 words maximum).
• Valid identification documents.
• Commercial registration proof.

For Foreign Applicants:

• Power of attorney (notarized and legalized).
• Company incorporation certificate.
• Home country registration proof.
• Apostille certification for all documents.
• Authorized agent appointment.

Step 3: File Your Application

Submit applications through MOIC’s online e-services portal. The system provides immediate confirmation and reference numbers. Proper filing prevents processing delays.

Filing Requirements:

• Pay the filing fee (BHD 100).
• Upload all required documents.
• Select appropriate Nice classification classes.
• Provide accurate contact information.
• Choose an authorized representative (if foreign).

Online Filing Benefits:

• Immediate confirmation receipt.
• Faster processing times.
• Digital document storage.
• Real-time status tracking.
• Reduced paperwork errors.

Step 4: Examination Process

MOIC examiners review applications within 90 days. They check formal requirements and substantive registrability. Applications may face objections requiring responses. Professional responses improve approval chances.

Examination Includes:

• Formal requirements verification.
• Distinctiveness assessment.
• Conflict checking with existing marks.
• Public policy compliance review.
• Nice classification accuracy.

Common Objection Reasons:

• Incomplete documentation.
• Trademark similarity conflicts.
• Descriptive or generic terms.
• Improper classification choices.
• Missing required translations.

Step 5: Publication Period

Approved applications get published in the official trademark gazette. This starts a 60-90 day opposition period. Anyone can challenge your application during this time. Most applications face no opposition. Publication process:

• Official gazette announcement.
• The public notice period begins.
• The opposition window opens.
• Third-party challenge opportunity.
• Final approval will be granted if there is no opposition.

Step 6: Registration and Certificate

Applications without opposition proceed to final registration. MOIC issues official certificates showing your exclusive rights. The process is completed with the payment of certificate fees. Final registration includes:

• Certificate of registration issuance.
• Trademark number assignment.
• Legal protection activation.
• Database entry completion.
• Enforcement rights granted.

Timeline for Trademark Registration Bahrain

Stage	Duration	Details
Filing for Examination	90 days	MOIC formal review
Examination Decision	2 months	Approval or objection
Publication Period	60-90 days	Opposition window
Certificate Issuance	2-4 weeks	After final approval
Total Timeline	6-22 months	Depends on complexity

Madrid Protocol and International Protection

Bahrain joined the Madrid Protocol in 2005 for international registration. This system covers 131 countries through a single application. You can efficiently protect trademarks across multiple countries. Regional businesses benefit from simplified procedures.

Benefits of Madrid Protocol Filing

• A single application covers multiple countries.
• Centralized management through WIPO.
• Cost savings compared to individual filings.
• Simplified renewal for all designated countries.
• Unified opposition procedures across jurisdictions.

How Madrid Protocol Works for Bahrain

File international applications through Bahrain as the home country. This requires an existing Bahrain application or registration. WIPO forwards applications to designated countries. Each country is examined by its local laws.

Process Steps:

• File the basic Bahrain application first.
• Submit an international application through MOIC.
• Pay international and country-specific fees.
• WIPO forwards to designated countries.
• Each country was reviewed within 18 months.
• Receive protection in approved countries.

GCC Regional Strategy

The Gulf Cooperation Council has a mixed membership in the Madrid Protocol. This affects regional protection strategies.

• Madrid Members: UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar
• National Filing Required: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait

Plan your regional protection strategy, taking into account these differences. Some businesses file nationally in all GCC countries. Others use the Madrid Protocol where available.

Key Benefits of Trademark Registration Bahrain

There are a few significant benefits of trademark registration for your company in Bahrain:

Legal Protection and Exclusive Rights

Registered trademarks provide strong legal protection in Bahrain. You get exclusive rights to use your mark. Others cannot copy or imitate your protected brand. Legal protection lasts ten years with unlimited renewals.

Commercial Advantages

• Brand value enhancement through legal recognition.
• Licensing opportunities for additional revenue.
• Investment protection for business growth.
• Customer trust through official registration.
• Market expansion support for regional growth.

Enforcement Powers

Registration gives you tools to stop trademark infringement:

• Civil court actions for damages.
• Injunctive relief to stop violations.
• Criminal penalties for willful counterfeiting.
• Customs enforcement against fake products.
• Online brand protection across digital platforms.

FAQs

Conclusion

Trademark registration in Bahrain effectively protects your valuable business assets. The process takes 6-10 months with a total cost of BHD 684. A good understanding of requirements will help you avoid common errors and delays. Local and foreign businesses have access to strong protection. 

You have spent years of hard work and long-term investment in developing your brand. Don’t let competitors undermine your years of love and investment with brand infringements. Are you ready to protect a brand but need guidance from professionals? PI Startup Advisory is an expert in the trademark registration process in Bahrain and the Gulf region. 

Contact PI Startup Advisory today for trademark protection to help you manage and grow your business in Bahrain’s competitive environment.