Rights in a Lebanese trademark are granted to the person or company who first uses the mark in the territory. Although registration is not mandatory, in practice it is strongly recommended to prove clear ownership, prevent future conflicts regarding trademark ownership, and prevent trademark infringement cases.

In Lebanon, trademark applications are submitted to the Trademark Department of the Ministry of Economy and Trade of Lebanon and the country, and trademarks can be registered without being used in Lebanon. If you register a combination mark (including textual and graphical elements) in Lebanon, the exclusive rights to use the mark are limited to the use of the mark in the exact configuration or manner in which it is filed and registered. If you wish to use the textual elements of your mark separately from your logo (or vice versa), it is recommended that you register another trademark that includes only the textual or graphic elements that you wish to use and protect separately.

However, if a third party ultimately intends to register or use the mark for similar goods or services containing the main or distinct part or parts of your mark, you will have the right to take legal action to prevent this from happening. In Lebanon, pre-registration opposition action is not possible. However, within five years of registration, a third party may initiate cancellation proceedings against a mark based on a previously registered similar or identical mark, and the probability of success of such a cancellation operation will vary depending on the circumstances.

In Lebanon, there is no need to use a trademark to maintain its protection. This jurisdiction does not offer cancellation based on non-use. A registered trademark in Lebanon is valid for fifteen (15) years from the date of application and is renewable indefinitely for a further fifteen (15) years. Renewal may be requested up to twelve (12) months prior to the expiration date. After this time, the trademark still has a three (3) month grace period during which it can still be renewed, subject to a late renewal fee.

For trademark search reports, the trademark must be in Latin letters, and only other trademarks in Latin letters will be considered. If you wish to search for a trademark written in the local writing system (Arabic) and include results for the trademark written in the local alphabet (Arabic), an additional fee will apply.

If you wish to consider the graphic or design elements of your mark when evaluating your trademark registered in Lebanon (Trademark Search Report) to determine whether we are able to provide this service in that jurisdiction. In this case, service prices and estimated delivery times may vary.