A new Law on Intellectual Property Rights Border Measures (Law No. 17 of 2011) has been introduced in Qatar. The new Law came into force in the country upon its publication in the Official Gazette No. 12 of January 11, 2012.
The salient features of Law No. 17 of 2011 are listed below.
– The Customs Authority can suspend entry into Qatar of alleged counterfeit and pirated products.
– The rights holder may request for the inspection of the imported goods which involve an infringement, and such request must be supported by a sufficient evidence of the occurrence of such infringement.
– The Customs Authority shall notify the importer and the rights holder of its decision.
– The decision of the Customs Authority may be appealed before the Court.
– The rights holder may submit an application at the Customs for the registration of all the information related to his rights.
However, the following items are not subject to the provisions of this Law:
1. Small quantities of goods of a non-commercial nature and gifts contained in travelers’ personal luggage or sent in small consignments.
2. Goods in transit.
3. Goods put on the market of the country of origin by or with the consent of the rights holder.
4. Goods entering from a neighboring country that is member of a Customs Union with Qatar where all controls over movement of goods across said borders have been substantially removed.
Any person importing infringed products and knowingly doing so, will be punishable by imprisonment of a term not exceeding one year or a fine of not more than ten thousand Riyals [approximately USD2750] or both.
Should you have any specific inquiries regarding the subject matter, please contact us at info@sabaip.com