Now that the Patent Office in Qatar has been actively examining patent applications and has even issued decisions on several applications, there is a need for applicants and interested parties to have a clear mechanism for appealing or opposing such decisions. As part of the country’s efforts in advancing its IP procurement, Qatar issued Ministerial Decision No. 154 of 2018 establishing the Grievances and Compulsory Licensing Committee. The Decision was published in Official Gazette on July 4, 2018 and entered into force on July 5, 2018.

The Committee is to be headed by the Director of the Patent Office and its members will be composed of representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and Qatar Chamber of Commerce. The Committee’s main functions will include handling enforcement and litigations concerning registration of patents and compulsory licenses.

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