“Initially, the trademark office in the West Bank used to accept trademark filings without the required documents provided that they are submitted within 90 days from the application filing date,” said Jehad Ali Hasan, CEO at JAH Intellectual Property in Doha. “Failure to submit these documents within this timeframe could result in the trademark application being deemed abandoned. However, to streamline the process and reduce the initial burden on applicants, the office has revised this practice. “Although it introduces a monthly fee of JD10 (US$14), this is generally viewed as a positive development for the trademark application process, allowing applicants to secure a priority filing date before they execute the required formality documents. While this amendment does not inherently increase the risk of trademark misuse, it may lead to delays in trademark examination. The examination will only commence upon the complete submission of all required trademark filing documents, including any outstanding formalities.”

While the West Bank trademarks office typically considers 12 months sufficient for applicants to fulfil all filing formalities, submissions beyond this deadline are generally deemed unreasonable unless justifiable by force majeure or other circumstances beyond the applicant’s control.

“While the registrar lacks a specific protocol for accepting the supporting documents beyond the initial 12-month extension, they will generally consider extensions if the applicant provides reasonable and logical justification such as unexpected encounter during the execution of the required documents,” said Mohcine Fattah, an IP senior director at the same company. “The registrar likely evaluates the adequacy of these justifications based on their specificity, relevance to the trademark application and overall credibility. Vague, generic or unsubstantiated justifications are less likely to be approved.”

He added: “The provision for a one-month suspension of trademark applications aims to facilitate amicable settlements and address potential disputes more effectively. By allowing applicants to temporarily halt the application process, this amendment encourages parties to engage in constructive dialogue and explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. This can potentially reduce the need for lengthy and costly legal proceedings, ultimately saving time and resources for all involved parties. However, the effectiveness of this provision will depend on the willingness of parties to engage in good faith negotiations and the ability of the trademark registrar to fairly and efficiently evaluate requests for extensions of the suspension period.”

- Excel V. Dyquiangco