DOHA – Following the recent adoption of the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification (effective February 2026), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department has issued a clarification confirming that all 45 classes are now available for trademark registration.
This clarification, circulated in March 2026, marks a significant development in the implementation of the new classification system and brings Qatar’s practice fully in line with international standards.
Most notably, Class 33 (alcoholic beverages) is now open for registration, whereas filings in this class were previously restricted. In addition, beer under Class 32 is now accepted, providing further clarity for applicants in the beverage sector.
These changes remove the need for alternative filing strategies and allow applicants to align their specifications more accurately with international practice.
The availability of all classes creates broader filing opportunities across multiple sectors, particularly for brand owners in industries that were previously limited or required indirect protection strategies.
Trademark owners are advised to review their portfolios and consider filing applications in newly available classes where relevant. It is also recommended to implement watch services, as increased filing activity—particularly in Class 33—is expected following this development.
This update complements Qatar’s recent adoption of the Nice Classification (13th Edition) and reflects the country’s continued efforts to modernise its trademark system.
For further information or assistance with trademark filings in Qatar, please contact us at qatar@qumsieh.com.