The Sultanate of Oman is undergoing a rapid modernization of its business environment. Two landmark changes—the establishment of a specialized commercial court and a new “no-refund” policy at the Trademark Office—have fundamentally altered the IP landscape for 2026.
At Exy Intellectual Property, we believe that “your brand is never yours until you claim it.” In Oman, claiming those rights now requires a more disciplined and strategic approach.
The Rise of the Court of Investment and Commerce
Effective October 1, 2025, the new Court of Investment and Commerce began its mission to centralize and expedite commercial justice. Located in Muscat, this court holds exclusive jurisdiction over:
- Intellectual Property: Patents, Trademarks, Industrial Designs, and Trade Secrets.
- Commercial Pillars: Banking, insurance, e-commerce, and commercial agencies.
For brand owners, this is a significant win. Specialized courts mean that complex IP arguments are heard by judges with specific training in commercial law, leading to more consistent and legally sound rulings. Note: Any lawsuits initiated before October 1, 2025, will remain in their original courts; only new filings benefit from this specialized track.
The “Non-Refundable” Policy: Why Pre-Filing Matters
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion has updated its financial protocols with a firm stance. Since August 28, 2025, all trademark publication and registration fees are strictly non-refundable.
| Scenario | Fee Status | Strategic Implication |
| Trademark Refusal | No Refund | High financial risk for “experimental” filings. |
| Application Withdrawal | No Refund | Ensure your strategy is final before paying. |
| Successful Registration | N/A | Standard protection secured. |
Because the Trademark Office (TMO) now requires applicants to explicitly agree to these non-refundable terms, the “cost of rejection” has significantly increased. This makes comprehensive pre-filing searches and legal risk assessments the most valuable tools in your arsenal.
Confidence and Vision with Exy IP
Navigating these shifts requires more than just filling out forms; it requires a partner who understands the shifting tides of the Gulf market. At Exy Intellectual Property, we provide the specialist consultancy needed to ensure your application is “right the first time,” protecting both your brand and your budget.
Is your Oman trademark strategy robust enough for the new non-refundable era? Contact Exy Intellectual Property today for a specialist pre-filing audit of your Omani assets.
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