How to select a prestigious trade name

The procedures for starting a business have become easier and faster than ever in Qatar, thanks to the implementation of the Single Window Initiative, which aims to help business owners expand their investments and businesses hassle-free.

One of the most important steps in the planning process for setting up a business is the selection of a noteworthy trade name. A name that reflects a company’s identity and the type of services and products it offers. It is one of the most effective advertising tools for promoting a business. Investors can reserve a trade name online through the Single Window website. The reservation is valid for one hundred and eighty days, which is afforded a one-time extension for a similar period.

Although selection of a suitable trade name may take some time, it helps clients understand the activities conducted in the business, and assists the investor expand and attract new clients.

To achieve success in the selection process, the chosen trade name must stand out from among its competitors in a way that it reflects its identity, and conforms to the nature of the activities and the legal form of the establishment.

An investor has to realize that an unsuitable choice of trade name may be linked to the failure of a business or slower marketing, and even experience delays in receiving the required products and services.

Guidelines for selecting a trade name

Click here to read all rules and regulations on choosing trade names.

 The main characteristics of a distinct trade name include being innovative; easy to pronounce, remember and circulate; not ambiguous or vague; and reflects a positive image about the product in a customer’s mind.

• The name of the company must reflect its purpose. It shall not be a name of a natural person, unless the purpose of the company is to invest a patent registered in the name of that person, or if the company owns a commercial facility in the name of a natural person. The phrase “Qatari public joint stock company” must be added to the company trade name at all times.
• The trade name must be written in the English and Arabic alphabet.  An additional QAR 500 will be charged against Arabic that is written in Latin. Numbers and symbols such as full stops and commas are impermissible. 

• The trade name shall not contain inappropriate and improper words that may be in bad taste to the public.

• The name shall not resemble, be a duplicate, reserved or registered by an already existing company. 

  • The trade name will not be approved if it is similar to another registered trade name. To search the registered trade names, click here.

• In case the trade name is not a trademark, the investor has to prepare a short list of the required favorable trade names (between three and five names) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will allocate one that is available from the list.

• If the trade name is a Qatari trademark, the investor must submit a trademark franchise contract or a usufruct letter. In case the trade name is a non-Qatari trademark, the Embassy of Qatar in the country of origin and Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs must attest the documents.

Finding an exceptional trade name for a company may take time; there may be challenges considering the numerous companies and businesses inside and outside Qatar, but success in selecting a suitable name is the beginning to bringing a business idea to fruition. It is proof of the future of an investment vision and the impression that is left on clients.

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