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Why Trademark Protection Cannot Wait in Syria

New Strategies as Sanctions Are Lifted

Hussein Hallaj, Partner at Saba IP, explains that with Syria reopening to global trade, rights holders are reassessing the country’s IP framework, with early trademark and patent filings emerging as a strategic tool for market re‑entry.

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After more than a decade of conflict and isolation, Syria is entering a new phase. With most international sanctions lifted in 2025 and efforts underway to reintegrate the country into the global economy, rights holders are beginning to reassess Syria as a viable jurisdiction for intellectual property protection.

Market Overview: A Rebuilding Economy

Syria remains a sizeable market in the Middle East, with a population exceeding 25 million and a strategic location connecting key regional trade routes.

The past decade has been economically devastating, with a sharp contraction in output and significant disruption across industries. However, recent developments signal a shift.

The lifting of sanctions has reopened the country to foreign trade and investment, with reconstruction expected to drive demand across multiple sectors.

This transition phase is critical. As infrastructure, consumer markets, and supply chains are gradually restored, early brand positioning is expected to play a decisive role in long-term market presence.

"While foreign-language marks may be filed, Arabic translations or transliterations are required as part of the application process."

- Hussein Hallaj | Saba IP (Syria)

Legal Framework: Established but Underutilized

Trademark protection in Syria is governed by Law No. 8 of 2007 on Trademarks, Geographical Indications, and Industrial Designs, which remains the primary legislation in force.

The law provides for:

  • Registration of trademarks and service marks;
  • Protection against unfair competition;
  • Recognition of geographical indications and industrial designs; and
  • Effective measures against trademark infringement, including raids, seizures, and penalties.

Syria follows a first-to-file system, making early registration essential for securing rights.

While enforcement mechanisms exist under the law, ongoing institutional and economic developments are expected to enhance their practical effectiveness.

From a procedural standpoint, the framework is familiar to international practitioners, with formal examination on relative grounds and publication requirements in place.

It is also important to note that Arabic language requirements play a key role in practice. While foreign-language marks may be filed, Arabic translations or transliterations are required as part of the application process.

Moreover, in regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and safety equipment, the Arabic version of the mark is often necessary for product registration, marketing authorization, and commercial use before local authorities.

Patent protection, on the other hand, is governed by the Syrian Patent Law (Legislative Decree No. 18 of 2012), which provides for the protection of inventions that are novel, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable. Syria is a member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, allowing applicants to claim priority from earlier filings.

With renewed interest in the Syrian market following recent geopolitical developments, patent filings are expected to increase, particularly in sectors such as construction, telecommunications, and renewable energy.

Substantive examination is conducted, and while timelines may vary, the system offers a structured pathway for securing protection.

Post-Sanctions Reality: A Window of Opportunity

For many years, sanctions limited the ability of foreign entities to operate, enforce rights, or maintain portfolios effectively in Syria. That constraint has largely been removed.

With Syria reconnecting to global financial systems and actively seeking foreign investment, businesses are returning to the market—both directly and through regional distribution networks.

This creates a time-sensitive opportunity as:

  • Previously unused or abandoned trademarks may now be vulnerable; and
  • Local filings are expected to increase as commercial activity resumes.

In this environment, trademark registration becomes not just a legal formality, but a strategic tool for market re-entry.

What Brand Owners Should Do Now

Rights holders considering Syria should act early and deliberately. Key considerations include:

  • Filing early: The first-to-file system leaves little room for delay.
  • Auditing portfolios: Identify gaps or lapsed rights from the sanctions period.
  • Monitoring the market: Increased commercial activity may lead to conflicts.
  • Planning enforcement pragmatically: While improving, enforcement may still require local insight and tailored strategies.

Sectors likely to see early movement include construction, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and energy—industries closely tied to reconstruction and essential services.

A Strategic Re-Entry, Not a Wait-and-See Market

Syria today is not yet a fully stable market, but it is no longer a closed one.

For brand owners, the question is shifting from whether to engage to when and how.

Those who move early will be better positioned to secure rights, shape market presence, and navigate the next phase of Syria’s economic recovery.

Hussein Hallaj is a Partner and Country Manager at Saba & Co. IP in Syria. He can be contacted at hhallaj@sabaip.com.