MUSCAT, Nov 27 - The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has warned TV channel subscribers of legal consequences for using the services of unauthorised satellite channel providers. “Such action of viewing, buying or selling or distributing, repairing, and activating, among others, are construed as infringement of Oman’s laws and people should refrain from such activities, said a top official of Intellectual Properties Department of MoCI. All such activities not approved in the country is a crime, said the official, adding that the parties concerned can be booked under relevant laws.
Action will be initiated upon the complaint of the authorised agency in Oman. The Law of Industrial Property Rights, based on Royal Decree 27/2008, and GCC Trademarks Law based on Royal Decree 33/2017, aim to protect the rights of registered TV channel providers while providing for stricter punitive measures against offenders. Many expats are said to be using satellite dish receivers brought from their home countries.
Additionally, the agents are working to provide these services for a premium, which too is against the law. The Law for the Protection of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (the ‘Copyright Law’), promulgated by Royal Decree 65 of 2008, which was established to protect works of literature, arts and science, can be applied to the offences because this law seeks to protect both the economic and moral rights of the registered brands.
Oman’s Intellectual Property Law (IPL) aims to protect intellectual property and the owner of a registered trademark.
It offers protection against using, without approval, identical or similar marks, including trade names and geographical indicators of commodities or any services related to those which have been registered under the trademark.
Although satellite signals and issue of licences are the prerogative of the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry monitors the commercial side of it and ensures protection against any copyright infringment.
In order to benefit from the IPL and ensure its protection, the owner should register his trademark and be mindful of the following:
Usually, a registered trademark will be protected for ten years.
Its ownership may not be challenged if it has been used by the person who has registered it continuously for at least five years from the date of registration.
In addition to protecting a brand, the IPL also operates as a mechanism to protect consumers from being misled by counterfeit products while protecting a brand’s reputation.
KABEER YOUSUF
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