INNs In The GCC

International Non-Proprietary Names for Pharmaceutical Substances (INNs) are unique, regulated, globally recognized labels that are used to enable the identification of pharmaceutical substances (or their active ingredients). As the name would suggest, INNs are supposed to be public property. As a result, in most sophisticated trade mark jurisdictions, INNs are prohibited from registration as trade marks through specific provisions in local trade marks legislation.

The Gulf Co-Operation Council countries are made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Historically there were no specific provisions in local trade marks legislation that deal with INNs. A new Trade Mark law covering the GCC countries was published in 2013. It is still at different stages of ratification by the member countries but it is hoped that it will be fully implemented by 2017. There remains no specific provisions to deal with INNs.