Brunei Trademark Information

Brunei, officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Adobe of Peace is located on the island of Borneo, on the north coast, in Southeast Asia. The population is estimated at 388,000 with a GDP of $10.55 billion.

The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia.

Trademarks are assigned through the Registries Division under the supervision of the Attorney General’s Chambers. Brunei is not a member of the Madrid Protocol. Trademarks are valid for a period of 10 years and may be further renewed every 10 years.

A sign shall not be registered as a trade mark if it consists exclusively of:

• the shape which results from the nature of the goods themselves;
• the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain a technical result;
• the shape which gives substantial value to the goods
• contrary to public policy or to accepted principles of morality;
• of such a nature as to deceive the public.
• a representation of the Royal crowns, and His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan’s Standard or any other Royal flag, or any colorable imitation thereof;
• a representation of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan or any member of the Royal family, or any colorable imitation thereof;
• any word, letter or device likely to lead persons to believe that the applicant either has or recently has had Royal patronage or authorization; or
• any name or thing which is a specified name or specified emblem as defined in section 2 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act (Chapter 94), or any colorable imitation thereof.