Muscat — The registration of industrial designs in Oman is gaining traction as a key tool to bolster innovation and support the country’s creative industries, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The ministry highlighted that growing interest from businesses and individuals in securing intellectual property rights reflects increased awareness of the commercial benefits linked to design protection.

Through the National Intellectual Property Office, the ministry noted a steady rise in applications covering a diverse array of products. These include packaging, household furniture, lighting fixtures, jewellery, electronic devices, textiles, ceramics, handicrafts, graphic symbols, and digital user interfaces. This wide scope demonstrates the broad applicability of industrial design registration across various sectors.

Nidaa al Tamimi, Head of the Patents and Industrial Designs Department at the National Intellectual Property Office, reported that 34 industrial design applications were registered in 2025, and 32 applications had already been filed during the first half of 2026. She pointed to this increase as evidence of the public’s growing recognition of the value industrial design protection holds alongside patents and trademarks in promoting innovation and commercial growth.

According to al Tamimi, registration confers exclusive legal rights to the design owners, preventing unauthorized copying, registration, or sale of their protected designs. This legal framework also bolsters protection against counterfeiting and unfair competition, facilitates litigation when necessary, and helps maintain the reputation of Omani products in the market.

Furthermore, al Tamimi emphasized that safeguarding industrial designs enhances the commercial appeal and competitiveness of products, both within Oman and in international markets. As a result, such protection is seen as a strategic asset for businesses seeking to differentiate their offerings and strengthen their market positions.