3.43. Intellectual property law in Qatar refers mainly with infringements of intellectual property rights. The legal framework for the protection of these rights is based on Law No. (17) of 2011. Accordingly, the law empowers the GCA to take protective measures against the threat of counterfeit goods entering Qatar. Any business or person of interest may submit a formal complaint against any suspicious counterfeited product threatening its market share. The GCA, in turn, is obliged to open an investigation. The law stipulates that no action is to be taken unless there is evidence that proves that the suspected products are indeed counterfeited and thus contravene intellectual property rights.