Oman
Basic law of the Sultanate of Oman (as last amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011)
| Year of current version: | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Date of entry into force of original text: | November 6, 1996 |
| Date of Text (Adopted): | November 6, 1996 |
| Type of Text: | Constitution / Basic Law |
| Subject Matter: | Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights), Other, Traditional Cultural Expressions, Traditional Knowledge (TK) |
| Notes: | |
| Available Texts: | |
| Arabic | النظام الأساسي للدولة (بصيغته الأخيرة المعدلة بالمرسوم السلطاني رقم 2011/99) |
| English | Basic law of the Sultanate of Oman (as last amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011) |
| Historical Versions: | |
| WIPO Lex No.: | OM019 |
![النظام الأساسي للدولة (بصيغته الأخيرة المعدلة بالمرسوم السلطاني رقم 2011/99), Complete document (pdf) [762 KB]](/shared/images/icon/new/pdf.gif){kind=icon}
Shortcuts
The Constitution establishes that the Sultanate of Oman is an Arab, Islamic, independent state (Article 1). The Sultan of Oman is the Head of the State (Article 41), and he shall be assisted in formulating and implementing the general policy of the State by a Council of Ministers and Specialized Councils (Article 43).
The Oman Council is the legislative authority, and it consists of:
1) The Shura Council
2) The State Council (Article 58).
The Judiciary is independent and its authority are exercised by the different types of courts that issue judgments in accordance with the Law (Article 60).
The Constitution contains provisions related to the promotion of the protection of intellectual property. Article 13 stipulates: 'The State shall foster and preserve the national heritage, encourage the sciences, arts, literature, scientific research and assist in their dissemination'. Furthermore, the Constitution guarantees the right to private property under Article 11.