BAGHDAD- In an announcement dated April 7, 2024, the Directorate of Patents and Industrial Designs in Iraq declared a significant procedural change regarding trademark applications. Effective immediately, applicants are required to submit the official publication fees concurrently with the official filing fees. Previously, applicants were permitted to file trademark applications subsequent to receiving initial [...]
ALGIERS- As of March 29, 2024, the Algerian National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) has implemented a revised Value Added Tax (VAT) rate of 19% on official fees associated with intellectual property (IP) services, in response to alterations in the country's tax structure. For more information, contact info@miss-ip.com.
Tripoli - In a recent circular issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Trade on February 14, 2024, significant changes have been introduced regarding the powers of attorney (PoA) and trademark registration in Libya. The circular specifies that a legalized PoA will now be valid for only one year. Consequently, agents representing trademark applicants [...]
TRIPOLI – Regulation No. 26 of 2024 concerning trademark practices in Libya has been released by the Minister of Commerce and Trade. Key features of the new regulation include: Introduction of provisions for the registration and protection of sound marks. Electronic publication of accepted applications. Reduction of the opposition period from 60 days to [...]
Riyadh— The GCC Patent Office, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), has introduced the "WIPO Publish" search platform, marking a significant stride in facilitating access to patent information. This cutting-edge platform is designed to enable researchers both within the GCC and internationally to explore patents granted by the GCC Patent Office, [...]
DAMASCUS – In compliance with Law No. 23/2023 enacted on November 21, 2023, Syria has implemented an official fee increase for trademarks and designs effective December 3, 2023. The new law impacts various aspects, including filing, registration, recordal steps (such as assignment, changes, etc.), and oppositions within the realm of trademarks and designs. This [...]
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step in reshaping its industrial property landscape with the recent enactment of Ministerial Decision No. 112 of 2023. This decision introduces substantial changes to the fee structure associated with Federal Law No. 11 of 2021, focusing on the Regulation and Protection of Industrial Property Rights, [...]
The Argentine Trademark and Patent Office (INPI) has set the stage for a significant shake-up in the intellectual property sector. Effective December 1st, 2023, prepare for a game-changing increase in government fees. INPI has ramped up its fees by a staggering 400%. This move marks a critical point for businesses, innovators, and IP holders [...]
Riyadh— The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) has officially adopted the 12th edition of the Nice Classification, effective November 2, 2023. This move introduces substantial changes to the trademark application process, particularly in how applicants specify their goods or services. Under the new guidelines, the SAIP no longer accepts class headings. Instead, applicants [...]
Bahrain has taken proactive steps to potentially boost individual patent applications by reducing fees for specific patent-related services. Decision No. 67 of 2023, implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, focuses on lowering charges associated with filing, examining, publishing, and granting patents for individual applicants. It's worth noting that, under the current directive, [...]
