Bahrain and China have inaugurated a pioneering initiative, the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program, aimed at accelerating patent examination and fostering innovation collaboration between the two nations. On May 1, 2024, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the Bahrain Ministry for Industry and Commerce (MOIC) officially commenced their Memorandum of Understanding [...]
DOHA - The Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced new guidelines aimed at enhancing the validity and accreditation of Power of Attorney. These guidelines, effective immediately, are designed to streamline the process of submitting Power of Attorney to the Trademark and Patent Office. Key Instructions for Acceptance: Notary Seal and Authentication: All [...]
DOHA- The Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Doha has issued Circular Number 2/2024, introducing a new directive on patent annuity fees. Applicants can now choose to defer the payment of annuity fees beyond the third year from the filing date or international filing date for PCT-national [...]
ISLAMABAD- Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have recently pledged to strengthen Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and bilateral cooperation. In a meeting between Chairperson IPO-Pakistan, Farukh Amil, and Kyrgyzstan's Ambassador, Ulanbek Totuiaev, held in Islamabad, both parties emphasized the importance of robust enforcement for fostering innovation and economic growth. Ambassador Totuiaev proposed establishing Intellectual Property offices [...]
RIYADH –In a bid to streamline intellectual property management processes, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) has introduced a new procedure for handling rejected trademark applications. Previously, applicants facing rejection had two choices: amending the mark within a 10-day grace period or filing an appeal within 60 days. However, under the new policy, [...]
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, [...]
