Important updates
And industry news
Qatar Implements GCC Trade Mark Law
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Trade Mark Law and its Implementing Regulations entered into force in Qatar on 10 August 2023, replacing Qatar’s previous Trade Mark Law No. 9 of 2002, with respect to trade marks, trade indications, trade names, geographical...
Saudi IPO to Serve as ISA, IPEA under PCT
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recently announced the appointment of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent...
Saudi IPO Calls for Inclusion of Arabic in Hague and Madrid Systems
The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) recently advocated for the inclusion of Arabic language in WIPO’s Madrid and Hague systems. The recommendation was made by the SAIP's CEO, Abdulaziz Al Suwailem at a WIPO meeting held in Geneva on 7 July 2023....
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Libyan and Lebanese IPOs Resume Operations
Libya After temporarily closing in November 2022 for internal reorganization purposes, Libya’s Trade Mark Office resumed operations on May 28, 2023. The Trade Mark Office, additionally, implemented a new practice – trade mark applicants are now required to...
Oman Decreases Official Fees
The Omani Intellectual Property Office (IPO), forming part of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, has decreased trade mark publication fees in Oman. The Trade Mark Office has reduced publication fees to...
UAE in the Madrid System: What to Look Out For
The Madrid Protocol’s entry into force in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 28, 2021 was welcomed by both international and local businesses. When filing through Madrid in the UAE, brand owners do still need to be aware of local trade mark considerations,...
CWB Opposes Prior Bad Faith Trade Mark Application in First-to-File Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the larger economies in the Middle East. With a vibrant, technologically advanced economy and an influx of international brands, we have seen great interest in trade mark filings in the Kingdom. Conversely, we have also seen an increase in...