The General Department for Intellectual Property Protection at Yemen’s Ministry of Industry and Trade in Sana’a adopted the 10th edition of the Nice Classification of Goods and Services, effective as of 19 August 2023.
While certain trade marks may still be open to objection if not compliant with local laws, regulations, and cultural and religious considerations, such as alcoholic goods in class 33, beer in class 32 and pork products in class 29, this change aligns well with the recent implementation of an electronic trade mark filing system at Sana’s trade mark office.
It is important to note that the trade mark office in Aden, a separate administrative district, still follows the 9th edition of the Nice Classification. IP right holders should be mindful of the differences in classification between Sana’a and Aden offices.
By Sara Omran