We are pleased to share that Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has furthered its digital transformation by launching five new e-services for copyright and neighboring rights as of April 2026. Under Law No. 7 of 2002, these enhancements streamline the protection of creative works by allowing for the electronic processing of deposit and protection certificates,...

The Algerian Patent Office (INAPI) has recently implemented a significant change in its practice concerning amendments to PCT applications entering the national phase. According to INAPI, and in line with Article 26 of Ordinance No. 03-07 on patents, as well as Articles 28 and 41 of the PCT and Rules 52 and 78, amendments are only permitted within the prescribed legal deadlines....

The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority has issued Decisions No. 64 and 65 of 2026, revising the official fees and introducing new services. These changes entered into force on 05 April 2026. The key updates are summarized as follows: – A new service has been introduced allowing the Specialized Search Service specifically for companies. – Additional New fixed...

In line with the update of procedures and in keeping with international developments in the field of trademark registration, we are pleased to inform you that the Nice Classification  13th Edition has been officially adopted in Qatar. The Trademark Office in Qatar, via a communication from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry circulated has clarified that all trademark...

The UAE Trademark Office has amended the requirements for trademark renewals and recordals (including assignments, licenses, and changes of name or address). Under the updated practice, copy of the trademark registration certificate is no longer required when filing renewal or recordal applications. While this amendment reduces the documentation burden, we recommend to continue to...

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain has issued Decision No. (13) of 2026, introducing a temporary three-month extension for submitting notarized and legalized documents related to industrial property applications. The measure applies to trademarks, patents, utility models, and industrial designs. The decision addresses exceptional circumstances that may...

The UAE Trademark Office has introduced flexibility regarding the submission of legalized Powers of Attorney (POA) for new trademark applications. The standard deadline of 90-days for submitting the duly legalized POA can now be extended with an additional period of 30 days beyond the original deadline upon approval of the extension request by the trademark office. This measure...

The 13th Edition of the Nice Classification came into force on 1 January 2026, introducing refinements across all classes. Adoption across MENA offices, however, remains uneven, leading to varying standards for trademark filings. Nice Classification Edition Applied MENA Jurisdictions 13th Edition Oman, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, United Arab Emirates,...

The Libyan Trademark Office has introduced a change in practice regarding trademark renewals. All renewal applications will now be accepted for a period of ten (10) years only. It is no longer possible to select a specific number of years for renewal, as was previously permitted. This approach is consistent with Article 1257, which states: “The protection period of a registered...

Starting February 16, 2026 and as part of aligning with international developments in the field of trademark registration, the State of Qatar has officially adopted the Nice Classification – 13th Edition (Nice 13). The 13th Edition enhances legal protection of trademarks by clearly defining the scope of goods and services in each class, while aligning Qatar’s trademark system with...