The Kingdom of Bahrain has issued Law No. (21) of 2026 approving its accession to the Locarno Agreement, which establishes an international classification system for industrial designs. The Locarno Agreement, signed in Locarno on 8 October 1968 and amended on 28 September 1979, establishes a uniform international classification system for industrial designs. The classification...

Saudi Arabia has advanced its geographical indications (GI) framework with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) approving the Implementing Regulations of the Geographical Indications Protection System pursuant to Board Resolution No. 2026/39/01 dated 30 April 2026, following the issuance of the system under Royal Decree No. M/102 dated 17 November 2025. According to...

We are pleased to announce that the Libyan Commercial Registry Department is currently publishing trademarks electronically through its official website. The latest released batch covers publication numbers 55261 to 57597. In line with local regulations, a strict 30-day opposition period applies to all newly published marks, starting from their exact date of publication. Please...

Frankincense produced in Oman has secured worldwide protection as a geographical indication (GI) through the framework of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), marking a historic milestone as the first Gulf-origin product to gain registration under the Lisbon System. This international designation officially acknowledges the strong connection between Omani...

Following the approval of a legislative decision to revise official fees for certain trademark procedures, the Iraqi Trademark Office has introduced an updated fee structure. The amendments cover a range of trademark services, including filings, registrations, renewals, and other related administrative procedures. These changes were published in the Official Gazette on 30 March...

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...