The United Arab Emirates and the United States signed a Joint Statement of Intent during the 66th WIPO Assemblies in Geneva to enhance bilateral cooperation on patent examination. Under this agreement, positive patent examination results from the USPTO will be recognized for corresponding UAE applications, subject to local laws, thereby significantly accelerating the patent granting…
Ethiopia deposited its instrument of accession to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property with WIPO on May 15, 2025, and the Convention will enter into force for Ethiopia on August 15, 2025. This milestone strengthens Ethiopia’s IP regime, offering improved protection for patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, and enhancing the ease and…
The Qatar Trademark Office has launched a trial phase to implement major digital enhancements to its trademark services, including the electronic publication of the Trademarks Official Gazette and the issuance of digital Certificates of Registration. During this transitional period, the Office will operate under a dual system where some certificates will be issued only in…
The Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has announced its first major revision of official fees since 2012, which will take effect on August 7, 2025. The update includes an approximate 48% increase in official fees for patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. Additionally, INPI will introduce bundled filing options to simplify procedures and new…
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has announced revisions to official fees across its Registries for trademarks, patents, designs, geographical indications, and plant varieties to ensure operational sustainability and meet the needs of the evolving IP ecosystem. Key changes include increased fees for trade mark applications, PCT search and preliminary examination, renewals, and extension…
As of August 27, 2025, Mauritius has officially joined the Harare Protocol under the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). This significant development enables: Protection of patents, utility models, and industrial designs through ARIPO filings Designation of Mauritius in existing and future regional applications Note: This accession does not affect trademark procedures in Mauritius, which…
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has introduced a new framework for the registration of well-known trademarks, effective April 2025. Key highlights: Ex-parte declaration process – no litigation required Validity: 10 years, with the option for renewal Serves as prima facie evidence in infringement proceedings Provides enhanced legal protection and enforcement leverage Public…
The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) has issued Decree No. 26 of 2025, published in Official Gazette No. 132 on 17 June 2025, introducing key changes to Egypt’s patent system. Effective 18 June 2025, the official patent examination fee has increased from EGP 25,000 to EGP 50,000 (approx. USD 1,060). Additionally, the payment deadline for…
Effective June 1, 2025 – Circular No. 2 of 2025 clarifies key rules on trademark expiry and re-registration timing. Trademark owners should review their portfolios to avoid loss of rights.
Please note that the Bangladesh Intellectual Property Office has announced a temporary suspension of new trademark filings from May 15 to May 25, 2025, due to scheduled system upgrades. Manual filings and processing of existing cases will continue as usual during this period.
