A major transformation was witnessed in the field of intellectual property rights, further introducing IP legislation for the very first time, establishing a new framework for trademark protection.

The key updates are as follows:

1. For trademark protection, the current process is publishing and filing of cautionary notice. The cautionary notice publicly asserts ownership of the trademark and serves as a key element for any passing off or infringement lawsuits.
2. On August 21, 2025, the President of the Maldives officially reiterated the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act (Act No. 13/2025), marking the establishment of the country’s first official IP authority – the Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO).
3. The supporting Trademarks Bill is currently under committee review in Parliament and is expected to be passed and enforced in early 2026. This Bill will completely replace the existing “Cautionary Notice” system and establish a formal trademark registration system that meets international standards.

The Qatar Trademark Office (TMO) has officially embarked on a digital transformation initiative effective August 2025, marking a significant step towards modernizing its intellectual property infrastructure. As part of Qatar’s broader e-government strategy, the move is aimed at streamlining administrative procedures and improving access to trademark services for both local and international rights holders. Key developments include the Trademark Official Gazette now being published in both electronic and hard copy formats and the introduction of electronic trademark registration and renewal certificates in place of traditional paper certificates. During this transitional phase, the TMO will continue issuing both physical and electronic certificates to ensure smooth and reliable process until the digital system is fully implemented. This initiative is expected to reduce administrative burdens, provide quicker access to official documentation, and enhance efficiency and transparency in trademark services in Qatar.

With recent international developments and the easing of certain restrictions, Syria is gradually reopening to global commerce. The Syrian IP Office continues to operate, creating a more favourable environment for trademark and patent protection.

Trademark: Businesses should ensure their core and house marks remain valid, enforceable, and strategically aligned with broader brand protection. Equal attention must be given to sub-brands, brand extensions, transliterations, and proactive enforcement to counter counterfeiting and unauthorized use.

Patents: Patent protections in Syria presents long-term advantages, especially as the country focuses on recovery in sectors like infrastructure, telecommunications, and renewable energy. Companies may also leverage the PCT national phase to secure rights that align with broader commercial growth.

As businesses evaluate their IP strategy in light of evolving opportunities, this is a crucial moment to safeguard and strengthen rights in Syria.

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 process in the UAE. This initiative aims to provide inventors and businesses faster access to strong IP protection, supporting innovation and economic growth in the region.

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 security of IP rights for both local and international businesses.

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 digital format, while others will continue in physical form. This phased implementation aims to ensure a smooth transition and reflects Qatar’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across government services.

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 tools aimed at streamlining opposition processes and facilitating the submission of evidence for acquired distinctiveness. Rights holders and applicants are advised to review their IP strategies and consider filing before the revised fees come into force.

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 of time requests, as well as revised thresholds and payable stages for excess claims in patents. Fees for amendment requests will also rise to improve filing quality, while application fees for plant variety protection will be reduced to encourage agricultural innovation. Most of these changes will take effect from 1 September 2025, with the remaining adjustments implemented from 1 April 2026. For detailed fee schedules, please refer to Annex A provided in the official IPOS circular.

As of August 27, 2025, Mauritius has officially joined the Harare Protocol under the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).

This significant development enables:

1. Protection of patents, utility models, and industrial designs through ARIPO filings
2. Designation of Mauritius in existing and future regional applications

Note: This accession does not affect trademark procedures in Mauritius, which continue to be governed under national law.

Impact: Applicants seeking regional protection across Africa now have the opportunity to include Mauritius in their ARIPO filings for broader IP coverage.

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:

1. Ex-parte declaration process – no litigation required
2. Validity: 10 years, with the option for renewal
3. Serves as prima facie evidence in infringement proceedings
4. Provides enhanced legal protection and enforcement leverage
5. Public visibility of registration deters potential infringers

Recommendation: Global and domestic brand owners operating in the Philippines should consider filing for this recognition to reinforce brand protection and market presence.