The United Arab Emirates has officially transitioned to the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification for trademark purposes, with the updated framework coming into effect on January 27, 2026. The 13th Edition replaces the 10th Edition that was previously in use by the UAE Trademark Office, bringing the country’s trademark classification system in line with […]

The United Arab Emirates has earned global recognition as the top improver in intellectual property performance, as per the 2026 International IP Index released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The index evaluates the IP frameworks of 55 economies worldwide, collectively representing approximately 90% of global GDP. The UAE recorded the most significant single-year score […]

When expanding a business into the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the first legal steps to secure your brand identity is trademark registration. However, a common question that arises especially among startups and foreign investors is whether the process differs depending on whether the business is set up in a Free Zone or on […]

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Bahrain has introduced a temporary relief measure, granting applicants an additional three-month window to complete formalities for industrial property applications. This applies to trademark registration Bahrain processes, patents, utility models, and industrial designs. The extension addresses practical challenges faced by applicants in meeting notarization and legalization requirements within […]

In a significant step toward a more efficient regional patent system, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has rolled out substantive revisions to its foundational Banjul Protocol. Effective 1 March 2026, the reforms target three persistent pain points in the patent lifecycle: lengthy national examination timelines, opaque fee sequencing, and an overreliance on paper-based […]

Qatar has formally implemented the 13th edition of the Nice Classification, and the Trademark Office has confirmed that all classes under this updated framework are now open for registration. This development indicates that Class 33, which was previously subject to restrictions, is now expected to be accepted for trademark filings. The update brings Qatar’s trademark […]