News & Insights

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 […]

Overview The United Arab Emirates Trademark Office has amended the requirements for trademark renewals and recordals, including assignments, licences, and changes of name or address. These updates are intended to simplify procedures and reduce documentation requirements for trademark holders and their representatives. Key Change: Registration Certificate No Longer Required Under the updated practice, a copy […]

The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority has issued Decisions No. 64 and 65 of 2026, introducing revisions to official fees applicable to intellectual property services, along with the launch of new service offerings. These changes came into effect on 05 April 2026 and reflect a broader effort to modernize administrative services and enhance access to intellectual […]

Introduction Under US trademark law, rights in a mark are fundamentally grounded in actual use—not mere creation, conception, or registration. A trademark or service mark must be actively used in commerce to identify and distinguish the source of goods or services before legal protection attaches. This principle, codified in the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. §§ […]

Qatar has introduced an exceptional and temporary procedure to ease POA submission requirements for trademark registration in Qatar applications. Under this arrangement, applicants may file either with a copy of the POA legalized up to the Qatari Consulate or without submitting a POA at the time of filing, provided that an undertaking is included. The […]