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 […]

The Ministry of Economy & Tourism (MOET), UAE has introduced an innovative AI-driven tool that supports businesses in developing their brand identity at the initial stage. This complimentary online service enables entrepreneurs, emerging ventures, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to generate and refine logo concepts using artificial intelligence before moving forward with a formal […]

Getting a trademark refused by the UAE trademark office is usually avoidable. This article explains the most common rejection reasons, the legal basis behind them, and the practical steps you can take to reduce delay and risk. A registered trademark in the UAE grants the exclusive right to use the mark for the listed goods […]

Saudi Arabia has recently introduced significant updates to its trademark regulatory framework, reshaping how rights holders protect and enforce their brands in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing markets. These changes aim to modernize intellectual property protections, align local rules with international best practices, and improve enforcement mechanisms. For businesses operating in or entering the […]