The long-awaited Patents and Designs Act was finally approved by the Senate in Jamaica on 23rd January 2020. This law, once it becomes effective, will repeal the current Patent Act of 1857 and Designs Act of 1937.   There are widespread implications of the new law, and once it comes into force, the Act will serve to modernise Jamaica’s IP laws and bring them into closer conformity with those of other jurisdictions. The new Act will come into force on a day to be appointed by the Minister...

The Trade Marks Registry in Somalia has been closed since 1991 as a result of the civil war and overthrow of the Government, followed by the consequential disruption to the country’s infrastructure. Since that time no one has been able to file new applications for trade marks, or renew trade mark registrations that existed in 1991. In the absence of a formal registration system in Somalia, trade mark owners may rely on publication of cautionary notices as a means of giving notice to third...

The anticipated opening of the Myanmar Intellectual Property Office, expected to take place in January 2020, has been delayed. Whilst there are rumours that the Office may open in April 2020, no firm date has been set by the Myanmar authorities.   As previously advised, there is expected to be a “soft opening” of the Intellectual Property Office 6 months before the new law enters into force. During this transitional period, the IPO will accept applications for trade marks which have been...