As the date on which the UK plans to leave the EU – 29th March 2019 – draws ever nearer, we are advising trade mark and design owners to take proactive steps now to reduce their costs in the event of a “no deal” scenario, by filing any proposed EU trade mark or registered design applications as soon as possible.   Recent notification from the UK Government confirms that an equivalent UK right will be granted free of charge to any EU TM or design registered before this date, regardless of...

The Government of Malawi deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Agreement and Madrid Protocol with WIPO’s Director General on 25th September 2018.  The Madrid System now covers 118 member states.    The Protocol will enter into force in Malawi on 25th December 2018.

As previously reported, Patent Law No. 30 of 2006 came into force in Qatar on 7th August 2006, but  this law would only become effective once the implementing regulations had been issued there.  On 5th July 2018, the long-awaited regulations finally entered into force.  These regulations will provide clarification to the patent procurement process in Qatar.     Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information or...