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OAPI – New patent and utility model law coming into force shortly
OAPI has announced that Annexes I and II of the revised Bangui Accord, covering patents and utility models, will come into force on 1 January 2025. Further guidance on the new law is expected soon.
Lebanon - Operational difficulties at IPO
The Lebanese Intellectual Property Office is struggling with severe operational disruptions due to ongoing economic and political instability, leading to staff shortages and technical issues. This is causing significant delays in the processing of IP applications.
Qatar – Patent annuity payments (Update)
As of 15 September 2025, the Qatari Patent Office requires annuity payments for pending patent applications from the second anniversary of the effective filing date, including PCT national phase applications. Ensure all outstanding fees are up to date to maintain your rights.
Uruguay formally acceding to the PCT
Uruguay will join the PCT on 7 January 2025, following its deposit of the instrument of accession on 7 October 2024. This move aims to support local innovation, attract investment, and strengthen Uruguay’s position in the global patent landscape.
Annual Maintenance Fees due January 2025
We remind all applicants and owners of Cayman Islands patent, trade mark and design registrations, and all owners of trade marks in the Turks & Caicos Islands, that the next annual maintenance fees (AMFs) for such cases are due for payment on 1 January 2025. If these annual fees are not paid by 31 March 2025, penalty fees will accrue.
Australia – Changes to fees for IP matters
IP Australia has just announced some changes to the official fees for patents, trade marks, designs and plant breeder’s rights, which will come into effect on 1 October 2024. Inter alia, the filing fees for patents and plant breeder’s rights will increase, trade mark filing fees will remain unchanged, and designs filing fees will decrease.
Argentina - Patent applicants required to confirm ongoing interest in applications
A resolution was published in Argentina on 26 August 2024 which requires that, within 60 calendar days from notification in the Patent Bulletin, applicants with pending patent applications in Argentina must make an express statement as to whether or not the priority claimed has been granted in the country of origin.
Philippines - Payment of issuance and publication fees for trade mark renewals
As of 25 July 2024, the Philippines IP Office now requires fees for trade mark issuance and publication to be paid at the same time as the renewal fee, rather than upon receipt of a Notice of Issuance. This change is expected to expedite the renewal process.
El Salvador - New IP law approved
El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly has passed a new Intellectual Property Law, consolidating previous legislation and creating the Salvadoran Institute of Intellectual Property (IPSI) to oversee IP rights and dispute resolution.
Libya – Trade Mark Office to resume accepting applications
The Libyan Trade Mark Office has announced that it will resume accepting new trade mark applications, as of 2nd September 2024. In addition, some new requirements for trade mark applications were introduced in Libya with effect from 1 May 2024.
Rwanda - New IP law in force
A new Law on the Protection of Intellectual Property was published in Rwanda on 31 July 2024 and came into force on the same day. The Law paves the way for a more streamlined approach for the filing of patent and trade mark applications, as well as clarifying aspects of their prosecution and registrability.
Lysaght gains another two green belts
For the second year running, Lysaght has participated in the Business Improvement Programme, led by Brian Butler and Jersey Business. Delegates Wilfried Schreder and Tatiana Despres have earned Green Belt Certification from the International Lean Six Sigma Institute, demonstrating their commitment to operational excellence.
Myanmar – New patent law finally in force
Myanmar’s long-awaited Patent Law 2019 came into effect on 31 May 2024. While the Patent Registry has not yet confirmed the application process, inventors should start preparing their filings to take advantage of the new protections.
Lysaght celebrates promotion at Ekeme Lysaght SARL
Lysaght is proud to announce that Isabelle Mbomè of Ekémé Lysaght SARL has been promoted to Avocate Stagiaire of the Cameroon Bar Association. Once her apprenticeship is complete, Isabelle will have rights of audience in court, enhancing Lysaght’s in-house capability for contentious OAPI matters.
Qatar - Legalisation requirements for Powers of Attorney
An official circular was issued by the Qatari Intellectual Property Department on 25 June 2024, outlining changes to the requirements for Powers of Attorney (POA) for IP matters
Qatar – Patent annuity payments
Qatar has introduced a new policy requiring that 4th and subsequent patent annuities can only be paid after the grant decision is issued. Accumulated back annuities must be settled along with the grant fee, with future payments due annually on the filing anniversary.
Bahrain & China launch Patent Prosecution Highway Pilot Program
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) of Bahrain and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) have launched a 5-year Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program, effective 1 May 2024. This program allows applicants to expedite patent examination based on positive rulings from either office.
ARIPO & China launch Patent Prosecution Highway Pilot Program
ARIPO and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) have introduced a 5-year Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program, effective 8 June 2024. This initiative allows for accelerated examination of patent applications with previously accepted claims in either jurisdiction.
Laos – Validation of European patents
Laos has become a validation state of the European Patent Office, joining countries like Morocco, Moldova, Tunisia, Cambodia, and Georgia. This move provides streamlined market access for European patent holders and extends the benefits of the European patent system to Laotian innovators.
Qatar - Madrid Protocol
Qatar becomes the 131st member of the Madrid Protocol, enabling international trade marks to designate this Gulf state from 3rd August 2024.