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Kiribati – New IP laws currently under review
Kiribati is reviewing its IP legislation, potentially reshaping trademark, patent, and design protections. Discover what these changes could mean for your rights in the region.
ARIPO - New official fees for patent and design matters
ARIPO has introduced new official fees for patents and designs, impacting IP strategies across multiple jurisdictions. Find out what this means for your filings.
Libya – Revocation of certain Trade Marks; Amendment to Trade Mark Renewal Fees
Two pieces of news have recently come to light regarding trade mark matters in Libya, which have significant implications for rights holders there. We summarise these developments relating to the cancellation of certain trade marks and an increase in the official fees for renewal payments.
Saudi Arabia – Accession to International Design Registration Treaty
Saudi Arabia has joined the International Design Registration Treaty, making it easier to secure design rights. Learn what this means for your design portfolio.
Appointment of our IP expert to OAPI-centric committee
We are proud to announce that Isabelle MBOME from our affiliated office of Ekémé Lysaght SARL has been appointed as a member of the Scientific Committee of the Denis Ekani Intellectual Property Academy (APIDE).
Costa Rica – Validation of European patents
Costa Rica now recognises European patents, simplifying protection for inventors. Discover how this change impacts your patent strategy.
In The Spotlight: Zoë Molloy
Zoë is the newest member to the Lysaght team, bringing with her 7 years of IP experience and qualification as a CITMA paralegal. With Lysaght’s commitment to nurturing and developing the staff, Zoë will face new challenges in preparing to manage her own portfolio of countries.
2024 AIPPI World Congress
Richard Stilwell recently represented Lysaght at AIPPI’s World Congress event in Hangzhou, marking the first time an international IP conference has been held in China.
Bermuda: Crucial changes to the Trade Mark Act
We are pleased to report that the Bermuda Registry General has now issued an Industry Notice confirming that the new Trade Mark Act has been approved by the Bermudan Parliament.
Trade Mark protection in Iraq and Kurdistan: Update on the Nice Classification
In Iraq and the Kurdistan region, effective trade mark registration is increasingly critical as the economy grows and foreign investment rises. An important development in this field will be the adoption of the 11th edition of the Nice Classification in both regions from January 2025.
Yemen - IP Registry in Sana’a relaxes its policy towards foreign trade mark applicants
A new ministerial decision in Yemen now allows US and Swedish trade mark owners to renew their registrations. It is unclear if this also applies to UK-based rights holders, but early indications suggest the restrictions may have been lifted.
Eurasian design system to enter into force in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan will become the final member of the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO) to join the industrial design protection system. The Protocol will enter into force on 4 January 2025, providing streamlined regional design protection.
Myanmar – Patent and Utility Model applications can now be filed
Myanmar’s long-awaited Patent Law 2019 is now fully in effect, with the Intellectual Property Department officially accepting new patent and utility model applications from 31 October 2024. This marks a significant shift from the outdated “cautionary notice” system to a more comprehensive patent protection framework.
Fee increases at USPTO
The USPTO will increase many of its patent-related fees on 19 January 2025, including application filings, appeals, and patent issuances. Consider filing before this date to benefit from the current lower rates.
Ethiopia – Accession to Paris Convention and Madrid Protocol
Ethiopia has officially joined the Paris Convention and Madrid Protocol, aligning its IP framework with global standards. These moves, alongside WTO TRIPS compliance, aim to modernise Ethiopia’s IP landscape and stimulate trade and investment.
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.