news archive
Scroll THROUGH FOR A LIST OF OUR ARTICLES IN THIS AREA.
Lysaght gains another two green belts
For the second consecutive year, Lysaght has participated in the Business Improvement Programme led by Brian Butler and Jersey Business. This initiative aims to enhance company efficiency, productivity, and market competitiveness for future growth. Delegates Wilfried Schreder and Tatiana Despres achieved Green Belt Certification from the International Lean Six Sigma Institute.
Myanmar – New patent law finally in force
It has recently been announced that Myanmar’s long-awaited Patent Law 2019 finally came into effect on 31 May 2024. Whilst the Patent Registry has yet to announce an official date for accepting patent applications, or the documentary and formality requirements that will apply, applicants who are interested in seeking patent protection in Myanmar should consider evaluating their inventions and be ready to submit their applications as soon as the Patent Registry begins to accept them.
Lysaght celebrates promotion at Ekeme Lysaght SARL
It is with great pride that we announce the promotion of Isabelle Mbomè from Ekémé Lysaght SARL to the prestigious role of Avocate Stagiaire of the Cameroon Bar Association. Once Isabelle has completed her apprenticeship, she will have the unique rights of audience to represent our clients in Court. This fantastic and well-deserved accolade will further bolster the range of OAPI services which Lysaght can offer to our clients, particularly in the in-house management of contentious 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
The Qatari authorities have recently updated their policy on the requirement to pay annuities in respect of patent applications. The newly issued policy dictates that the 4th and subsequent patent annuities cannot be paid until the grant decision is issued, with no option to do so before that time. Accumulated back annuities are payable along with the grant fee, and then subsequent annuities are payable annually on each anniversary of the filing date.
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 Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program, with effect from 1 May 2024 and for a trial period of 5 years. As with other PPH agreements, applicants who receive a positive ruling on patent claims from either the MOIC or CNIPA to expedite the examination of corresponding claims in the other office.
ARIPO & China launch Patent Prosecution Highway Pilot Program
ARIPO and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) have recently implemented a bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program which is being trialled for 5 years from 08 June 2024. The Program allows an application whose claims have already been determined to be patentable by CNIPA to undergo an accelerated examination at ARIPO upon request by an applicant, and vice versa.
Laos – Validation of European patents
Laos has recently joined Morocco, the Republic of Moldova, Tunisia, Cambodia and Georgia as a “validation state” of the European Patent Office. This development will provide EP patent right holders with a streamlined market access into Laos and will also allow companies, research institutes and inventors in Laos to access the benefits of the European patent system.
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.
In The Spotlight: Rita Henderson
Many of you will recognise Rita’s name as our long-standing and greatly experienced Trade Mark Renewals Manager, and some of you may even have met her in person or in a virtual call in years gone by. Rita joined Lysaght way back in 1980 and is one of our longest serving team members.
She has built up several decades of knowledge and practical understanding in her role and, to help you get to know her better, we put some questions to Rita to find out more about what makes her tick …
United Kingdom – Tightening the rules on rights of representation at the UKIPO
All new UK applications for patents, trade marks or designs must appoint an address for service in the UK, Gibraltar or the Channel Islands. Since 01 January 2024, all comparable trade marks and re-registered designs derived from EU rights post-Brexit must have a UK address for service to respond to challenges filed by third parties.
Yemen – IP Registry in Sana’a cancels registrations held by U.S. and British owners
The Intellectual Property Office based in Sana’a, Yemen has announced that trade mark rights owned by US and British companies are now invalid, and that they will no longer accept new applications. Furthermore, ongoing civil unrest has led to a de facto two-state country. To obtain trade mark, design and patent protection across the whole country, it is necessary to file applications in both Sana’a and Adan Registries.
Uganda – New Trade Mark Regulations
Some new trade mark regulations came into force in Uganda on 2 February 2024 which, inter alia, have introduced the requirement that trade marks and notices be published in the Uganda Gazette, as was the case pre-2021.
EU trade marks no longer cover Jersey
The Government of Jersey has clarified its position on whether EU trade marks automatically extend to Jersey under current legislation, confirming that no such coverage has existed since April 2009. Trade mark owners wishing to obtain protection in Jersey should re-register UK national trade marks, or rely on the automatic coverage granted to IR(UK) designations.
New Trade Mark Regulations In Lebanon
We summarise here some recent amendments to the Trade Mark Regulations in Lebanon, which have brought about changes to the term of protection and some of the official fees associated with trade marks.
Change is on its way for trade marks in Bermuda
The Trade Marks Act 2023 and Trade Marks and Service Marks Regulations Amendment and Validation Act 2023 received formal approval in Bermuda on 13 October 2023.
Retirement of Martin Chinnery
Our Senior Trade Mark attorney, Martin Chinnery, will shortly be retiring. Whilst this is sad news for all of us here at Lysaght, it marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Martin.
CITMA Spring Conference and INTA 2024 attendance
Find out more about the conferences we are attending this year.
Resumption of Operations at the Sudanese Trademarks Office
We are pleased to announce the Trademarks Office in Sudan has resumed operations after a 10-month hiatus. Read here for more information.
Georgia – Validation of European patents
Georgia has recently joined Morocco, the Republic of Moldova, Tunisia, and Cambodia as a “validation state” of the European Patent Office. Validating a European patent in Georgia provides patentees with a potentially attractive prospect due to the country’s strategic geographical location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.