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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.
In The Spotlight: Rita Henderson
Rita has been with Lysaght since 1980, making her one of the firm’s longest-serving team members. With decades of experience in IP renewals, we caught up with Rita to learn more about her role and what drives her passion for intellectual property.
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.