A Recap of IP Updates in 2025

18-Dec-2025

Roundup and Highlights.

A comprehensive summary of the most notable IP updates and developments over the last year.

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TRADEMARKS


Country Updates

Qatar- Qatar Trademark Office launched a trial phase for the electronic publication of the Trademarks Official Gazette alongside the issuance of electronic Certificates of Registration. 
- The Qatari Trademark Office has announced that all trademark applications must reference the 11th edition of the Nice Classification for lists of goods and services. Additionally, claiming class headings and all goods and services in the class are no longer acceptable. This is in accordance with the provisions of GCC Law No. 7/2014. This new requirement applies to both new filings and pending applications currently under review.
Libya- The Libyan government has announced a major administrative change with the issuance of Decision No. 366 of 2025, transferring the Trademark Office from the administration of the Ministry of Economy and Trade to the Commercial Registration Authority. 

- The Libyan Trademark Office has announced the reinstatement of trademark filing requirements, effective October 12, 2025. It is required to super-legalize the documents necessary for trademark registration with the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after being legalized by the respective Libyan Consulates.
LebanonThe Intellectual Property Protection Department of the Ministry of Economy and Trade recently announced a reversion to its previous, simplified procedure for recording transfers of ownership in trademarks, patents and copyrights. Applicants no longer must submit original certificates to record assignments. Instead, a notarized and legalized Power of Attorney, a notarized and legalized Deed of Assignment, and a scanned copy of the certificate will suffice.


PATENTS


Country  Updates

BahrainBahrain, in collaboration with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), has officially launched a three-year Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Pilot Program. This program is set to revolutionize the way patents are examined between Bahrain and South Korea, significantly reducing the approval times for patent applications.
KSAThe Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) has officially designated the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). 



DESIGNS

Country Updates

QatarQatar started accepting industrial design registrations.



LAWS & REGULATION

Country Updates

UAE- The UAE has introduced Federal Law No. 38 of 2024, replacing Federal Law No. 8 of 2019 concerning medical products, pharmacies, and pharmaceutical businesses, with the aim of enhancing organization, security, and efficient oversight of development and distribution processes.

- The UAE Cabinet has issued Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025, updating the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s service fee framework for trademark services.                                                                                           
YemenThe Yemeni Trademark Office (in Sana'a) has introduced a major update to its trademark application policy, as outlined in Ministerial Decision No. 53/2024. This decision cancels the previous limit of 10 items for goods or services to be covered by a trademark application.
KSA

Geographical indications protection Law enacted.


FEES

Country Updates

LibyaThe Ministry of Economy and Commerce has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 586 of 2024, dated November 27, 2024, regarding the renewal of trademarks in Libya. The resolution states that there will be an increase in the official fees for the renewal of trademarks for foreign owners to be $2000 per year.                                                                                        
SyriaThe Trademark Office in Syria has announced a substantial increase in publication fees related to trademarks and designs, following Ministerial Decision 1448/2025. This change introduces a sharp rise in governmental fees, with some charges increasing up to 50 times and others by 10 times the previous amounts.
Egypt- The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) has issued an official Decision No. 26 of 2025 announcing an increase in the examination fees for patent applications. These fees have been doubled from EGP 25,000 to EGP 50,000, representing a significant adjustment in the patent application process fee structure.

- The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) has issued Decree No. 138 of 2025, supplementing Decision No. 26 of 2025, and implementing significant increases to official patent fees. The new fee structure affects a wide range of patent services and applies to both domestic applicants and foreign entities that use Egypt’s patent system.

RussiaThe Government of Russia has updated its official trademark fees, introducing an additional charge for filings and renewals that list more than 10 items of goods or services per class. The new change, outlined in Government Resolution No. 1459 published on September 26, 2025, and took effect on October 4, 2025, adding 500 Russian Rubles (USD 6.11) for every item beyond the 10-item threshold.

OTHER IP ISSUES

Country Updates

IraqIraq has taken a significant step in trademark registration by adopting the 11th Edition of the Nice International Classification, effective as of January 14, 2025.
Jordan- Ministry of Agriculture in Jordan has introduced important changes to the Plant Varieties Registration Regulations through Regulation No. 41 of 2025, which took effect on August 16, 2025. These amendments aim to streamline the registration process and enhance protection for plant variety rights in Jordan.
- The Jordanian Domain Name Registry has announced a major update that the registration for premium .JO domains with fewer than three characters is now open to the public. This new policy allows individuals, businesses, and organizations to secure short, memorable, and highly valuable domain names under Jordan’s national digital identity.
KSA- Saudi Arabia has officially joined the Hague System, bringing the total number of countries in the international design system to 99. Saudi Arabia’s membership signifies a strong commitment to innovation and enhances the Hague System's role as a global standard for securing design rights.
- Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) has announced that Saudi Arabia has become the first Middle Eastern IP office to join the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Digital Access Service (DAS).
UAE- The UAE Ministry of Economy has officially launched the Emirates Music Rights Association (EMRA), marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to enhancing the protection and management of intellectual property rights in the music sector. This new initiative will serve as the first music collecting society in the UAE, designed to manage and collect royalties for music from public performances, broadcasts, and commercial uses.
- The Ministry of Economy launched a new roadmap for ‘Green Intellectual Property (IP),’ designed to foster innovation, accelerate technology localization, and develop new projects in new economy, environmental sustainability, and circular economy. The three-month roadmap will strengthen the competitiveness of the UAE’s IP landscape and contribute to its progress and prosperity, supporting the country’s directives to transition to a circular economy, a press release by the Ministry of Economy.
QatarQatar has issued Amiri Decision No. 19 of 2025, officially establishing the Qatari Institute to Support Innovation and Scientific Research. 
SyriaIn a landmark move for Syria’s digital development, the recent lifting of U.S. sanctions has paved the way for businesses and individuals worldwide to register .SY domain names. This change marks a new chapter in expanding Syria’s online identity and digital economy.
OmanOman allowed foreign firms to register .om, .com.om and .co.om domains without trademark.

agip.com        agip@agip.com





Head Office

Bldg. No. 46, Abdel Rahim Al-Waked Street, Shmeisani
P.O. Box: 921100, Amman 11192, Jordan
Telephone: (00 962-6) 5100 900
Email : agip@agip.com

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