Libya Strengthens Trademark Protection with New Resolution Clarifying Trademark Similarity Criteria

TRIPOLI - The Ministry of Economy and Trade issued Resolution No. (270) of 2026, a supplemental regulation that refines the technical and legal criteria for determining trademark similarity. The resolution builds on Resolution No. (26) of 2024 and aims to bring greater clarity, consistency, and predictability to trademark examinations, opposition procedures, and enforcement actions across Libya.

Resolution No. (270) sets out specific factors and methodologies for evaluating visual, phonetic, conceptual, and overall impression similarities between marks. It clarifies how authorities should weigh the distinctiveness of elements, the role of dominant components, and the impact of common and descriptive terms. The new rules also address similarity in relation to goods and services classifications, consumer perception, and likelihood of confusion tests, providing practical guidance for examiners, trademark owners, and legal practitioners.

For more information, please contact AGIP Libya office at libya@agip.com