Egypt Introduces Virtual Hearings for IP Appeals
The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) is progressively introducing virtual hearings for trademark and industrial design appeals, as part of the continued modernization of Egypt's intellectual property framework.
Lebanon Extends Key Intellectual Property Deadlines
The Lebanese Trademark Office has suspended certain intellectual property deadlines falling between March 1, 2026, and July 31, 2026, pursuant to Law No. 46, the "Law Suspending Deadlines."
Where Does Global Innovation Take Shape?
According to the 2026 edition of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Innovation Index, the world's five leading innovation clusters are: 1. Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou 2. Tokyo-Yokohama 3. San José-San Francisco 4. Beijing 5. Seoul
Unlocking Strategic Intelligence From Patent Data With EPO PATSTAT and TIP
The European Patent Office (EPO) has taken a significant step towards making patent intelligence more widely accessible through its Technology Intelligence Platform (TIP), which now provides free access to PATSTAT, one of the world's most comprehensive patent databases.
Kuwait: New Requirements For POA When Filing a Trademark
The Kuwait Trademark Office has introduced a change to the legalization process for Powers of Attorney (POAs) submitted with foreign trademark applications. Going forward, POAs must be legalized all the way through to the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding an additional step beyond the previous embassy or consulate requirement.
UAE Opens Class 33 Trademark Protection for Alcoholic Beverages
A noteworthy development for brand owners and the beverage industry in the UAE. The UAE has officially opened Class 33 for trade mark registrations covering alcoholic beverages, marking a significant evolution in the country's intellectual property landscape.
WIPO Launches Its First Global Forum on Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence
On November 9 and 10, 2026, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will host the inaugural Global Forum on IP and AI in Geneva, in a hybrid format allowing participation both in person and remotely.
UAE Strikes a New Chord in IP Protection
The UAE is taking another significant step toward strengthening its intellectual property framework and supporting its creative economy. Effective December 1, 2026, businesses and organizations that use copyrighted music commercially across the UAE will be required to obtain the appropriate licenses and pay music royalties...
The Bahamas Joins the PCT as 159th Contracting State
On August 19, 2026, the Bahamas became the 159th Contracting State of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), significantly modernizing the country's patent framework.
Saudi Arabia Launches Digital Platform for Trademark Enforcement
Saudi Arabia has launched a pilot digital trademark enforcement platform called "Tahaqaq," developed by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) to strengthen customs-based anti-counterfeiting efforts and streamline communication between customs authorities and trademark owners.
