WIPO Announces Reduced Trademark Fees for Qatar
In accordance with Rule 35(2)(d) of the Regulations under the Madrid Protocol, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has announced revised individual fees for trademark applications in Qatar that will take effect on November 9, 2025.
Update on Industrial Design Registration in Qatar
The Qatar Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has officially announced that industrial design applications can be submitted to the IP Office starting October 26, 2025. The establishment of a formal filing procedure, will replace the current practice of publishing cautionary notices in leading local newspapers.
EGIPA Announces Increase in Official Fees
Effective October 14, 2025, The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) issued three main decisions, revising the official fees for several IP services. The Decisions No. 138, No. 140, and No. 141 concern patents & utility models, plant varieties, and copyrights, respectively.
UAE Revises Trademark Service Fee Structure
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Cabinet has issued Resolution No. (102) of 2025 amending certain provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. (20) of 2020 concerning the service fees of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The proposed changes to trademark fees are outlined below:
Qatar Trademark Office Update
The Qatar Trademark Office has announced that as of September 15, 2025, all trademark applications must comply with the eleventh edition of the Nice Classification when identifying goods and services. This directive was issued under the GCC Law No. 7 of 2014 on Trademark Protection. The use of category titles or blanket claims covering all goods and services within the class will not be accepted.
Pilot Programme Between CNIPA and EPO Extended Until 2031
The pilot programme between the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the European Patent Office (EPO) allowing Chinese applicants to designate the EPO as their International Searching Authority (ISA) is extended until 2031. Under this pilot programme, Applicants based in P.R China can select the EPO as ISA when filing a PCT application in English.
Update on Examiner Interview Procedures at the USPTO
Through a change in Examiners' Performance Appraisal Plan and with immediate effect, the USPTO has caused in impact on the availability of Examiner Interviews to applicants. While not publicly disseminated, notification of the change is being conveyed by Examiners during the scheduling of interviews by way of a notification such as this: "[P]lease be advised that Interview Practice at the USPTO has changed effective October 1, 2025. Specifically, time authorized for interviews is limited to 1 interview per new application/RCE. Additional time for interviews may be granted, but such additional time now requires SPE approval."
Bahrain and JPO Sign MoU to Fast-Track Patents
On September 19, 2025, the Bahrain Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a Patent Prosecution Highway Program (PPH).
Qatar Launches IP Management Clinics
This September, Qatar is set to launch Intellectual Property Management Clinics (IPMC) to support innovators. The initiative is a result of a partnership between the Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and is designed to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises as well as the IP ecosystem in the country, by advancing strategic intellectual property management and promoting innovation.
SAIP Reports Continued IP Growth
On 27 August 2025, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) announced continued growth in the country's intellectual property ecosystem during the first half of the year. Patent applications rose by 23% with 27,938 filings, while trademark registrations increased by 15%, reaching 18,784 marks.
