Concours Lépine Recognizes Patented Innovation for Seabed Clean-Up
The Concours Lépine is an invention competition held annually since 1901. Originally established to support small French manufacturers and inventors facing increasing foreign competition, it has evolved into a landmark event for innovation in France. Today, it takes place as part of the Paris Trade Fair (Foire de Paris).
USPTO Continues Crackdown on Fraudulent Trademark Filings
The USPTO continues to strengthen its efforts to protect the integrity of the U.S. trademark register. According to a recent USPTO Trademark Alert, in the past six months the agency has issued 11 administrative orders targeting the removal of approximately 10,500 trademark applications and registrations.
Iraq – Baghdad: Updated Official Trademark Fees
The Iraqi Trademark Office has introduced a revised fee structure following the approval of a legislative decision to update official fees for certain trademark procedures. The changes impact a wide range of services, including trademark filings, registrations, renewals, and related administrative processes. These amendments were officially published in the Official Gazette on 30 March 2026 and applied by the Iraqi TMO as of May 06, 2026.
Qatar Expands Trademark Registration to All Classes, Including Class 33
Following the adoption of the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification in February 2026, Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry has clarified that all 45 trademark classes are now open for registration. This update, issued in March 2026, marks an important step in aligning Qatar's trademark system with international standards.
European Patent: Moldova Joins The European Patent Convention (EPC)
As of 1 June 2026, the Republic of Moldova is set to become the 40th contracting state of the European Patent Organisation. This accession follows a long-standing cooperation with the EPO, particularly through the validation agreement in force since 2015, and marks an important step in strengthening European collaboration in the field of patents.
Ex Parte Appeal Statistics
On April 8, 2026 the USPTO published Ex parte appeal statistics from September 30, 2012, through March 31, 2026. Over this time period, total inventory of pending appeals has dropped from 26,570 to 1,866. Critically, for Appellants, this means the pendency of appeals has dropped from an average of over 28 months for the quarter ending in March 2025 to under 8 months for the quarter ending in March 2026.
European Patent Filings Hit Record High, Surpassing 200,000 in 2025
The European Patent Office (EPO) has published its 2025 statistics on European patent applications (including direct and Euro-PCT filings). Applications rose by 1.4% year over year, reaching nearly 202,000.
PCT Filings Continue to Rise in 2025
International patent activity under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) continued to grow in 2025, with applications increasing by 0.7% to reach 275,900 filings worldwide.
Oral Proceedings at The EPO: The Drafting of Minutes is Now AI Assisted and Optimized
Following the success of the 2025 pilot project, the European Patent Office is expanding the use of AI for drafting minutes of oral proceedings, not only before Examining and Opposition divisions, but also before the Unitary Patent Protection Division (UPPD), a special EPO body responsible for carrying out administrative tasks related to the Unitary Patent.
Libyan Trademark Office: Trademark Renewal Practice Update
The Libyan Trademark Office has recently introduced a change to its practice regarding trademark renewals. Renewal applications will now only be accepted for a fixed term of ten (10) years. It is no longer possible to select a specific number of years for renewal, as was previously permitted.
