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.
Qatar Trademark Office: Remote Work and Filing Updates
Due to the implementation of remote work protocols, the Qatar Trademark Office has temporarily suspended the issuance of physical receipts for trademark publication, opposition, registration, and renewal actions that are paid manually at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry counter.
EPO and IP Australia Launch PCT Pilot Program
Effective March 1, 2026, Australian applicants can designate the European Patent Office (EPO) as both the International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the PCT, as part of a two-year pilot program.
Qatar Announces New Innovation and IP Support Initiative
The Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting innovators, inventors, and rights holders.
French Patent Filings Rise Significantly in 2025
The French Intellectual Property Office (INPI) received just over 16,800 French patent applications in 2025, representing a remarkable increase of 8.7% compared with 2024.
