UAE Revises Trademark Service Fee Structure
The UAE Cabinet issued Resolution No. 1. No. (102) of 2025 Amending Some Provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. (20) of 2020 Regarding the Fees for the Services of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Here is a list of the proposed trademark fee changes.
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.
Singapore Announces Upcoming Official Fee Revisions
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has announced revisions to its official fee schedule, particularly affecting excess claim fees for patent applications. The revised fee schedule applies only to applications filed on or after September 1, 2025.
USPTO Moves PTAB Hearings to In-Person Format Starting September 1, 2025
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced that, effective September 1, 2025, all Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) hearings will be held in person, with remote appearances permitted only for good cause.
EPO Announces Acceptance of Colored Drawings in Patent Filings
According to the Decision of the President of the European Patent Office (EPO) dated 7 July 2025, the EPO will accept colored drawings, provided they are filed electronically, starting October 1, 2025. This welcome development will apply to (i) first European filings filed on or after that date, (ii) European divisional applications, provided the parent application also has drawings in color, and (iii) European applications claiming priority, on condition that the priority application also has drawings in color. The President's decision will not be applicable to the description and the claims, including formulae, tables, and similar matter.
