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.
EPO & IEA Renew Partnership
The European Patent Office (EPO) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have renewed their partnership, continuing efforts to combine the EPO's patent intelligence with the IEA's energy data to monitor innovation trends shaping the global energy transition.
Courtesy Ceremonial Copies of eGrants
On April 18, 2023, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) transitioned to electronic patent grants ("eGrants") but continued to automatically provide courtesy ceremonial copies of newly issued patents to patentees. The eGrant is the official statutory patent grant; the ceremonial copy is a commemorative item only.
PCT Patent Prosecution Highway (PCT-PPH) Pilots: IP5 PPH Pilot Program Extended to 2029
Following a joint decision by the IP5, the five largest intellectual property offices (CNIPA, EPO, JPO, MOIP (former KIPO), and USPTO), the IP5 Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program has been extended for an additional three-year period, from January 6, 2026, to January 5, 2029.
Saudi Arabia Sees Growth in Patent Applications in 2025
Saudi Arabia witnessed a significant rise in patent applications filed by both individuals and national institutions in 2025. On January 22, 2026, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), reported that individual patent filings increased sharply from 2,007 in 2024 to 3,942 in 2025, marking a 96% increase in applications.
EPO Fee Increase Takes Effect April 1, 2026
The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced official fee increases effective April 1, 2026. Most fees will rise by approximately 5%, although filing, opposition, and appeal fees remain unchanged.
