Updated News: Yemen, Lebanon, Sudan, Oman, Qatar and Russia

Yemen: Sana’a Trademark Office Implements 12th Edition of the Nice Classification and Expands Online Services

As of October 10, 2024, the Sana’a Trademark Office has officially adopted the 12th edition of the Nice Classification (2023).

In addition to this update, the TMO has introduced several new online services, enhancing the functionality of its digital platform. These services include the processing of trademark assignments, changes to names and addresses, and handling of oppositions. These offerings complement the existing online services, such as filing new trademark applications and renewals. Notably, responses to Office Actions will continue to be processed manually.

Moreover, the Trademark Office has announced that the Trade Gazette, containing trademark listings, will now be available online. The legal term for filing oppositions—90 days—will be automatically calculated from the date of electronic publication. Both paper and PDF versions of the Gazette will remain accessible.

It is important to note that the Sana’a TMO follows a single-class application system, where each application can only include up to four items of goods or services.

Under the newly adopted classification, trademark registrations for alcoholic beverages (Class 33), certain alcoholic goods (Class 32), and pork meat (Class 29) are prohibited.

Lebanon: Update on Intellectual Property Office Operations 

The Intellectual Property Office has announced an indefinite extension of all deadlines originally set to expire on or after September 23, 2024, in light of the current situation in Lebanon. All deadlines falling within this period will be maintained. The IPO is currently operating on a limited basis and continues to accept patent and design applications, as well as new trademark applications with priority claims, renewals, annuities, and recordal requests.

However, new trademark applications without a priority claim may only be submitted online, with the examination process deferred until further notice from the IPO.

We would like to assure our clients that we are actively accepting new applications, which will be submitted to the IPO promptly once full operations resume.

Sudan: Patent Office Resumes Limited Operations

The Sudanese Patent Office has resumed operations with certain limitations, following an extended closure of nearly one year due to civil unrest.

As part of its partial reopening, the office is now accepting new patent application filings. However, it is important to note that subsequent procedures—such as registration, examination of applications, and submission of supporting documents—are expected to commence in the near future.

In addition, annuity fee payments can now be processed, allowing for the maintenance of patents after issuance.

Oman: Submission of Power of Attorney Requirement

On September 24, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion in Oman issued an official notification to all trademark agents, reiterating the requirement to submit original legal powers of attorney (POAs) when filing specific applications. The reminder emphasizes that POAs are mandatory for opposition cases, appeal cases, recordals of change of name, address, assignment, and license, as well as for changes in agent of service, amendments to applicant details, patents, and industrial designs.

This requirement is crucial to ensure the timely processing of applications and to comply with Articles 4, 24, and 31 of the Executive Regulations of the Unified GCC Trademark Law, issued by Royal Decree No. (33/2017). Trademark agents are advised to adhere to this directive to avoid delays in their filings.

Qatar: Update on Patent Annuity Fee Payments

The Qatari Patent Office has announced a new update regarding the payment of patent annuities. The office will now accept annuity payments for all years, including for pending applications that have not yet been granted. Applicants are required to promptly settle all outstanding annuity fees, irrespective of the status of their applications.

Furthermore, the Patent Office has clarified that no refunds will be issued for incorrect or duplicate payments. As such, applicants are urged to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of their payments to avoid any potential complications.

Russia: Increase in Official IP Fees

MOSCOW – The Government of the Russian Federation has issued a resolution dated September 18, 2024, which introduces an increase in official fees for the registration of intellectual property rights. The resolution was adopted and published on September 27, 2024, and the changes will take effect on October 5, 2024.

Key changes include:

• Increased Official Fees: While some fees remain unchanged, others have been significantly raised. Notably, annuity and renewal fees will see an increase of 10-25%.
• Abolishment of Electronic Filing Discount: The 30% discount previously available for electronic filing of instructions has been discontinued.
• New Payment Structure for Patents: The option to pay annual instalments for maintaining patents has been replaced with a new system requiring payments in 5-year instalments.

Late payments will now incur a penalty of double the regular fee, and applicants are encouraged to review the new structure to ensure timely compliance with the updated regulations.