Yemen-Aden: special requirements for trademark registration in class 05
The Trademark Office in Yemen-Aden has implemented a new, strict requirement for processing trademark applications covering class 05 (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies). Applications will no longer be processed normally for this class (05) unless a declaration is submitted which explicitly states the trademark is being registered solely for protection purposes and will not be used within Yemen. Such a declaration is subject to an additional official payment fee of YR 30,000 (30 USD) and it is prepared by the legal department within the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Aden. It is important to understand that this declaration is a mere requirement for the trademark’s registration for protection purposes. The actual use of class 05 within the Yemeni market remains subject to obtaining a specific license from the Supreme Authority for Medicines and Medical Supplies.
On a related note, it should be noted that the TMO had previously requested a license from the Supreme Authority for Medicines and Medical Supplies to process trademark applications in class 05, a requirement that has been in place for months. Although the TMO had initially made exceptions to process some applications without full compliance, but they are now strictly enforcing this procedure for all new trademark applications in class 05 before they can proceed.
Qatar: Commencement of Publication for International Trademark Registrations in Qatar
The Intellectual Property Department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar has officially commenced the publication process for international trademark registrations designating the State of Qatar under the Madrid Protocol in the TM gazette issued by the TM office. The inaugural official bulletin, dated October 1, 2025, is now available for public review and the issuance of this bulletin formally initiates the statutory period for third-party opposition. Consequently, the 60-day opposition period, as stipulated under the trademark law, begins from the date of this local publication.
JAH Intellectual Property is fully prepared and equipped to provide comprehensive monitoring services, file defensive oppositions, and responses to office actions or appeals to refusals and offer strategic legal counsel concerning any international registration or intellectual property portfolio matters within the State of Qatar.
UAE: New Individual Fee Amounts for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Effective November 2, 2025
In accordance with Rule 35(2)(d) of the Regulations under the Madrid Protocol Concerning the International Registration of Marks, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has established revised amounts, in Swiss francs, for the individual fee applicable to the UAE. As from November 2, 2025, the individual fee payable for each class of goods or services, whether for an international TM application, a subsequent designation, or a renewal, will be 1,420 Swiss francs (approx. 1,773 USD). This amount replaces the previous fee of 1,630 Swiss francs (approx.2,035 USD).
The new official fee will be applicable when the United Arab Emirates is designated in an international application received by the Office of origin on or after November 2, 2025. They shall also apply where the UAE is the subject of a subsequent designation received by the Office of the Contracting Party of the holder or filed directly with the International Bureau of WIPO on or after that date.
Kuwait: Relocation of the Trademarks Department of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MOCI)
Kindly note that the Trademarks Department of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MOCI) is officially relocating its office to a new premise in the Ishbiliya area. This relocation will take effect from Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Kenya: The Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) is now fully operation.
The Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) is now accepting all new applications for Trademarks, Patents, and Industrial Designs. However, some delays may be expected due to the earlier decision issued by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry on September 30, 2025, which required that all registration, revocation, and renewal actions receive express KIPI Board approval.
Nepal: IP Office Resumes Full Operations:
The Department of Industry (DOI) in Nepal has currently resumed full operations and is now accepting the filing of all Intellectual Property applications, including those for Trademarks, Patents, and Industrial Designs.
We are working diligently to process all outstanding matters and new applications that have been suspended during the closure.