Key IP Developments in Algeria, Turkey, Argentina, and Somalia, and JAH UAE Administrative Excellence

Turkey: New TÜRKPATENT Fees:

Effective January 1, 2026, TÜRKPATENT has implemented an approximate 20–25% increase in official fees across several IP services:

The following table highlights the most common trademark-related fees for 2026:

Algeria: Revision of IP Fees Pursuant to the Algerian 2026 Finance Act

Following the enactment of the Algerian Finance Act of 2026, the Algerian National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) has officially implemented a revised fee structure for all industrial property matters with a slight increase in most services for trademarks, patents and designs. Effective January 1, 2026, these changes—recently published in the Official Gazette—aim to align administrative costs with new fiscal regulations. Consequently, all services administered by INAPI are now subject to this updated schedule of official fees as mandated by the new law.

Argentina: Significant Developments in Argentine Trademark Law

The Argentine National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has issued Resolution 583/2025 on 11 December 2025, (revising) trademark registration procedures. The notice highlights the following major points:

1. Effective immediately, INPI will examine trademark applications only on absolute grounds, including lack of distinctiveness, public policy issues, and identical trademarks covering the same or overlapping goods and services, which are considered an absolute prohibition of registration within INPI’s examination scope when identical to prior applications or registrations covering the same products or services.
2. The examination will no longer consider relative grounds, such as similar trademarks, signs likely to cause confusion, names or pseudonyms of individuals, and activity designations used to protect products (Section 3, subsections b), d), h), and i)). Trademarks similar but not identical to others already applied for or registered to protect the same products or services are considered a relative prohibition of registration, subject to the parties’ right to oppose them.
3. Starting March 1, 2026, trademark applications will undergo formal and registrability examination immediately upon filing and prior to publication, after which they will be published for one (1) day only, which refers to the formal act of publication by the INPI on a specific date, after which the application remains accessible through INPI databases and Gazette archives, allowing third parties to monitor applications and file oppositions throughout the full opposition period; if no opposition is filed within thirty (30) calendar days from the publication date, the application will proceed directly to registration.
4. The right to oppose remains unchanged and the same administrative opposition procedure currently in place, governed by INPI Resolution P-183/18, will continue to apply.

Somalia: Strategic Updates to Somalia’s Intellectual Property Framework and Fee Reductions:

The trademarks office in Somalia has adjusted the filing requirements by eliminating the need of a notarized declaration of ownership and also reduced the official fees for trademarks registration and renewal. The Somalian office has also introduced for the first time recordal services of trademarks such as assignment and change of name and address. These changes represent a significant modernization of the local intellectual property framework, ensuring that the trademark registration and requirements have become even more smoother and handy for all international and local applicants.

In addition to these trademark updates, the respective authorities in Somalia are on the verge of officially introducing comprehensive systems for patents and industrial designs. While the official fees for these categories have already been established, we are awaiting the formal publication of the operational procedures. We are monitoring these developments closely and will communicate further updates regarding these services as soon as they are officially launched.

WIPO to adopt the 13^th edition of the Nice Classification as of 1 January 2026

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has issued Official Circular No. 37/2025 (link), announcing the implementation of the 13^th edition of the Nice Classification. This new edition will officially supersede the 12^th edition effective January 1, 2026, and shall apply to all international applications received by WIPO on or after that date. International registrations dated prior to January 1, 2026, will remain governed by the 12^th edition.

The transition to the 13^th edition introduces significant reclassifications of various goods and services as detailed in Annex I of the circular, with a full record of modifications available in the Excel sheet referenced in point 9 of the circular. Applicants are strongly advised to review these changes when preparing new tradeamrks filings, to ensure continued accuracy and compliance.

UAE: JAH Intellectual Property Secures a Trademark Cancellation through the UAE Trademark Office rather than the court litigation

JAH Intellectual Property has successfully secured the cancellation of the trademark “MIXUE ICE CREAM & TEA” through Administrative Decision No. 123 of 2025 which was achieved by demonstrating the extensive reputation of our client’s trademark and the bad faith inherent in the infringing registration, leading the Ministry of Economy to order its immediate removal from the Register.

The legal cornerstone of this success is Article 24 of Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021, which has fundamentally transformed how trademark disputes are resolved. Previously, cancellation actions based on reputation and bad faith often required lengthy and expensive litigation within the civil court system. However, under the current law, the Ministry of Economy—specifically the Trademark Office (TMO)—now possesses the direct authority to adjudicate these matters administratively. This shift provides brand owners with a streamlined alternative that bypasses the procedural delays and high legal costs typically associated with traditional judicial proceedings.

The “MIXUE” case perfectly illustrates why the administrative route is the superior choice for modern businesses seeking time and money-effective results. By leveraging the TMO’s expertise to review evidence of bad faith and brand reputation directly, we were able to secure a final decision that protects our client’s market position without the need for an exhaustive court battle. This approach not only ensures a faster resolution but also allows clients to reallocate resources toward growth rather than prolonged litigation.

At JAH Intellectual Property, we remain dedicated to utilizing these advanced legal mechanisms to provide our clients with the most strategic and efficient protection available. As the UAE continues to strengthen its intellectual property framework, the ability to resolve complex disputes through the Ministry of Economy represents a vital tool for any well-known brand. Our recent success serves as a clear invitation to all brand owners to prioritize administrative course, ensuring their trademarks are defended with both precision and financial advantages.