Strict New Statutory Requirements for Trademark Oppositions in Oman
The Omani Trademark Office has implemented a strict new policy regarding trademark oppositions. Brand owners must now possess either a registered trademark or a pending application in Oman covering the same class as the published target trademark in order to file a valid opposition. If a brand owner lacks this established legal standing when a confusingly similar or identical mark is published, their opposition will be refused on formal grounds, as it is no longer possible to base an opposition solely on the international fame of a trademark.
Furthermore, filing within the same class number is insufficient to guarantee a successful opposition. The opposition committee now strictly requires an exact match between the specific products or services designated by both parties. If the actual goods differ, an opposition will be rejected even if the marks bear phonetic or partial visual similarities. The opposition committee will allow the conflicting application to proceed to registration, citing the difference in goods & services. Therefore, when filing a simultaneous application to secure legal standing for an opposition, it is absolutely critical that the new application covers the precise products or services detailed in the infringing application rather than relying on a broad class designation.
Yemen (Aden and Sana’a): Separate MoFA Attestation of Powers of Attorney
Kindly note that the Trademark Office in Aden no longer recognizes POAs attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sana’a. Currently, a POA attested by the MoFA in Sana’a is not accepted in Aden, and a POA attested by the MoFA in Aden is not accepted in Sana’a. Therefore, applicants with portfolios in both regions will need their POA attested by both MoFA Ministries, or only by the Ministry in the region where the IP matter is being handled.
Palestine: TM Renewal Penalty-Free Window Extended to November 19, 2026
Further to our previous circulars on trademark renewals in Gaza-Palestine, please be advised that the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy in Gaza has issued Administrative Decision No. 178 of 2026, dated October 19, 2026, extending for the third time the possibility of renewing trademarks without late payment fines. Under the decision, trademark owners may only pay the standard official renewal fees without penalty for one month from its date of issuance, i.e. until November 19, 2026.
We would remind you that the Palestinian trademarks law maintains a statutory one-month grace period, and in practice, trademarks remain renewable even after the penalty-free window closes, until the Registrar formally serves a mandatory cancellation notice on the applicant or their recorded agent of service, with a final one-month response window running from the date of notification.
UAE: Official Fee Exemptions for Student Inventors and People of Determination
Please note that, pursuant to Cabinet Resolution No. 136 of 2026, student inventors and people of determination are now exempt from a number of official fees for patents, utility models, industrial designs and integrated circuit layout designs before the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The exemptions mainly cover the filing, examination and publication fees, and have been in force since September 14, 2026. All other services remain subject to the standard official fees.
Tanzania: ARIPO Trademarks Now Recognized and New Types of Marks Introduced
Please be advised that Tanzania Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act No. 6 of 2026, in force since October 2, 2026, now recognizes ARIPO trademark registrations designating Tanzania as national registrations. This also covers existing ARIPO registrations made since September 1, 1999, which had been held unenforceable by the Court of Appeal in 2025. However, ARIPO has not yet issued an official notice restoring Tanzania’s eligibility for designation. Therefore, Tanzania should be treated as unavailable in new ARIPO applications until a new circular is issued by ARIP.
The Act also introduces express protection for well-known marks, as well as collective and certification marks. These amendments apply to Mainland Tanzania only, and Zanzibar still requires separate protection.
Suriname: Service Marks Now Registrable and One-Time Extension of Existing Trademarks
Please be advised that, pursuant to the Law of October 6, 2026 amending the Industrial Property Regulations of Suriname 1912, in force since October 9, 2026, service marks can now be registered in Suriname in classes 35 to 45, whereas previously only trademarks covering goods could be registered. Owners of service marks now enjoy the same rights and remedies as owners of trademarks for goods.
Under the transitional provisions, owners of trademarks registered and applications pending on that date have a one-time opportunity, within nine months from the entry into force of the law, to amend or extend them to cover service classes while retaining their original filing or registration date. Such requests must be supported by evidence of use of the trademark in Suriname for the relevant services, such as invoices, order confirmations or agreements, and the regular official fees apply.