Ethiopia is now a signatory to the Paris Convention and the Madrid Protocol, with both set to enter into force on August 15, 2025.

Before 2009, all Burundi's trademarks were registered for an indefinite term period. However, following the entry into force of the new IP Law in Burundi, on 28th July 2009, all marks registered before the enactment of the law were set to be renewed by 28th July 2019.

Portuguese courts have increasingly restricted the recognition of acquired distinctiveness for non-distinctive signs, diverging from the EU trademark framework.

The increasing trend of registering digital symbols, such as emojis and hashtags, prompts a critical reassessment of how conventional trademark laws accommodate these modern forms.

After years of anticipation, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) has now had three years to shape the future of European patent litigation. Its early case law reveals a deliberate effort to move beyond national traditions and develop an autonomous approach to patent interpretation.

When does a reputed trade mark benefit from protection beyond likelihood of confusion? Article 8(5) EUTMR grants extended protection, even where the goods or services are dissimilar, provided certain cumulative conditions are met, including the existence of a “link” between the signs.

Product placement in Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, presents a growing opportunity for brands and filmmakers.

Trademarks in the media industry can be as valuable as the content they represent. This was clearly illustrated in the case of Polígrafo, a Portuguese fact-checking programme, where control over the brand name ultimately determined who could continue using the format.

From March 1st 2025, the amendments to the Harare Protocol on Patents and Industrial Design will take effect, including their implementing regulations, Forms and Fees.

The Zanzibar Industrial Property Office (ZIPO) has implemented a significant increase in official fees for intellectual property services...

The internet service in Sudan has been totally suspended as of today, June 10, 2019. This interruption is related to the civil disobedience and protests that are taking place all over the country.

When we think of a trademark in our daily lives, we often associate it to a set of conventional marks, for example, letters, numerals, words, symbols, or combinations of one or more of these elements.

2022 is a breakthrough year for Cape Verde's intellectual property system. After nearly 15 years of stagnation in the ratification of IP treaties and updates to IP law...

By a decree published in the Official Gazette no. 43, of 21 February 2023, the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has increased the examination fees for patent applications in Egypt.

Solutions offered by computer simulations are very welcome when it comes to preventing the past from repeating itself in the future.

While various trademark applications confront reasons for refusal - such as a lack of distinctive character, contradiction with accepted moral principles, or replication of prior trademarks - there is one that stands out in particular for wine brands: ...

The rise of artificial intelligence is revolutionising the field of law, including intellectual property law.

The Hague System provides a practical business solution for registering up to 100 designs in 95 countries through a single and cost-effective procedure.

Geographical terms in trademarks present a complex challenge under EU law, as they can be understood both as indicators of geographical origin and as distinctive trademark elements.

The world is changing faster than we imagined and new tensions are haunting a widespread harm. We are confronted, every day, with news from people being relocated and denied of basic needs such as healthcare...