Prosecution

This new route in the patent system offers a new era of simplified and cost-effective patent protection in Europe.

Take a look at our guide about the Unitary Patent (UP) system and delve into the potential advantages it offers.

Inventa's team has been contributing to the updating of several chapters related to African jurisdictions in the Manual IP, published annually by Wolters Kluwer International Group.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) made available new forms of support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the European Union. The SME Fund call for proposals is supported by the European Commission and the EUIPO, taking the form of IP vouchers that will co-finance IP-related activities.

In addition to the previously available vouchers (1 and 2), the following are now eligible:

Introduction

Africa has two Regional Patent Offices, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) which may provide access to patent protection in a significant set of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The trademark application for the world-renowned Burberry check pattern was partially refused for virtual clothing, accessories and other services.

The reason? According to the EUIPO, the lack of distinctive character.

Ikea, the Swedish furniture retailer with hundreds of stores around the globe, has threatened legal action against the developer of The Store Is Closed, a survival horror video game that takes place in an Ikea-like store.

The game's lone developer studio based in the UK, who goes by the name ‘Ziggy’, released a successful Kickstarter campaign and a trailer for the game on YouTube, which quickly went viral.

One of the most notable events for women in current affairs this year is undoubtedly the popular uprising in Iran. Uniting women and men from the country and around the world under the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom," Iranian women have brought the issue of women's status at the center of the international community discussions.

Libya has imposed, by means of a directive, a restriction on foreigners registering trademarks in the country, with effect from November 1, 2022. The European Commission’s website states that “Libya’s trademark office has suspended the acceptance of trademark applications and registrations filed by foreign applicants”. 

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.

The Egyptian Patent Office, under the purview of the Ministry, will apply an examination fee of EGP 25.000,00 (around 800 USD), an increase of EGP 8.000 compared to the previous official fees applicable.

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 28 th July 2019. The new law allowed a time extension for renewal of the marks falling under this situation until 28th January 2020 and has established a validity of 10 years for all trademarks.