The Middle East and North Africa continued to advance intellectual property protection in 2025, marked by legislative updates, administrative reforms, and expanded international cooperation. From streamlined trademark procedures to accelerated patent examination pathways and enhanced enforcement mechanisms, countries across the region strengthened their IP frameworks to support innovation, investment, and economic diversification.
Below is an overview of the key developments in trademarks, patents, and broader IP and enforcement measures throughout the year.
Trademarks
IRAQ
Local Subclassification Dropped
Iraq discontinued the alphabetical subclassification system after adopting the 11th Edition of the Nice Classification. Applicants must now use basic serial numbers tied to the approved list of goods and services. Renewals and recordals require reclassification from the former 7th Edition.
LEBANON
Simplified Trademark Assignment Procedure
Assignments no longer require submitting the original certificate. A Power of Attorney and Deed of Assignment are sufficient for recordal.
LIBYA
Trademark Renewal Fee Structure (effective 2025)
The renewal fee is set at USD 20,000 equivalent in local currency. Payment can be made in full or in ten equal annual installments. One publication and one certificate will be issued. Annual payments remain mandatory to keep a mark in force.
SAUDI ARABIA
Trademark Protection at Border Crossings
SAIP and ZATCA signed a cooperation agreement to enhance import control, improve electronic integration, and strengthen inspection mechanisms at all border points.
New Enforcement Figures
SAIP reported the seizure of more than 3.6 million infringing products and the blocking of 7,900 websites in 2024. Clothing and footwear represented 52 percent of violations.
TÜRKIYE
New Rules for Cancellation Actions and Tiered Fee System
A refundable legal deposit is now required for non-use cancellation requests. New fees apply to Class 35 filings and renewals involving more than two classes.
TANZANIA
Mandatory Trademark Recordation (effective Dec 1, 2025)
Trademark recordation with the FCC is required for all goods imported into Mainland Tanzania. Each application covers one mark in one class and must include detailed origin, ownership, licensing, and product information.
YEMEN
Additional Goods/Services Fee Update
The TMO removed the cap on the number of goods or services per filing. Items beyond the 10th incur a 5% publication surcharge per additional item.
New Class 5 Filing Requirements
For pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, applicants must submit a declaration confirming that the mark is for protection only and will not be used in Yemen. Use remains subject to approval by the Supreme Authority for Medicines.
Patents
BAHRAIN
PPH Pilot with EPO and JPO
Bahrain has expanded its Patent Prosecution Highway network with new bilateral programs involving the European Patent Office and the Japan Patent Office. Under these arrangements, applicants may request accelerated examination when corresponding claims have been deemed patentable by the counterpart office. The two-year PPH pilot with the EPO took effect on March 1, 2025, while the Bahrain-Japan program will launch on January 1, 2026. These additions strengthen Bahrain’s existing PPH framework with the United States, China, and Korea, providing applicants with broader options for faster, more efficient patent examination.
ETHIOPIA
Accession to the Paris Convention
Effective August 15, Ethiopia now offers national treatment, priority rights, and enhanced protections for patents, trademarks, designs, and other industrial property.
JORDAN
Plant Variety Registration Amendments
New regulations limit annuity payments to January each year and revise fees for filing, publication, formal examination, and maintenance. Registration is permitted for all plant varieties except those prohibited under applicable regulations.
MOROCCO
Growth in Designs and Patents
Morocco granted 644 patents in 2023 and now ranks fifth globally in industrial designs relative to GDP. Trademark applicants increasingly seek international protection through the Madrid System.
PAKISTAN
Inventor Assistance Program Launched
A new program supports individual inventors with free legal and technical guidance to navigate patent filing requirements.
SAUDI ARABIA
Accession to the Hague System
Saudi Arabia joined the Hague System for industrial designs, effective April 7, 2025, enabling designers to secure protection across multiple jurisdictions with a single application.
20,000th Patent Issued
SAIP reached its 20,000th granted patent, doubling its cumulative total since 2022. The first quarter of 2025 saw 345 patents granted to Saudi nationals. SAIP recorded a 13.33% increase in patent filings and issued 4,355 patent documents, 1,578 design certificates, and 1,504 copyright registrations.
Saudi Arabia climbed to 40th place globally with a 17.5% score increase. Key contributions included extended design protection, online enforcement, and improved inter-agency coordination.
TÜRKIYE
First to Join China’s Belt and Road Accelerated Examination Program
Türkiye became the first participant in CNIPA’s BRI Accelerated Patent Examination Project (2025–2027), offering faster patent examination for eligible applications filed in China.
UAE
Accelerated Green IP Registration
Green and sustainability-related patents may now be granted within 3–6 months, with fee waivers applying to eligible applicants.
Joint Statement with the U.S. to Expedite Patent Grants
The UAE and the USPTO agreed to recognize positive U.S. examination results for corresponding UAE applications, expediting local patent grants in line with domestic regulations.
Legal, Policy, and Enforcement Developments
EGYPT
Revised Fee Schedules Issued by EGIPA
New administrative fee structures now apply to patents, plant varieties, and copyrights, covering amendments, examinations, certifications, and recordals.
IRAQ
Customs Measures Updated
New procedural reforms aim to streamline trade flows and improve border enforcement against counterfeit goods.
MOROCCO
WIPO Cooperation on Cultural Heritage and Copyright
A new MoU supports the protection of Morocco’s cultural identity, including safeguarding “Label Maroc” and strengthening copyright administration via WIPOCONNECT.
OMAN
Investment and Trade Court Operational
The new court exercises exclusive jurisdiction over IP disputes, competition matters, e-commerce, PPP contracts, and investment litigation.
QATAR
National Institute for Innovation & Scientific Research Launched
Amiri Decision No. 19/2025 established a dedicated national institute to support research, innovation, and IP-driven development.
Cooperation with WIPO on Judicial Capacity
The Investment and Trade Court signed a cooperation agreement with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center to strengthen dispute resolution capabilities.
SAUDI ARABIA
AI Copyright Guidelines Issued
SAIP published non-binding guidelines clarifying that:
- Fully autonomous AI outputs are not protected.
- Works involving meaningful human input may qualify.
- Human authorship and originality remain central.
SYRIA
Reassessing IP Strategy in a Changing Legal Landscape
Following the lifting and easing of sanctions by the EU, USA, UK, and Japan, rights holders are encouraged to reassess their portfolios, confirm trademark validity, address third-party risks, and consider new patent filings in construction, telecom, and renewable energy.
SAUDI ARABIA
Film Commission Joins the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA)
Membership strengthens the Kingdom’s audiovisual preservation capabilities and supports modernization of archiving and licensing frameworks.
UAE
Launch of Geographical Indications System
The UAE introduced its first federal GI system, with initial registrations including Hatta honey, Ras Al Khaimah ceramics, Dabbas dates, and palm frond crafts.
First Collective Management Organization for Music Rights Licensed
The UAE authorized its first CMO to manage royalties for music creators and license commercial users across sectors such as hotels, malls, and broadcasters.
