Advancements to the international IP field
Qatar
The Qatar Trademark Office recently launched the trial phase of a digital transformation to its services, commencing in July 2025.
The transition from paper to digital format of services has introduced the online publication of the Official Gazette in relation to trademarks, which was previously issued only in print format. In addition, registration certificates are also now being issued electronically, enabling a more efficient method of processing for newly registered trademarks.
During the ongoing implementation of the digital system, physical copies of registration certificates may still be provided.
The shift from paper-form to a digital IP system is in keeping with the commitment of the Qatari government to transition all of its services to electronic means, paving the way for a more eco-friendly and efficient system.
Further, as of September 15, 2025, the Qatari Trademark Office announced that all trademark applications filed in the jurisdiction must reference the 11th Edition of the Nice Classification for the specification of goods and services.
This requirement is applicable to any applications which were filed on or after the aforementioned date, as well as to any applications which were pending a decision as to registration when the requirement entered into force.
Ethiopia
The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) formally deposited its instrument of accession to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property with WIPO on May 15, 2025, entering into force for Ethiopia as of August 15, 2025.
The Paris Convention is a monumental international IP treaty, ensuring that applicants are provided with a minimum level of protection for patents, trademarks, industrial designs, utility models, service marks, trade names, and geographical indications across the member states to the Convention.
Moreover, it allows applicants from Member States a uniform right of priority, meaning they are able to file for patent protection in other member states within a specific timeframe whilst maintaining the priority date from the filing of the initial application.
The addition of the country to the Paris Convention affords Ethiopian applicants more secure rights in relation to their IP filings in Paris Convention States, as well as providing equal treatment of foreign IP applications within Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s accession to the Paris Convention marks a significant moment in the country's commitment to the strengthening of its IP framework, forging a more globally cooperative approach to IP.
UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States (US) signed a Joint Statement of Intent on July 11, 2025, establishing a framework for bilateral cooperation between the Intellectual Property Offices (IPOs) of the two jurisdictions.
The new cooperation allows for an accelerated patent process to operate between the IPOs, with positive patent examination results issued by the USPTO now being utilized and considered in relation to corresponding patent applications before the UAE IPO.
The sharing of patent examination data significantly accelerates the granting and registration process in both jurisdictions, offering applicants an incentive to file with both IPOs and allowing them a more efficient route to securing IP rights.
Austria
The Austrian Patent Office has also taken steps to secure faster turn-around times for patent applications, with the country having joined the international Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) eXtra initiative as of July 1, 2025.
A PPH agreement between jurisdictions facilitates the sharing of patent examination data, meaning that the findings on patentability in one country can be shared with another, leading to a faster decision as to grant. Applicants can choose the PPH stream when filing for patent protection in countries that have opted into such an agreement with another IPO.
The PPH eXtra initiative is a new express route in addition to the already existing PPH route, through which participating IPOs can set even more expedited targets for the examination of PPH applications. The duration of such targets and the IPOs attainment of them is publicly available, meaning that Offices which opt into the eXtra initiative are demonstrating a commitment to the patent process on a globally cooperative scale.
With the new initiative, patent applicants can now foresee patent processing timescales to an even more accurate extent. Austria marked the 5th country to join the eXtra initiative, in cooperation with China, Japan, South Korea, and the US.