IP Law and System Alterations across the globe
China / Hong Kong Priority Examination
As of January 1, 2026, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) permanently implemented a priority route of examination for patent applications filed by applicants from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) in mainland China.
The initiative was introduced as a pilot program on January 1, 2023, with almost 200 invention patent applications examined via the priority route since its inception three years ago.
The priority route allows for an expedited examination process for applicants from the Hong Kong SAR, thus encouraging filings in mainland China, promoting innovation, and further developing cooperation. With the initial pilot program having been deemed a success, the permanent implementation of the program will no doubt prove to be a significant step forward for the IP systems of Hong Kong and China.
Also implemented on January 1, 2026 were newly introduced guidelines of the CNIPA concerning the inventors who can be declared within an IP application.
As per the guidelines, which reinforce and build upon existing policy in the jurisdiction, only genuine humans are permitted to be named on the application as inventors for invention patents, utility models, and design patents. This means that artificial intelligence systems, alongside other non-human entities, such as legal entities in the form of companies or institutions, are prohibited from being designated as inventors on an IP application.
Under the new guidelines, declared inventors named on an application must establish their identity with the CNIPA upon filing the application by providing their name, nationality, and a valid form of identification such as a passport or social security number, etc.
Zambia
A significant legal reform entered into force in Zambia on December 31, 2025 in the form of the new Trade Marks Act, marking the first major modification to the country's trademark legislation in over sixty years. The new Act replaces and repeals the earlier version of the trademark legislation of Zambia, namely the Trade Marks Act (Chapter 401) of 1958, which was rooted in the UK Trade Marks Act of 1938.
Among the most significant alterations to the Zambian trademark law is an overhaul of the filing and examination procedures for trademarks in the jurisdiction. As per the new Act, trademark applications will now be subject to substantive examination, as well as formal examination. As such, both absolute and relative grounds for refusal are now considered with regard to the registrability of a trademark.
Grounds for refusal, as well as for opposition, may include conflicts with prior third-party rights or well-known marks. With the new Act formally recognising opposition proceedings and enhancing rights for those with well-known marks, existing trademark owners are in a more robust legal position to challenge new applications based on prior rights. From the applicant's perspective, it is now possible to utilise evidence of honest concurrent use of a mark to overcome objections based on existing rights.
The Act has also introduced provisions in relation to trademark acquiescence, which provide limitations to prevent opposing parties from challenging a trademark in cases where the prior rights holder has knowingly tolerated the use of a similar, later registered trademark for a continuous period of five years or more.
Further alterations to the Zambian trademark law include the recognition of trademark applications filed on the basis of a legitimate intention to use, as well as applications for multi-class trademarks and service marks. As such, providers of services are now able to register their marks directly under the applicable service class, as opposed to relying on indirect protection by designating classes under goods. A broader range of non-traditional marks are now also accepted by the Zambian trademark office, so long as they meet the registrability criteria.
Trademark registrations in Zambia are now valid for a period of 10 years following registration, with each renewal also constituting a further 10-year period. Any trademarks which were registered prior to the enactment of the new law will remain valid until their official date of expiry, and then may be renewed under the new Act. It is worth noting that any registered marks that are not put to genuine use for a continuous period of five years or more may be cancelled under the new legislation.
The legislative reform in Zambia marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of the country’s IP system, not only strengthening the rights of local owners but also encouraging international filings within the jurisdiction.
Nice Classification
The latest edition of the Nice Classification (NCL) entered into force on January 1, 2026, marking the 13th edition.
The full, official version of the Nice Classification in both English and French is available to view on the official World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website here.
The new edition of the Nice Classification comprises amendments agreed upon by the Committee of Experts, with a new version published annually. Such alterations may include goods or services being moved from one class to another, or new classes being created.
The 13th edition introduces some significant changes, including the move from Class 9 to Class 10 of Goods for corrective glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses, and artificial intelligence as a service has been newly introduced to Class 42 of Services, etc.