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First Seizure Of Counterfeit Goods In Libya

It came to our client's attention that local companies are infringing their Jotun Device
trademark used on paints.
 
Accordingly, we filed a complaint on behalf of Jotun A.S., and the General Attorney in his turn requested us to submit a proof of ownership.
 
Whereas our client had filed an application, and no oppositions were submitted during
the opposition period, and whereas the certificate of registration was not issued, we obtained a letter from the Libyan Trademark Office attesting that Jotun A.S. owns the Jotun device.
 
Consequently, a police raid was arranged and all infringing goods were seized, and two
partners of the company were arrested for a period of one week for investigation, which
was extended for an additional two weeks.
 
Afterwards, the entire file was transferred to the First Instant Criminal Court.
 
Furthermore, a judgment is expected to be rendered within a year, incriminating the
infringers and stipulating six months of imprisonment in addition to a penalty payment. 

 Meanwhile, an injunction has been issued preventing the infringers from producing or selling their product with the infringing trademark.
 
It is worth mentioning that this is the first precedent in Libya that shows the seriousness
of the Libyan authorities in preventing and prohibiting counterfeiting, and applying
the IP laws in their entirety.  This brings hope that owners of trademarks in Libya will benefit from their trademark registrations in the future against any possible infringers.

Qatar - Improvement Of Prosecution At The Qatar Trademark Office (QTMO)

 The Qatar Trademark Office (QTMO) has decided to improve its performance in the
handling of renewals, and has shortened the period of issuing renewal certificates to
three days instead of 5 months.
 
Moreover, it is worth mentioning that any trademark can be renewed during the last year
before its expiration date, and a grace period of 6 months is given.

 Renewal requirement :

A power of attorney sealed by company stamp (no legalization required).

 Furthermore, the Qatari Trademark Registrar has accelerated the procedures relating to trademark searching. Accordingly, trademark searches can be conducted and the official search results can be obtained within 2 to 3 working days. In the past, a trademark search used to take 7 to 10 working days.

 It is worth mentioning that in Bahrain, Oman and the UAE, a search can be conducted and the official results thereof can be obtained within 1 to 2 working days.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)-Delay In Issuance Of Registration And Renewal Certificates

 The Ministry of Trade and Economy in the UAE, to which the Trademark Office is attached, has been changed to the Ministry of Trade and Planning. Therefore, the Trademark Office has ceased issuing registration and renewal certificates as well as other official documents since November 2004, until they prepare new forms bearing the new name of the Ministry. 

 Filing requirements :

Legalized power of attorney.

 Renewal requirements are :

1.      Legalized power of Attorney.

2.      Photocopy of registration certificate

Bahrain

 The Bahrain Trademark Office has recently applied a new procedure for renewals.

Accordingly, renewal certificates will be issued at the time of payment of renewal fees.

 Renewal requirement :

A simply signed power of attorney. 

Ghana – Registration Of Service Marks

 As of the beginning of December 2004, registration of service marks became possible in classes (35-45).