Jordan Patent Office – Updates: The Registrar of JPO called for a meeting all Patent Agents in Jordan in order to develop the performance of the Office. The outcome of the meeting was:- Any document in a language other than English must be translated in English and Arabic. Priority documents must be translated in full, as previously only the main sheet was translated. It is now requested to submit the translation of the abstract, specification and claims. As examiners have noticed that, in some cases, the Applicants or Inventors are not the same as on the priority document, an explanation must now be provided.In case any differences exist between the specifications claim on the priority document and the national application, justification must be provided. In case any differences exist between the specifications claim on the priority document and the national application, justification must be provided. At a time of Grant, and before issuance of the Letter of Patent, the application must provide the Patent Office with any changes in the claims of the original application. If you have any question, please contact jordan@qumsieh.com Angola Joined PCT: Please be advised that Angola became a member state of the PCT as of 27 December 2007, and it is now possible to file PCT national phase there. Accordingly PCT filing requirements are: International Publication Sheet.   International Search Report.   PCT Preliminary Examination Report.   Specifications, claims abstract and drawings in Portuguese.   Power of attorney legalized up to Angolan Consulate. It is worth mentioning that Angola's official language is Portuguese.   Iraq – Reorganizing of Trademark Office operations: The newly appointed Registrar, in his attempt to develop Trademark Office operations (TMO) by introducing the computer in the TMO, has issued a statement in which he said: "All TMO activities will be frozen for 3 months as of the beginning of February 2008" During this period, the TMO staff will create computer software and enter the data of all trademark files to speed and smooth the search and examination procedures, and develop a comprehensive trademark system. Applications will only be accepted, but not acted on. Furthermore, the Registrar has requested the cooperation of all parties to provide them with missing data and files. For further information, please contact iraq@qumsieh.com.   Morocco – Power of Attorney requirement is revised: The Registrar of the Moroccan Trademark Office (OMPIC) has revised the requirements for the Power of Attorney, as of the beginning of February 2008, and it is now requested that the power must be stamped and sealed by the applicant, and the name and capacity of the signatory should be indicated clearly on the power. An advanced copy by fax or e-mail, however, will be accepted for filing purposes. For any assistant in Morocco, please contact us at: morocco@qumsieh.com.