IP HP (Tag interna)

Following recent substantial increases in trademark renewal fees in Libya, some trademark owners have sought to re-register their marks after the expiration of the protection period and its legal grace period, perceiving this as a more cost-effective alternative to renewing their existing registrations and thereby avoiding the significantly higher renewal fees.

The Harare Protocol, one of ARIPO’s cornerstone agreements, allows applicants to secure protection for patents, utility models, and industrial designs through a single ARIPO application, with the same effect as if filed directly in each designated member state. This regional mechanism has long been a valuable tool for rights holders seeking efficient, centralized IP protection across participating African jurisdictions. In this context, we would like to highlight the recent expansion of the system.

As of March 1, 2025, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has enacted a series of major amendments to its governing legal instrument, the Harare Protocol, which regulates the procedure for the protection of patents and industrial designs among its member states.

Vítor Palmela Fidalgo shares his insights in "Platforms Pay the Price", published in WIPR – World IP Review, Issue 1 (2025), which explores the growing accountability of online platforms as evolving European regulations push them to take greater responsibility for counterfeit goods sold by third-party vendors.

Occasionally, the principle of morality, as outlined in Article 7(1)(f) of the European Union Trademark Regulation (EUTMR), prompts discussions regarding its interpretation.

Since this principle is grounded in subjective values that rely on the fundamental ethical norms accepted by civilised society at any given time, it must be constantly reassessed, reconsidered and even modernised.

The Libyan Trademark Office has announced that it will temporarily suspend the acceptance of new trademark applications from March 5, 2025, to April 10, 2025. However, the office will continue to process oppositions, appeals, and renewals during this period.

For more information, please contact us at info@inventa.com

The webinar “Protect Your IP with IT and Inventa: Software Patents and Artificial Intelligence” took place on February 26, with the participation of Inventa.

The event was held at the Telecommunications Institute (IT) in Lisbon and highlighted the main challenges and opportunities in protecting computer-implemented inventions, including those driven by Artificial Intelligence.

From north to south, and from east to west, Africa’s cultural legacy is present in diverse and captivating ways, especially when it comes to its agricultural heritage.

From the raw materials used to make clothing, to the traditional ingredients for culinary recipes, Africa holds hidden treasures in agricultural knowledge and customs. Its varying climates give rise to unique combinations of flavours, species, and production methods, all contributing to an agricultural legacy that is both distinctive and invaluable.

Geographical terms in trademarks present a complex challenge under EU law, as they can be understood both as indicators of geographical origin and as distinctive trademark elements. However, the European Union Trade Mark Regulation (EUTMR) sets strict criteria for their registration, particularly when they lack distinctiveness due to descriptiveness.

We are proud to see Inventa recognized in the Leaders League ranking of the best firms in Portugal for 2024 in "Trademark Prosecution" (Leading Firm), "Patent Prosecution" (Leading Firm) and "IP Litigation" (Recommended Firm) categories, with a particular highlight on the performance of Vítor Palmela Fidalgo, Vítor Sérgio Moreira, João Pereira Cabral and