News

China’s Amended Patent Law: Major Amendments on the Way

02/03/2021

BEIJING - The Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress of China passed amendments to China’s Patent Law (CPL) on October 17, 2020. The amendments to the law will take effect on June 1, 2021.

China reformed its patent regime to strengthen the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and create a better environment for investment in China.

Major amendments to China’s patent law:

Patent Term Compensation: Patent term compensation is available if the grant of a patent is delayed and takes more than 4 years from the date of filing, or 3 years after a request for substantive examination.

Patent Term Extension: The patentees of innovative pharmaceuticals are allowed to apply for a patent term extension of up to 5 years.

Open License System: Open license system is introduced for the first time in China. The patentee may voluntarily license any entity or individual to exploit his patent.

Patent Infringement: Punitive damages are adopted for intentional infringements of patents. In addition, a fine of not more than 5 times of the amount of illegal earnings shall be imposed.

Design Patents: The term of validity for design patents is increased from10 years to 15 years.

Registration of Collective Marks Containing Geographical Indications in Saudi Arabia

02/03/2021

RIYADH – The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) announced the launch of a service for the registration of collective marks containing geographical indications in line with the international practices.

The Authority explained that collective marks containing geographical indications can be registered for products that have specific geographical origin, specifications or reputation attributed to that origin. The registration of such collective marks contributes to the distinction of geographical origin, materials, manufacturing method and other common characteristics of goods or services.

The Authority set out the requirements for the registration of collective marks with geographical indications as follows:

•Copy of the trademark.
•Name, address and nationality of the applicant.
•Exact description of the trademark.
•Services or products for which the trademark will be registered.
•Indication of the persons entitled to use the trademark and their relationship with the applicant.

For more information, please contact AGIP Office in Saudi Arabia at ksa@agip.com

Class Heading as Description of Goods is no Longer Acceptable in Algeria

02/03/2021

ALGIERS – The Algerian National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) has recently issued new regulations stipulate that the use of class headings as the list of goods in trademark applications will no longer be accepted in Algeria.

Trademark applications with class heading will be refused because each claimed list of goods and/or services should be specified in details to avoid any possible rejection during the examination phase.

For more information, please contact our office in Algeria at algeria@agip.com

AGIP Provides IP Rights Recordation Service with the Algerian Customs

02/03/2021

ALGIERS – Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) as the leading global IP firm providing Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) protection, provides a new service in Algeria tightening trademarks’ owners protection against the unauthorized importation of goods bearing trademarks or logos identical or similar to their trademarks.

Recordation with the Directorate General of Customs in Algeria is one of the most effective procedures for enforcing IPRs in Algeria. As a prerequisite, trademarks’ owners have to register their trademarks with Algeria Trademark Office under the authority of Algerian Ministry of Industry first and then record the trademarks with the Directorate General of Customs.
Upon this recordation, the Customs officials across all Algerian Customs border points shall have the right to stop and seize any goods found to bear similar or identical trademark(s) to the original ones.

The recordation procedures are very simple, and AGIP helps trademarks’ owners maximize their protection at the borders. To record your IPRs through AGIP, you need to submit the following required documents:
- Engagement (in French Language) to be dated, signed and stamped by the client and legalized by the Algerian Embassy.
- POA to be dated, signed and stamped by the client and legalized by the Algerian Embassy.
- Copy of the certificate of registration of the trademark.
- Minimum of 70 photos of the products and their packaging with all description (weight, length, width, technical data sheet)

For assistance with the recordation process with the Algerian Customs, please contact our office in Algeria at the following address:

Address: Centre Commercial et d'Affaires (El-Qods) 9th Floor, Office No. 09-22
P.O. Box: 148, Cheraga, Algiers, Algeria
Telephone: 21321341419
Fax: 21321341423
Email algeria@agip.com
Contact Person: Tarek FOURY (Mr.)

AGIP Helps Clients Protect their Rights through Recordation with China Customs

02/03/2021

BEIJING - Customs enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in China refers to the measures taken by Chinese Customs according to the law preventing the import and export of infringing goods. Chinese Customs comprise the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) and local customs offices nationwide. There are two modes of protection, namely “protection on request” and “protection ex officio”. Recently, nine of China’s authorities including the Supreme People’s Court and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly released the Opinions on Strengthening the Destruction of Infringing and Counterfeit Goods.

The Opinions address long-standing issues regarding the destruction of confiscated goods and counterfeits which infringe Intellectual Property Rights by disposing of the goods in accordance with laws and regulations, to prevent the return of the goods to the marketplace; and disposing of the goods in a harmless manner, to prevent pollution during the destruction process and strictly prohibit any re-circulation of the goods.

In this regard, Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) helps clients record their Intellectual Property Rights with Chinese Customs, as the first frontier in the fight against counterfeiting and infringement. Once a trademark is recorded with Chinese Customs, the entrance of infringing products will be closely controlled and the owners will be immediately notified of any such incidents.

For further details on our recordation service with Chinese Customs, please contact AGIP office in China via email: china@agip.com

West Bank to Establish Registry for Industrial Property Agents

02/03/2021

RAMALLAH - The Palestinian Government has amended the third article of the Patents and Industrial Designs Law No. 22 for the year 1953 related to Agents registration.

Amending the agents’ registration fees is a step to establish a Registry for Industrial Property Agents in the West Bank, which will be activated as from January 1, 2021.

For further information, please contact AGIP West Bank office at westbank@agip.com

New Trademark Official Fees in Cyprus

10/09/2020

NICOSIA – As per the new Trade Mark IP Law issued in Cyprus on June 2020, new official fees of trademark services have been adopted by Cyprus Trademark Office.

The new official fees have been imposed for all trademark services, including filing, registration, publication, etc…., and have been published in the official gazette.

For more information in this regard, please contact us at europe@agip.com

AGIP Reduces Trademark Renewal Fees in Syria

10/09/2020

DAMASCUS - Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) is committed to clients satisfaction through providing consistently high quality services coupled with the competitive charges. Thus, AGIP decided to reduce the fees for trademark renewal in Syria.

The professional fees for trademark renewal service provided by AGIP Office in Syria will be reduced by 31%.

AGIP Office in Syria provides clients with comprehensive IP services to protect and enforce their trademarks in the market. For any inquiry, kindly contact AGIP Office in Syria at the following address:

Address: Trade Marks Agencies (Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property - TMP Agents) Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Building - Kafersoseh Villas Organization zone - The Southern Highway
P.O. Box: 31000 Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Telephone: +963 11 214 0160 +963 11 214 0161
Fax: +963 11 214 0162
Email: syria@agip.com
Contact: Mohammad Ammar Azmeh (Mr.)

Lebanon Update: Suspension of IP Office Operations

10/09/2020

BEIRUT – The devastating explosion in Beirut's port has left much of the National Office for the Protection of Intellectual Property destroyed, impacting the services provided by the Office.

The Office announced that it will not receive new applications, and will remain closed to the public until further notice.

In this regard, we assure our clients that our office in Lebanon is still operational and receives clients’ communications, instructions, applications to guarantee immediate filing and response in due time.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advise our clients immediately once we are informed of any change.

Furthermore, we will offer our services for the reconstruction of Beirut IP office both physically and data-wise because we have in our database all that is needed for them to operate. We have done similarly after the Lebanese civil war in 1991.

Jordan Activates Regulations of Patent Examination

10/09/2020

AMMAN – The Industrial Property Protection Directorate (IPPD), affiliate to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply in Jordan has decided to activate Article 20 of the Jordanian Patent Regulation, where it is required to pay examination fees.

According to a circulation received from the IPPD, the decision will be implemented with a retroactive effect on all pending applications filed starting from December 9, 2018, as long as their filing formalities are completed.

Accordingly, it is now expected by all patent applicants to attend to the examination payment for all their pending applications, otherwise, the Registrar will send an invitation to the applicant requesting him to pay the fees for examination of the patent within 60 days, and non-compliance with the same will result in abandoning the application.

For more information, please contact AGIP Jordan office at jordan@agip.com

Sound Trademark Enters in “Registrable Trademarks” Arena in Saudi Arabia

10/09/2020

RIYADH – For the first time in the history of Saudi Arabia, a sound trademark has been registered in the Kingdom, entering a new IP era in which non-traditional trademarks are granted protection.

The first sound trademark certificate has been issued by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) in accordance with the new GCC trademark law effective in Saudi Arabia since September 2016. Article 2 of the Law extends the subject matter of trademark to smell marks and sound marks, suggesting that it is possible to have registrations of such marks.

Applicants wishing to register sound trademark in Saudi Arabia may submit their sound trademarks in the form of a musical note, a written description or MP3 file, provided that the said trademark is distinctive and unique.

Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) represents businesses on various trademark issues, covering registration, prosecution, licensing and counseling. For any advice on trademark matters in Saudi Arabia, please contact our office located in Riyadh at the following address:

Address: King Fahd Road - Olaya District - Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org)
P.O.Box 9767, Riyadh 11423, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (00 966-11) 464 2936
Fax: (00 966-11) 465 2713
Email: ksa@agip.com
Contact: Ma'an Al-Khen (Mr)

AGIP Holds Patents and PCT Training Course

04/02/2019

AMMAN – Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) held the second phase of training course on Patents and PCT for its employees in Amman, Jordan, from January 31 to February 2, 2019.

The training course was held as part of AGIP commitment to building the professional capacities of its employees, in order to help them perform their work according to the advanced professional standards, and acquire the confidence and respect of clients all over the world.

The training course taught various subjects related to the patent field such as worldwide patent filing applications and advantages and disadvantages of different patent systems with emphasis on the PCT system, including international and national phases of the PCT system.

The course covered a variety of matters in relation to the PCT such as preliminary examination reports, possibilities of amending the specification and claims during the international phase, in addition to international treaties governing patents.

The course attendees successfully acquired the basics of patent drafting, different types of patent claims, PCT patent prosecution highway and patent infringement. Furthermore, they learnt how individuals and countries can make use of patent information, in many cases for free; especially as the Arab region is in need of experienced professionals in the patent field.

The course was presented by Dr. Ahmed Donia, AGIP Consultant, along with other IP consultants from AGIP. Dr. Donia, who has more than twenty-five years of experience in the IP field, delivered lectures and seminars in international institutions such as the WIPO, Cairo University School of Law, Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. He has Master of Science and Doctor of Engineering Science degrees from Columbia University in New York City, USA

Jordan Issues New Resolution on Patent Renewal Fees

26/12/2018

AMMAN - As per the new decision issued by the Directorate of Industrial Property Protection in Jordan, it is now permitted to pay annuity fees for several years in advance for granted patents in Jordan. Accordingly, all annuities of the patent life span can be paid at once in advance.

It is worth mentioning that patent annuities are due only upon the grant of the patent application in Jordan, with retroactive effect, as from the date of filing. This should be applied to all granted patents as well, either at the time of the grant or at any time during the annuity due date.

For more information, please contact our office in Jordan at: jordan@agip.com

Jumana Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Joins the 4.3% of Women Inventors

26/12/2018

CANADA – Ms. Jumana Abu-Ghazaleh, has been awarded a positive international search report from the Canadian Patent Office for a novel and inventive computer system for fostering online working relationships and virtual team building, thereby joining the 4.3% of women inventors who have filed international patent applications.

This invention has pioneering global impact, and it utilizes the power of communication to build strong professional relationships, even when colleagues are separated by geography, time zones or culture; most importantly, the invention introduces empathy into the digital workplace.

Ms. Abu-Ghazaleh is one of the 40 Women To Watch Over 40 in the Arab world, a trade strategist, founder and CEO of betwixt.us; a tech company devoted to strengthening professional relationships through an online platform promoting psychological safety and dialogue between workgroups.

Ms. Abu-Ghazaleh, who has been described as the “ultimate positive role model for young women”, is the recipient of multiple marketing industry awards for her brand strategy work for international companies such as American Express, Yahoo, Coca-Cola, Bank of America and Hilton Hotels. She earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a degree in Literature and Philosophy from Claremont McKenna College.

Ms. Abu-Ghazaleh is the daughter of Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the largest global group of professional services firms that provide specialized services in more than 25 different fields. Stemming from his strong believe that innovation and knowledge empower nations, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh has innovated Talal Abu Ghazaleh University College for Innovation (TAGUCI), the only major institution in the Arab world that will graduate inventors and entrepreneurs, that hopefully will follow the footsteps of Ms. Jumana Abu-Ghazaleh, and will continue to push the wheel of innovation forward.

Bahrain Issues New Implementing Regulations for Patents and Utility Models Law

26/12/2018

MANAMA – The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of Bahrain issued the Ministerial Decision No. 101 of 2018 regarding the new Implementing Regulations for Patents and Utility Models Law No. 1 of 2004.

The Implementing Regulations have been published in the Official Gazette No. 3397 on December 13, 2018, and entered into force in the Kingdom the following day.

According to the new implementing regulations, the official fees for all patent and utility model services have been increased as of December 18, 2018 (The effective date).

For more information, please contact AGIP office in Bahrain at: bahrain@agip.com

Bahrain Applies New Value Added Tax (VAT) Rate

18/10/2018

MANAMA - The Value Added Tax (VAT) Law in Bahrain has been issued under the Royal Decree No. (48) of 2018 on October 6, 2018.

A VAT rate of 5% will be applied in Kingdom of Bahrain, effective from January 1, 2019.

The new VAT rate will be applicable on all Intellectual Property (IP) matters (trademarks, patents and industrial designs) as non-governmental charges.

Accordingly, our invoices for all IP matters in Bahrain, issued as of the aforesaid date, will reflect the new VAT rate of 5%.

For more information, please contact our office in Bahrain at: bahrain@agip.com

Online Trademark Renewal System in Kuwait

18/10/2018

KUWAIT – Kuwait has upgraded its system and switched from manual filing of renewal applications to an online system. As per the current practice, trademark renewals will be submitted electronically; however, renewal certificates will be issued manually for the time being. The renewal certificates are expected to be issued electronically as well on later stage.
The new system is partially implemented and it would be fully operational within coming few months.

In case the trademark is renewed by different agent of filing, official fees of (US $ 35.00) will be paid. AGIP does not add any charges on these official fees.

For more information, please contact AGIP office in Kuwait at: kuwait@agip.com

Russia Introduces Service of Accelerated Prosecution of Trademark Applications

09/07/2018

MOSCOW - The Russian Patent and Trademark Office (RPTO) announced the launch of new service of accelerated prosecution of trademark applications.

This new service will reduce the time frame of trademark registration from 12-14 months to 2-3 months.

The accelerated prosecution of trademark applications will be conducted following these procedures:

1. Filing an application

2. Advanced trademark search

3. Formal examination and acceptance of application

4. Substantive examination

5. Registration in normal case or provisional refusal

In this regard, AGIP is pleased to inform its clients that it will provide the service of accelerated trademark prosecution to its clients in Russia.

For more information, please contact AGIP office in Russia at: russia@agip.com

New Procedures for Intellectual Property Rights Assignment in Lebanon

02/07/2018

BEIRUT - Intellectual Property Protection Office in Lebanon announced that new procedures will be applied to assignment of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in Lebanon in connection with trademarks, patents, industrial designs and copyrights.

The new procedures stipulate that the applicants have to submit the original certificates of their assigned IPRs with the recordal applications in order to issue new certificates in the name of the current owners.

For more information in this regard, please contact our office in Lebanon at: lebanon@agip.com

UAE Launches Online Trademark Renewal System

02/07/2018

DUBAI – The Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates announced that the trademark renewal certificates in the UAE is now being issued electronically through its website upon completing the renewal procedures.

This news system will cover new trademark renewal applications, and those filed electronically as from December 6, 2015.

For more information, please contact our office in the UAE at: uae@agip.com

AGIP Participates in FICPI World Congress 2018

02/07/2018

TORONTO – Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) represented by its CEO and Managing Partner, Mr. Luay Abu-Ghazaleh, Executive Director, Mr. Charles Shaban and Vice-president Marketing and Executive Director, Mr. Nabil Salamé participated in the FICPI World Congress 2018, which took place in Toronto, Canada from 5-10 June 2018.

This event aimed to explore how changes that are driven by the advancement of technology, including artificial intelligence, will impact the intellectual property industry. In particular, it focused on the changes that IP practitioners in private practice will have to make to survive in this rapidly changing world.

Commenting on this participation, Mr. Luay Abu-Ghazaleh said: “It was very informative and a great opportunity to meet with other IP professionals from around the world. The event gave us insight into the great opportunities to exchange views on professional matters and practice management with other members.”

FICPI is an organization working for the interests of patent and trademark professionals worldwide. It is the only association whose membership consists solely of Intellectual Property professionals in private practice.

AGIP Attends INTA Annual Meeting 2018

02/07/2018

SEATTLE – Out of its keenness to effectively reach out to its clients and potential clients, Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) has been always keen on attending the International Trademark Association (INTA) annual meetings to take advantage of the educational programs, committee meetings, exhibits, social events and networking opportunities.

This year, AGIP participated in the world's largest trademarks event held in Seattle, Washington along with more than 10, 000 participants from more than 150 countries.

INTA’s five-day meeting featured a dynamic mix of educational programs and policy discussions on several trademark-related topics including strategies for battling counterfeit goods in the global marketplace, IP issues in the era of artificial intelligence and other innovations, influencer marketing insights into return on investment, Brexit and its impact on various IP rights, privacy and data protection compliance in light of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, and others.

AGIP delegation that was headed by Mr. Luay Abu-Ghazaleh and 30 directors from our different offices conducted more than 250 pre-scheduled meetings with clients from different countries, where its delegation exchanged expertise and knowledge and discussed areas of potential cooperation with them.

INTA’s 141st Annual Meeting will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, May 18-22, 2019.

Electronic Certificate for Trademark Registration in Morocco

02/07/2018

CASABLANCA - The Moroccan Trademark Office (OMPIC) announced that it will proceed to issue trademark registration certificates electronically, in a digital PDF format that will bear the official stamp of OMPIC.

The office confirmed that the certificate has the same legal value as the hard copy.

For more information, please contact our office in Morocco at: morocco@agip.com

Abu-Ghazaleh and Cairo University’s Faculty of Law Organize Seminar on IPR protection

02/07/2018

CAIRO – Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) in Egypt organized a scientific seminar on the protection of Intellectual Property Rights at the Cairo University’s Faculty of Law.

The seminar was held in the presence of Dean of Faculty of Law Dr. Sabry El-Snousy and AGIP Consultant Dr. Ahmad Donia.

During the event, Dr. Donia affirmed the significance of IP in safeguarding the rights of inventors as well as the importance of making data and information accessible for use in scientific research and development.

He highlighted the role of the State in supporting and boosting scientific research by legislating laws and regulations in the Arab Republic of Egypt, particularly Law No. 23 for the year 2018 on the provision of incentives to science, technology and innovation with the aim to encourage the development of higher education and scientific research bodies, and overcoming all obstacles towards achieving the goals of these bodies in cooperation with the competent authorities.

He also referred to the role of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in assisting researchers and inventors by recently offering a number of free-of-charge services including database search of published patents and their translation into nine different languages.

Dr. Donia affirmed the readiness of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization to cooperate with all scientific and research institutions with the aim of boosting scientific research in Egypt and to exploit all required capacities and potentials for this purpose in light of Egypt’s pioneering role in this regard.

For their part, the participants at the seminar underlined the importance of such gatherings in raising awareness relating to intellectual property rights protection and the latest developments in this field.

It’s worth mentioning that the Faculty of Law at Cairo University was the first faculty of law to be established in Egypt in 1868 at the era of Isma'il Pasha under the name School of Management and Languages.

AGIP provides Intellectual Property services from registration and prosecution to maintenance, licensing and counseling services related to trademarks, patents, copyrights and industrial designs and models in all countries of the world through its long-established global network of associates. It also provides services related to infringement, counterfeiting, opposition, cancellation and appeal actions.

New Official Fees Come into Effect in Albania

02/07/2018

TIRANA - The new official fees list for trademarks, patents and designs services adopted by the Albanian IP Office entered into force as from June 6, 2018.

The new fees cover filing, publication, registration, renewal, recordal, oppositions and cancellation of trademark, patent and design applications.

For more information on this matter, or any inquiries, please contact AGIP Europe Office at: europe@agip.com

AGIP China one of the 'Top Ten IP Agency'

19/06/2018

BEIJING – In recognition for its leading role in supporting Intellectual Property community in China, Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) was awarded the “Top Ten Overseas IP Agency” 2018 during the Power Nation IP Forum (CIPF), which was hosted by the Beijing Power Nation Institute of Intellectual Property, at the National Convention Center.

On behalf of AGIP, Mrs. Noor Shangwei, Director of Greater China Region, received the award and said “we are very honored to obtain this award, which is the recognition and support of our clients and other IP agencies. We will continue providing high quality and professional services to our clients, as we have done for decades.”

During the two-day forum, AGIP acquired fruitful results through in-depth discussions on the comprehensive management and development of Intellectual Property Rights.

A member of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP), is the leader in Intellectual Property protection services in the world. AGIP provides an extensive range of IP services for the protection, commercialization and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights, covering patents, trademarks, designs, copyrights and domain names.

AGIP Receives Three Awards on World IP Day

06/06/2018

DUBAI - Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) won three awards as the Best IP Firm in the United Arab Emirates during the Abu Dhabi and Dubai emirates celebrations marking 'World Intellectual Property Day’ celebrated under the theme “Powering Change: Women in Innovation and Creativity."

At the the Dubai Customs IP celebrations on the occasion of World IP day, AGIP won the award for the highest number of trademark recordation with Dubai Customs for the year 2017.

AGIP Dubai Office Executive Director Mr. Amjad Al Husseini received the award presented by HE Mr. Ahmad Mahbob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs during the ceremony held under the patronage of HE Mr. Sultan Ahmad Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC).

During its celebration of World IP Day, Abu Dhabi Customs Administration selected AGIP as one of the exceptional partners of Customs in terms of effective communication and cooperation in IP issues for the year 2017 and for registering the highest number of trademark recordation in Abu Dhabi.

The Awards were presented by HE Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Customs Administration.

Al Husseini expressed his gratitude for honoring AGIP with these awards saying, “We are extremely pleased and honored to receive such awards which constitute a motivation for us as a specialized IP firm to constantly improve our services to meet the expectations of our clientele”.

For his part, TAG-Org Executive Director of National Marketing Mr. Motasem Abu-Ghazaleh stated that receiving this honor and recognition earned by AGIP is attributed to its constant commitment to deliver the best services, accuracy and effective performance.

He added that this success is achieved thanks to the continuous guidance of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh and his keenness to offer first-class services noting that such awards form part of the outstanding record AGIP has cemented throughout its years of business operations.

It’s worth mentioning that Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) was established in 1972, and tirelessly works to expand its services and offices around the world with over 100 offices worldwide including in all Arab countries, China, India, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, Cyprus, Iran, Nigeria in addition to its latest offices in Japan, Canada and Cameroon, through which it offers its professional services at the highest quality standards.

Abu-Ghazaleh at Florence University: Intellectual Property and Innovation are basic for a Better World

06/06/2018

FLORENCE, Italy- By kind arrangements of HE Mr. Giovanni Brauzzi, the Italian Ambassador to Jordan and upon an invitation from the University of Florence, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh discussed the importance of Intellectual Property and Innovation in building a better and secure future in a lecture held at the historical palace of “Palazzo Fenzi” and attended by representatives and academics, Italian archaeologists and students of one of the most prestigious universities in Italy.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh who served on many international organizations specialized in IP for more than 60 years, told students that "IP is invented to encourage the creation, not to stop it. It is the fuel which inflames genius."

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stated that Intellectual Property is a celebration of creativity and refers to creations of the mind affirming that Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP), the largest IP company in the world, has been in the IP business for a long time and has the global spread with its 110 offices around the world.

AGIP, winner of the best IP Firm in the Middle East for many years by Managing Intellectual Property (MIP), has formulated the laws and regulations of Intellectual Property in many countries around the world and is the largest company for protection and litigation of IP around the world.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stressed the role of technology and its revolution saying: "When I started my company 45 years ago, we could easily separate IP from any other subject such as ICT but today we cannot due to the revolution in the information technology particularly the Artificial Intelligence and we will soon face a lot of problems in IP," he said.

"The largest company in the world is not an oil company, the number one company in the world with the highest value is Google which is worth $850 billion and they sell information not goods or services which is not covered by any agreement or IP rights," Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh who was inducted into the IP Hall of Fame in Chicago added.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh shared an exciting news of establishing the first university of its kind in the world the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University College for Innovation.

"It is the first university in the world that teaches innovation and where students have to invent to graduate and this is a unique concept. We believe that the future is about innovation and by 2050 we will be living in another more advanced world and we will move to the knowledge state," he said.

The change into innovation, according to Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh will come soon in which everyone "will become a knowledge worker just like myself," and "we need IP to protect and encourage innovation, for me IP is in the past and today we have IP innovation."

AGIP Afghanistan Office Receives Certificate of Appreciation at World IP Day

06/06/2018

KABUL - In recognition of its outstanding and invaluable service to Afghanistan Patent and Trademark Office (Trademark Registration Department), and its role in supporting Intellectual Property community in the Republic, Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by HE Ms. Kamila Sidiqi, Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry.

AGIP received the Certificate of Appreciation during a special ceremony organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrating World IP Day in Kabul.

Mr. Babu Nambarath, AGIP Afghanistan Office manager stated after the ceremony: “AGIP is honored to be part of this important global day which is celebrated by more than 100 countries around the world with the aim to raise awareness on an important issue and that is IP. This achievement is the outcome of the support and guidance of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh and today AGIP is the world leading in Intellectual Property Rights protection and the largest worldwide with 110 offices around the world.”

It is worth noting that AGIP was selected the best IP Firm in the Middle East for many years in a row by the Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) magazine.

Substantive Examination of Pending Patent Applications in Bahrain

06/06/2018

MANAMA - The Patent Office of Bahrain announced that it has started the substantive examination of pending patent applications in Bahrain, as from May 29, 2018.

Accordingly, AGIP office in Bahrain will send the examination reports to all the clients upon receiving the same from the Patent Office in Bahrain.

For more information, please contact our office in Bahrain at: bahrain@agip.com

AGIP Celebrates World IP Day

10/05/2018

AMMAN - On the occasion of the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) participated in the celebration of world Intellectual Property Day 2018, under the theme “Powering Change: Women in Innovation and Creativity.”

The celebration included a workshop about Domain Names Dispute Resolution, which was organized by Arab Society for Intellectual Property (ASIP) in collaboration with Licensing Executive Society – Arab Countries (LES-Arab Countries).

During the workshop, Mr. Charles Shaban, Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) Executive Director, carried out a presentation about AGIP services, and TAG-Domains, a subsidiary of AGIP, and an ICANN accredited registrar. He stressed the domain names services provided by TAG-Domains, including Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD), Country-Code Top Level Domains (ccTLD) and International Domain Names (IDN ccTLD).

Moreover, Mr. Shaban participated in the workshop which was organized by Arab Society for Intellectual Property (ASIP) in collaboration with Licensing Executive Society – Arab Countries (LES-Arab Countries) at Zarqa Culture Directorate.

In his presentation, Mr. Shaban tackled some issues related to Intellectual Property, highlighting the role of AGIP in raising awareness on the value of Intellectual Property Rights protection among many sectors of society.

During the second workshop, Mr. Shaban and the director of Zarqa Culture Directorate, Dr. Mansour Zuoud, discussed the bilateral cooperation between two parties to develop a comprehensive framework for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

Trademarks in Latin Script in Iraq

18/04/2018

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Trademarks Office recently announced that it becomes possible to file trademark applications in Latin letters, and it is not necessary to submit the Arabic transliteration of the same trademark.

This new practice is expected to provide protection for the transliteration of the registered trademark, without having to file a separate application of the same trademark.

From our experience though we advise our clients to add the Arabic transliteration of the trademark to avoid any problems that might arise in case third parties would register confusingly similar Arabic transliteration.

For more information in this regard, please contact our office in Iraq at: iraq@agip.com

AGIP Opens its Second Liaison Office in Canada

08/04/2018

OTTAWA - Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) is proud to announce the opening of its liaison office in Ottawa, the second in Canada after Montreal. The new office will bring AGIP closer to its clients in Canada seeking protection and enforcement of their intellectual property rights worldwide.

Ottawa liaison office will serve as a bridge between Canadian clients and AGIP through promoting all IP services offered by AGIP covering trademark, patent, copyright, design and domain name registrations, in addition to renewals and actions related to infringement, opposition and cancellation. Furthermore, the office will help Canadian clients to manage their IP portfolios, and will advise on the best way to manage their IP Records as well.

Commenting on this significant achievement, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh said: “The opening of Ottawa liaison office is another indication of AGIP’s growth and expansion across the world. The opening of Ottawa office aims to accommodate rapid growth and expanding business needs, and to meet the increasing demand of AGIP’s clients in both the North and South Americas for the services that AGIP provides to clients worldwide.”

It is worth mentioning that AGIP Ottawa liaison office will complement and support our existing offices by dealing with a broad range of services offered by our mother company TAG-Org in the fields of Management and Financial Consultancy, Educational Consultancy, Economic and Strategic Studies, Professional and Technical Training, Business Advisory Services and Translation services.

AGIP Ottawa office can be reached at the following address:

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh International Inc.

1390 Clyde Avenue, Suite 203

Ottawa – Ontario

K2G 3H9, Canada

Tel: +1 – 613 – 890 -6780

Email: ottawa@tagorg.com

Contact Person: Mr. Ahmad Al-Zou’bi

AGIP to Serve Clients in Japan through its New Liaison Office

04/04/2018

OSAKA - Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) is pleased to announce the launch of its new liaison office located in the heart of Osaka marking a milestone in the effort of AGIP's expansion in East Asia.

AGIP Japan liaison office will be a key contact for Japanese IP owners and law firms looking to manage and enforce their IP portfolios around the world. It will promote the IP services and activities of AGIP in Japan covering trademarks, patents, copyrights, designs and domain names.

As a global IP firm, AGIP needs to meet the demands of its clients, regardless of language or location. With its Japanese website, it now serves Japanese-speaking clients to be informed of AGIP’s various services, activities, news and the latest developments related to Intellectual Property (IP) laws, regulations, registration requirements and practices.

HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh said: “The opening of Japan liaison office is another milestone of AGIP’s growth to such a major global player like Japan, we are very glad and privileged to be here.”

It is worth mentioning that AGIP Japan liaison office will complement and support our existing offices by dealing with a broad range of services offered by our mother company TAG-Org in the fields of Educational Consultancy, Economic and Strategic Studies, Management Advisory Services, Professional and Technical Training, Translation, Domain Names Registration, ICT Strategic Planning, IT and Internet Skills Training and Examinations.

AGIP Japan Liaison office can be reached on the following address:

Abu Ghazaleh Intellectual Property

Address: Room 1644, 16F Hankyu terminal building

1-1-4 Shibata Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0012, Japan

Telephone: 0081-(0)70-4342-2752

Email: osaka@tagorg.com

Contact Person: Ms. Akane Kano

Kuwait Accepts National Phase PCT Applications

29/03/2018

Kuwait – The Patent Office of Kuwait announced that it started accepting Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications designating Kuwait and entering into the national phase, as from March 27, 2018.

The PCT came into force in Kuwait on September 9, 2016 after three months of depositing its instrument of accession with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

According to Kuwait Patent Office, the time limit to file a PCT application in Kuwait is 30 months from the priority date, or 18 months from the international PCT application's filing date.

Further details about the procedures and requirements will be provided soon.

For more information, please contact AGIP office in Kuwait at the following address:

Address: Sharq - Ahmad Al Jaber Street - Dar Al Awadi Complex - 19th Floor – Kuwait

P.O. Box: 4729, Safat 13048, State of Kuwait

Telephone: (00965) 22433004

Fax: (00965) 22440111

E-mail: kuwait@agip.com

Contact person: Hazem Abu-Ghazaleh (Mr)

Online Trademark Registration System in Russia

28/03/2018

MOSCOW – The trademark registration process in Russia is now quicker and easier through the online registration service offered by the Russian Patent and Trademark Office.

The online service allows Russian companies and local agents to file their new trademark applications from filing up to registration and check their status online.

Our clients will save 30% of the official fees for filing new trademark applications through the online system. However, the requirements of the electronic copy of applied designation are stricter than paper filing system.

In this regard, AGIP will amend its schedule of charges related to trademark registration services in Russia.

For more information, please contact AGIP Office in Russia at the following address:

Address: Nikulinskaya St., Building 31, 1st floor, 119602, Moscow, Russian Federation

Tel: +7 (495) 437-23-27

Mob: +7 (917) 525-12-32

Email: russia@agip.com

Contact: Dina V. Al-Momani (Mrs.)

AGIP Oman Office Attends the Workshop: “Benefits of the Patent Cooperation Treaty on the National Economy”

26/03/2018

MUSCAT – Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) Oman office attended the workshop of: “Benefits of the Patent Cooperation Treaty on the National Economy”, organized and supported by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which was held in Muscat, Oman, March 18 – 20, 2018.

The workshop was attended by representatives from government agencies, the private sector, a number of inventors, academics, and research centers. The workshop discussed a number of topics, including the current status of the patent system in the Sultanate, the different systems of filing and the conditions for granting the patent. Also, It discussed the main benefits of the PCT at the national and international levels, as well as how to use PCT as a search engine to transfer knowledge, technology and experience.

Mr. Naji Taha, AGIP Oman office Executive Director commented: “We need to get up to date in order to be able to deal with the current issues in the field of intellectual property, and being informed regarding the current cases of patents would help us provide our clients with more efficient services and exceed their expectations.”

AGIP Receives MIP’s Middle East IP Firm of the Year Award for 2018

15/03/2018

LONDON – Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) received the Middle East IP Firm of the Year award for 2018 at the Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) ceremony recently held at the Savoy Hotel in London.

According to MIP, the awards recognize the achievements in IP work over the past year, whether in prosecution, litigation, licensing or other works. They mark the culmination of MIP’s five month-long annual world survey of the world's leading IP firms.

AGIP earned this regional recognition, for the 9th year, for its outstanding IP practices in the Middle East, and the continuous effort in providing its clients with the best-quality services in the field of IP protection.

Ms. Dima Naber, AGIP Counsel and International Business Development Executive Director, and Mr. Amro Hattab, AGIP Jordan Office Manager, accepted the award on behalf of AGIP.

“We are very proud to be recognized this year for our outstanding work in the field of IP as the Middle East leading IP firm,” Naber said.

Meanwhile, Hattab commented on this achievement saying: “This recognition further validates AGIP's commitment to developing both innovative and quality services".

MIP's survey was the largest and most in-depth ever; it covered both prosecution and contentious work in 65 jurisdictions including the Americas, Asia and Europe.

AGIP enjoys an international reputation for excellence with offices throughout the Arab countries, in addition to India, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China, Nigeria and Afghanistan, and an extensive network of 180 liaison and correspondent offices worldwide.

Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) was founded in 1990. It is now firmly established as the leading international magazine for IP owners. MIP is published 10 times a year and includes news, data, in-depth articles and interviews with influential IP figures.

AGIP Participates in IAM Pharma and BioTech IP Summit

13/03/2018

LONDON – Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP), represented by its Hungary office manager, Ms. Georgina Busku, participated in IAM Pharma and BioTech IP Summit, which was held in London, UK, February 8-9, 2018.

The event, which was held under the title: “IP Strategies for the New Political and Legislative Landscape”, brought together leading IP experts from across life sciences. Participants discussed the latest IP strategies for thriving at a time when regulatory and legislative changes are significantly affecting business models.

Commenting on her participation in this event. Ms. Georgina said: “It was a very successful event, and a great opportunity to meet with associates, decision makers and experts from across the IP industry to discuss the latest IP strategies.”

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization Opens New Office in Cameroon

13/03/2018

YAOUNDE - Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) inaugurated a new office in the Republic of Cameroon, in Yaoundé, to provide its clientele with various professional services mainly consulting, training and translation services among others.

HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh declared that the opening of the new office in the Republic of Cameroon aims, at meeting the demand for TAG-Org's various range of services, mainly in the fields of ISO certification consultation services, legal services in addition to consulting for establishing small and medium-sized enterprises.

The office will also offer various professional, qualifying and training courses in the Republic of Cameroon to help in developing human resources and provide the most advanced tools in the fields of knowledge and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh affirmed that the establishment of the office comes in line with the Organization’s expansion strategy to be present in every region throughout the world and facilitate access to its services at a global level. |

To benefit from ‘Talal Abu-Ghazaleh for Consulting and Training’ office in Cameroon, clients can visit the office’s headquarters in Yaoundé, 3rd Floor, Building CFC, Boulevard du 20 Mai, or directly contact Mr. Tanwie Walson Emmanuel via email: cameroon@tagorg.com.

It’s worth mentioning Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) is the largest global group of professional service firms offering services in the fields of Accounting External Audit, Internal Audit, Corporate Governance, Taxation, Educational Consultancy, Economic and Strategic Studies, Management Advisory Services, Professional and Technical Training, Technology Transfer Project Management, Real Estate, Management, Investors and Business Advisory Services, Human Resources and Recruitment Services, E-Government, E-Commerce, E-Education, IT and Security Audit, Web Design, Professional Interpretation and Translation, Website Arabization, Domain Names Registration, ICT Strategic Planning, ERP Consulting Services, IT and Internet Skills Training and Examinations, Intellectual Property Rights Protection and Management, Legal Services, among others.

AGIP Announces Global Fees Reduction

07/09/2015

AMMAN - We are pleased,with the progress made during 2014, to offer you our new worldwide comprehensive decrease in the charges of our Intellectual Property services.

We, at AGIP, are constantly looking for new ways to improve client satisfaction and the value of our services. This includes reviewing our costs and pricing. We are pleased to announce that we have implemented some changes that allow us to increase efficiency without compromising quality. We want to share the benefits with clients by decreasing our fees.

Chairman's Message

After four decades of developing our firm to international standards of excellence, continually seeking efficiencies and benefiting from economies of scale, we take this opportunity to share some of AGIP's milestones that have allowed us to reduce fees:

-Serving over 70,000 clients

-Registered over 400,000 trademarks

-Handled over 100,000 new IP instructions in 2014

-Serve 5,000 new clients annually

-Serving our clients worldwide through offices and multilingual representatives in every country of the world

-Operate fully digital, including our own dedicated high-speed secure ISP internet line and private cloud (TAG-Cloud)

-Flawless interface with our sister company, TAGLEGAL, the largest regional law firm of fulltime, specialized IP lawyers

-Employing our private comprehensive and unique IPPR database of TM and Patents registered in the region for in-house searches.

Our website, www.agip.com, displays now the new list of decreased charges instead of the old ones.

Should you have any inquiry please contact agip@agip.com

Yours sincerely,

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh

AGIP Recognized as the Top IP Firm in the Middle East for the 8th Year

07/09/2015

LONDON - We are proud to share with our clients that AGIP has been selected as the leading IP firm in the Middle East, at the Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) ceremony held at the InterContinental in London on March 11, 2015.

AGIP earned this recognition, for the 8th year, for its outstanding IP practices in the Middle East, and the continuous effort to provide its clients with the best-quality services in the field of IP protection.

As per the results of MIP survey released last month, AGIP was ranked in Tier One for trademark, patent and copyright prosecution and contentious work in Arab countries.

AGIP Jordan Office Manager, Mr. Amr Hattab said: ?We are all very proud of this great achievement, which marks the culmination of MIP?s five month-long annual world survey of the world's leading IP firms.?

He added: ?We strive to maintain such lead and recognition under the supervision of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization."

Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) was founded in 1990. It is now firmly established as the leading international magazine for IP owners. MIP is published 10 times a year and includes news, data, in-depth articles and interviews with influential IP figures.

AGIP India Office Launches E-Filing System for Trademarks

07/09/2015

NEW DELHI - Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) would like to announce that its India office has started e-filing system for trademark related matters.

The new electronic systems aims at facilitating service to clients and associates, therefore, the system will be extended to include electronic filing of new trademark applications, renewals and recordals. Such a system will enhance paperless environment and ease access in all the five jurisdictions of India.

All the applications will be filed through the official portal of Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks at (www.ipindia.gov.in / www.ipindia.nic.in).

The e-filing facility includes the comprehensive payment gateway comprising net banking, debit cards, ATM cards and credit cards. Our attorneys will be using their digital signatures for login and authentication into the e-filing system of trademarks.

AGIP Awarded Excellence Award 2015 by Merk Echt

07/09/2015

SAN DIEGO - Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) is pleased to announce that it has received the ?Excellence Award 2015? from Merk Echt for its outstanding achievements in advancing the Intellectual Property rights system, and in recognition of its compliance as per the ISO 9001 requirements for the third year.

Representing AGIP, Mr. Motasem Abu-Ghazaleh received the award from Mr. Patrick Hoersmit, on behalf of Merk Echt, who applauded the vital role of AGIP as international IP firm provides the best quality service to its clients worldwide.

Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh highlighted this achievement saying: ?We are all proud of this award which we consider as a testament to the dedication and innovative approaches of AGIP team to continually deliver above and beyond expectations.?

The award has been presented in conjunction with the 173th annual International Trademark Association (INTA) meeting, attended by more than 10,000 IP professionals from around the world.

About MERK ECHT:

Merk Echt is a trademark agency, founded in 1999 and based in the heart of the Benelux. It is involved in all issues related to intellectual property rights. In 2004, Merk Echt was listed 4th within the top 100 trademark offices in the Benelux for the number of successfully registered trademarks within the Benelux, Europe and Asia.

AGIP the Agent of All Patents Published at the 1st Qatari Patents Gazette

29/01/2015

DOHA - Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) is proud to announce that it has been the local agent of all patents published at the first issue of Qatari Patent Gazette, dated May 1, 2015.

The Patents Gazette included the patents that were accepted in Qatar in April 2015 and filed at the national phase under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

The Qatari Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued the first Patents Gazette in Qatar in order to provide a comprehensive database of newly published patents.

TAG-Org Establishes Five Offices in Russia, Iran, India, China and Turkey

16/09/2014

AMMAN - Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) announced the opening of five new offices in Russia, Iran, India, China and Turkey, enhancing the company?s strategy of geographical expansion to new territories all around the world.

With the new offices, TAG-Org?s number of offices increased to 86 in addition to 180 representative offices worldwide.

Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of TAG-Org, revealed the opening of an office in Beijing which became the second office of the Organization in China after Shanghai, while the office in Mumbai was the second following New Delhi.

Offices in Turkey include an office in Ankara which was followed by another one in Istanbul, in addition to a new office for TAG-Org in Tehran.

?TAG-Org is the first private company which was granted a license to conduct business in Iran. While another office of TAG-Org to launch business was inaugurated in the Russian capital Moscow,? Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said.

The new office will provide a variety of services, demonstrating the wide scope and capacities of TAG-Org, including consultation services, economic studies, Intellectual Property, training, translation, teaching languages, Information Technology, registration and management of domain names, website design, electronic portals in addition to the other basic services provided by the Organization.