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Find out moreWelcome to this edition of Law Update, where we focus on the ever-evolving landscape of financial services regulation across the region. As the financial markets in the region continue to grow and diversify, this issue provides timely insights into the key regulatory developments shaping banking, investment, insolvency, and emerging technologies.
2025 is set to be a game-changer for the MENA region, with legal and regulatory shifts from 2024 continuing to reshape its economic landscape. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain are all implementing groundbreaking reforms in sustainable financing, investment laws, labor regulations, and dispute resolution. As the region positions itself for deeper global integration, businesses must adapt to a rapidly evolving legal environment.
Our Eyes on 2025 publication provides essential insights and practical guidance on the key legal updates shaping the year ahead—equipping you with the knowledge to stay ahead in this dynamic market.
Valerie Rodrigues
June 2013
With significant growth in Libya expected this year, it is anticipated that brand owners will have to revisit their trademark protection strategies for this growing North African economy sooner, rather than later.
As widely reported, the Libyan Trademarks Office recently resumed its services and is now accepting requests for trade mark searches, as well as new trademark applications after being closed for almost two years.
During the period 2009 to 2011, a number of changes took place in respect of the protection of trade marks in Libya which are worth revisiting in light of anticipated new interest in the protection of valuable trade mark assets in this jurisdiction:
Classification of Goods and Services
With respect to the classification of goods and services the eighth edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services is followed, with the exception that trademarks cannot be protected in respect of goods in class 33, alcoholic beverages in class 32 and certain Christmas related goods included in class 28.
It is also important to note that “veterinary apparatus and instruments” were added to Class 10 and as alluded to above, “decorations for Christmas trees and related products” were removed from Class 28.
New TradeMark Law
Back in 2010 a new trade mark law was published replacing the Law No. 40 of 1956, but the implementing regulations to this law have not been issued. The new law included the following important developments:
Trademark Filing Requirements
The documents required in respect of a trademark application are (i) a Power of Attorney incorporating an Arabic translation and (ii) a certified copy of the Incorporation Certificate of the applicant – both duly legalized up to Libyan Consulate. Importantly, a copy of a home or foreign registration certificate is no longer required.
If you require any assistance with respect to the prosecution of trade marks in Libya, please contact Mohammed Ali at m.ali@tamimi.com.
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