The year 2025 was a period of intense and strategic reformation for intellectual property across the Middle East, with regional authorities demonstrating a concerted effort to modernize legislation, embrace digitalization, and strengthen international cooperation. This comprehensive transformation encompassed significant procedural overhauls, fee restructures, and judicial reforms, positioning the region as an increasingly robust environment for the protection and enforcement of intellectual assets. 

The GCC drive for digitalization and expedited protection 

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states continued to lead the regional push for a more efficient and globally integrated IP ecosystem. The United Arab Emirates enacted a landmark overhaul of its trademark system through Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025, which came into effect in late November. This reform was notable for its social and economic incentives, offering a 50 percent fee exemption for registered SMEs and a full exemption for “People of Determination” on trademark services. Procedurally, the new system introduced highly desirable features for brand owners, such as the One-Day Trademark Examination, significantly accelerating the time to register process. Furthermore, the UAE streamlined its engagement with the global Madrid Protocol system by reducing the individual designation fee to CHF1,420 (US$1,790) per class. In the realm of patents, cooperation with the United States was formalized through a Joint Statement of Intent with the USPTO, allowing the UAE to recognize positive examination results from the US, thereby expediting the local patent granting process. 

Qatar also made significant strides through significant digital advancements and international alignment within its Trademark Office. The office launched a trial phase for digital enhancements, including the electronic publication of the Official Gazette and the issuance of electronic Certificates of Registration. The trademarks office also formalized the filing procedure for Industrial Designs applications by commencing physical reception, a move that rendered previous cautionary notices unnecessary. Following its accession to the Madrid Protocol, the office officially began the publication process for international trademark registrations designating Qatar, commencing the 60-day opposition period. Meanwhile, all new trademark applications are now mandated to strictly adhere to the 11th Edition of the Nice Classification, requiring a detailed and specific list of goods and services and eliminating the broad use of class headings. 

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia (SAIP) focused on strengthening its patent framework and expanding international examination options. The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) expanded its international cooperation by officially designating the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This strategic partnership is expected to offer applicants greater flexibility and efficiency in prosecuting their patent applications. Concurrently, SAIP tightened the enforcement of its Patent Law for applications which now strictly require that the entity paying annuities must be the designated agent of service, supported by a formally executed Power of Attorney. 

In Bahrain, a similar drive for expedited patent review was evident with the expansion of its Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) network. Bahrain signed agreements to implement PPH programs with South Korea and the European Patent Office (EPO), which allows for faster processing by leveraging existing approvals from these foreign offices. Furthermore, a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan was signed to launch a bilateral PPH program effective January 1, 2026. On the trademark front, the country officially transitioned to the 12th Edition of the Nice Classification of Goods and Services, effective April 9, 2025. 

Judicial specialization and procedural enforcement 

Several Middle Eastern countries emphasized the centralization and professionalization of IP dispute resolution. Oman took a significant step by establishing a new specialized judicial body, the Court of Investment and Commerce, effective October 1, 2025. This court was granted exclusive jurisdiction over a wide range of commercial and investment disputes, crucially including matters related to patents, trademarks, industrial designs and trade secrets.  

In Egypt, the focus was heavily on updating the financial aspects of IP protection. The Egyptian Patent Office saw a significant fee overhaul in 2025, starting with a decision in June that doubled the official patent examination fees from E£25,000 to E£50,000 (US$527 to US$1,055). This change was paired with a drastically shortened payment deadline, reduced from six months to just three months from the notification date. A separate decision introduced a new late examination fee of E£25,000 for requests submitted after the initial three-month statutory period. Finally, a sweeping revision of official fees across patents, utility models, plant varieties, and copyrights took effect in October, introducing new charges and increasing existing fees across a wider range of services. 

Classification, formalities and publication updates 

The Iraqi Trademark Office also implemented a significant overhaul by adopting the 11th Edition of the Nice Classification, aligning the country with international standards by departing from its national sub-class system. While digital publication became the norm in Iran, which fully transitioned its publication process to a digital format, with all accepted trademark applications and post-registration actions now published electronically on the Intellectual Property System website. This shift also had a financial benefit, as it cancelled all previously applicable publication fees.  

Finally, the unique circumstances in Yemen and Libya necessitated specific clarifications. The Yemen Trademark Office (TMO) in Sanaa removed the prior restriction on the number of goods and services that can be included in a single trademark application. In Aden, however, a strict new requirement was imposed for Class 05 (Pharmaceuticals) trademark applications: applicants must submit a declaration stating the mark is registered solely for protection and will not be used in Yemen, as actual use requires a separate license. For Libya, the official fee structure for trademark renewals for foreign owners was confirmed, setting the cost at US$2,000 per year, which can be paid as a lump sum of US$20,000 for the full ten-year renewal period. 

The sum of these actions highlights a Middle East region increasingly attuned to the demands of international business, prioritizing efficiency, clarity, and specialization in the management of intellectual property rights. This foundational work in 2025 sets the stage for even stronger IP protection in the years to come.