TrademarksSoutheast Asia
New regulations enhance enforcement, streamline registration, and align Vietnam’s IP protections with international standards
On August 23, 2023, Vietnam implemented Decree No. 65/2023/ND-CP, introducing comprehensive guidelines for industrial property rights under the 2022 IP Law. The decree replaces prior regulations, strengthens IP enforcement, improves protections for copyrights, trademarks, and patents, and simplifies registration and d…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsGlobal
UPM acquires Avantium’s Ray Technology patents to enhance bio-based glycol production amid growing bioeconomy demand
UPM has acquired Avantium’s intellectual property for Ray Technology, enabling production of bio-based mono-ethylene glycol and mono-propylene glycol from plant sugars. The deal strengthens UPM’s renewable chemicals capabilities and supports its Leuna biorefinery operations. Avantium refocuses on FDCA and PEF technolo…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsGlobal
Kuwait’s Dar AlMuhama Law Firm actively engages in shaping Middle East intellectual property frameworks and AI-related IP challenges at the world’s largest trademark association m…
Dar AlMuhama Law Firm, led by Founder and Managing Partner Abdulrahman Alhouti, participated in the 2026 International Trademark Association Annual Meeting in London. The firm contributed to high-level discussions on advancing IP frameworks in the Middle East and addressed emerging issues such as artificial intelligen…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
TrademarksUSA
Disney Enterprises and Lucasfilm sue Kissimmee-based businesses for selling unlicensed merchandise featuring Mickey Mouse and other characters across multiple online platforms
Disney Enterprises and Lucasfilm LTD. have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida against two Kissimmee-based companies, The Secret Disney Group and Popsella Marketplace, alleging trademark and copyright infringement. The defendants, managed by Christopher and Hannah Martin, are…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsGlobal
Franklin Pierce School of Law students lead initiatives to narrow the gender gap in IP law through awareness events and professional engagement
At the University of New Hampshire’s Franklin Pierce School of Law, students are actively addressing the persistent gender disparity in intellectual property law. Through the Intellectual Property Law Association’s annual Women in Intellectual Property Night and partnerships with leading IP professionals, the school f…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
EnforcementUSA
Recordation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers a cost-effective enforcement mechanism against infringing imports
Trademark and copyright owners registered in the United States can leverage recordation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to prevent the importation of counterfeit and infringing goods. This enforcement tool, which includes a streamlined application process and modest fees, enables CBP officers to detain s…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsSoutheast Asia
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines advances digital transformation and AI adoption to enhance IP examination and services, securing a top global innovation spot.
In January 2026, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) achieved third place worldwide in the World Trademark Review’s IP Office Innovation Ranking. This leap from 13th place in 2024 reflects IPOPHL’s commitment to digital innovation, including AI-powered tools that improve patent and trademark e…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsGlobal
New framework aims to professionalize IP management and promote diverse knowledge transfer methods including open science
The University of Hamburg has adopted its inaugural Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy alongside updated IP Guidelines to modernize the management of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other IP arising from research and teaching. Anchored by the vision “IP in the Service of Society,” the strategy emphasizes both co…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
AI & IPMiddle East
Strategic alliance between Saudi Aramco and Public Investment Fund aims to accelerate AI development and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in artificial intelligence
Saudi Aramco and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have signed a non-binding term sheet for Aramco to acquire a substantial minority stake in HUMAIN, a PIF-owned artificial intelligence company. The partnership will combine AI assets, expertise, and talent to rapidly scale HUMAIN’s operations, supporting Saudi Arabia’s…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsAfrica
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation celebrates 40 years of fostering innovation and economic growth, expanding its reach among member states and enhancing IP a…
Since its establishment in 1976, ARIPO has played a pivotal yet underrecognized role in safeguarding intellectual property rights for English-speaking African countries. With 19 member states and a newly inaugurated headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe, ARIPO is poised to elevate its profile and impact, supporting patents…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsAfrica
On African Technology and Intellectual Property Day, Togo highlights IP’s pivotal role in fostering innovation and industrial growth across OAPI member states
Togo joined 16 other African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) member countries to celebrate the 26th African Technology and Intellectual Property Day, underscoring intellectual property’s critical role in economic development and technological progress. Minister of Industry Manuella Santos emphasized IP as a…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
AI & IPMiddle East
European defense firm MBDA announces plans for a wholly-owned UAE subsidiary to enhance regional presence and collaborate with local defense entities
MBDA, a leading European missile defense company, revealed plans to open its first wholly-owned subsidiary outside Europe in the United Arab Emirates. The new entity will develop loitering munitions and missile technologies, leveraging the UAE's mature industrial capabilities and partnerships with local defense firms…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
AI & IPMiddle East
Composer Amr Mostafa’s AI rendition of iconic singer’s voice sparks debate on intellectual property and AI ethics in Egyptian music industry
Egyptian composer Amr Mostafa ignited a legal and ethical debate after releasing an AI-generated audio clip featuring the voice of legendary singer Umm Kulthum. The use of AI to recreate Kulthum’s voice without authorization from rights holders prompted criticism from her family and rights owners, highlighting challen…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PolicyAfrica
Policy misalignment and trade barriers hinder the African Continental Free Trade Area’s potential to boost intra-African food trade and resilience
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a strategic framework to advance food security and sovereignty by promoting intra-African agricultural trade and supporting productivity. However, challenges such as tariff barriers, non-tariff measures, and limited support for small enterprises constrain its eff…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
AI & IPGlobal
Te Puni Kōkiri and MBIE Collaborate on Policy to Safeguard Māori Culture Amid AI Advancements
New Zealand government agencies, including Te Puni Kōkiri and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, are addressing the complex issues surrounding artificial intelligence's impact on Māori cultural intellectual property. Officials highlight both opportunities and risks, emphasizing the need for robust go…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PolicyGlobal
Vietnam affirms commitment to IP enforcement and invites dialogue with international partners following US Special 301 Report concerns
Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry has expressed readiness to clarify its intellectual property policies with the United States and other international partners. The ministry highlighted ongoing legal reforms, enforcement efforts, and cooperation with technology platforms to combat IP infringement, responding to issues raised…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PolicyAfrica
Comprehensive workshops and seminars in Addis Ababa bolster IP awareness among SMEs, policymakers, and academic institutions
From November 4 to 8, 2024, the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Division for Africa partnered with Ethiopia’s government and Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority to host IP Week in Addis Ababa. The event featured targeted workshops and seminars aimed at enhancing the effective use of intellectual prope…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
PatentsGlobal
Senior Licensing Associate at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub Bridges Research and Market Impact Through Strategic IP Management
Madison Bourbon, senior licensing associate at the University of Cincinnati, plays a pivotal role in advancing university inventions from concept to commercialization. Leading technology transfer efforts across multiple colleges, Bourbon evaluates, markets, and negotiates licensing agreements to maximize impact and re…
Friday, May 15, 2026
IIPLA News Desk
