The TMO has reverted to its earlier practice of not requiring the submission of the original trademark registration certificate when recording a transfer of ownership. Previously, the original certificate had to be filed for endorsement purposes, adding an additional step for applicants.

Under the updated procedure, the documentation needed for an assignment is now limited to the following:

• a Power of Attorney;
• a Deed of Assignment; and
• a scanned copy of the registration certificate.

Our firm will continue to follow legislative and procedural updates in Lebanon and across the region, ensuring our clients are informed of all developments relevant to the protection and management of their intellectual property rights.

For more information, please contact lebanon@qumsieh.com.

The Trademark Office in the Ministry will issue a new certificate, with an endorsement on the back page showing the details of the previous owner as well as the new owner.

For more details, please contact lebanon@qumsieh.com.

Microsoft Corp. and Wistron Corp. have executed a patent agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for Wistron’s tablets, mobile phones, e-readers and other consumer devices running the Android or Chrome platform. Although the contents of the agreement have not been disclosed, the parties indicate that Microsoft will receive royalties from Wistron under the agreement.

“We are pleased that Wistron is taking advantage of our industrywide licensing program, established to help companies address Android’s IP issues,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft.

Microsoft’s Commitment to Licensing Intellectual Property

The patent agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 700 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.

More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.