The seized items included a wide range of consumer goods such as clothing, electronics, accessories, and luxury-branded products that infringed registered trademarks.

This enforcement drive reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to raising IP compliance standards, in line with Vision 2030 and the country’s broader economic transformation goals.

For assistance in trademark enforcement and anti-counterfeiting measures in Saudi Arabia, please contact us at saudi-arabia@qumsieh.com.

The main elements of the new law and regulations are:

• Patents: opposition against published patent is now possible before grant.
• PCT applications are now possible since Botswana has acceded to this treaty in 2003.
• Utility Model applications are now possible.
• Industrial Designs: according to the new Act disqualifies the designs on functionality and technical considerations, while the old law refers only to the appearance of a product and not its function.
• International Registration of Industrial Designs under the Hague Agreement is acceptable since Botswana acceded to the Hague Agreement in December 2006.
• Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits are can be protected now.

Amendments to Trademarks:

• Marks, Collective marks, Trade Names and well-known trademarks:
• The new law provides for the protection of collective marks, trade names and recognition of well-known trademarks.
• Lapsed marks can now be reinstated upon giving compelling reasons. e. g lack of knowledge of the trademark law or to unforeseen circumstances. After payment of penalty fees.
• International Registration under Madrid Protocol by designating Botswana as it was acceded to the Madrid Agreement in December 2006.
• Geographical Indications: New provision on the protection of Geographical Indications.

Acts of Unfair Competition:

• The provision has been broadened in as far as what constitutes unfair competition and empowers individuals or associations to seek remedies through the courts of law when an act of unfair competition has been committed.

Traditional Knowledge and Handicrafts:

• The Act introduces new provisions on the protection of traditional knowledge and handicrafts.

Finally, please note that the official fees required for intellectual property registration were increased by 50%.

For more information please contact info@qumsieh.com.