For the first time since 1977, the Libyan Trademark Office has started issuing trademark certificates of registration. The first batch included trademarks filed by our associates. This development is an explicit recognition by the authorities in Libya of the growing importance of trademark protection. This means that the registration certificates of all pending trademark applications (that have been accepted and published) are expected to be issued in the near future. In fact, a number of attempts were made by us in the past to achieve this purpose. However, the trademark registration procedure in Libya was not streamlined and clear cut given the precarious situation the country was going through over the last year.
It is also worth noting that another important structural change has taken place in the country following the recent events, which is basically related to the Libya-Switzerland relations. Switzerland has recently established formal relations with Libyan Transitional Government after a 3-year breakdown of the Diplomatic relations. The implication of this is that it will be possible to file new trademark applications for Swiss applicants in Libya once the Libyan Trademark Office is operational. The Office is still not functioning at a normal pace. It is currently only examining pending applications. All new applications and search requests are kept on hold until further notice.
In light of the above, Saba & Co. IP will be reviewing, in coordination with the Libyan Trademark Office, all applications that have passed the opposition period, and will be notifying clients of the records that are now considered registered.
Should you have any questions, or require any additional information, please contact us at info@sabaip.com