Clarification on Trademark Renewal and Re-registration Procedures in Libya

Following recent substantial increases in trademark renewal fees in Libya, some trademark owners have sought to re-register their marks after the expiration of the protection period and its legal grace period, perceiving this as a more cost-effective alternative to renewing their existing registrations and thereby avoiding the significantly higher renewal fees. However, the Trademark Office has issued guidance to clarify that re-registration is only permissible under specific conditions and aims to prevent the circumvention of renewal obligations.

In response to this growing trend, the Libyan Trademark Office has issued clear guidelines to regulate re-registration procedures. Circular No. 2 of 2025, dated June 1, 2025, distinguishes between the expiration of a trademark’s protection period and the official cancellation date, a critical factor affecting the ability of applicants to re-register marks in Libya.

According to the circular, re-registration of a trademark that was not renewed can only occur after a formal cancellation decision is issued by the Trademark Office and published in the Official Gazette. Following this publication, trademark owners have a three-year window from the cancellation date to proceed with re-registration.

This recent clarification by the Libyan PTO aims to prevent applicants from circumventing increased renewal fees by prematurely re-registering marks. We advise all trademark holders to carefully consider these updated procedures when planning their trademark renewal or registration strategies in Libya.

For more information, please contact us at info@inventa.com