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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 h...

June 11, 2025

Press Release Germany Trademark

ECTA Annual Conference 2025

The 43rd Annual Conference of the European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA), themed "Bears on the Loose," will take place in Berlin, Germany, from June 18 to 21, 2025. IP experts will engage in thought-provoking discussions on the key topics shaping the future of IP. The event will feature a variety of sessions addressing current issues, including the impact of artificial int...

June 9, 2025

Press Release Portugal Europe

WIPR Leaders 2025

We are proud to share that Vítor Palmela Fidalgo, Vítor Sérgio Moreira, Joana Fialho Pinto, and João Cabral have been recognized in the WIPR Leaders 2025 ranking for Portugal by the World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR). This recognition reflects the expertise of our practitioners and Inventa’s ongoing commitment to excellence in IP protection, as well as t...

June 6, 2025

Announcement Mauritius ARIPO Patent Utility Model Industrial Design Africa

Mauritius joins the Harare Protocol: A new chapter for regional IP protection in Africa

The Harare Protocol, one of ARIPO’s cornerstone agreements, allows applicants to secure protection for patents, utility models, and industrial designs through a single ARIPO application, with the same effect as if filed directly in each designated member state. This regional mechanism has long been a valuable tool for rights holders seeking efficient, centralized IP protection across partici...

June 5, 2025

Press Release Angola Trademark

Benguela International Fair (FIB) 2025

The Benguela International Fair (FIB) took place from May 21 to 25 at the Ombaka National Stadium. In its 14th edition, the event highlighted the impact of food safety on sustainable development and the future of Angola, as well as opportunities for companies in the sector to expand their business and create partnerships. Inventa was present in Pavilion 2, where the team was available to answer...

June 4, 2025

Opinion ARIPO Patent Industrial Design Africa

ARIPO 2025: Key changes to patents and designs

As of March 1, 2025, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has enacted a series of major amendments to its governing legal instrument, the Harare Protocol, which regulates the procedure for the protection of patents and industrial designs among its member states. These changes, announced earlier in the year by ARIPO director general Bemanya Twebaze,...

June 3, 2025

Inês Sequeira

Press Release Europe Industrial Property

Platforms Pay the Price: Insights from Vítor Palmela Fidalgo

Vítor Palmela Fidalgo shares his insights in "Platforms Pay the Price", published in WIPR – World IP Review, Issue 1 (2025), which explores the growing accountability of online platforms as evolving European regulations push them to take greater responsibility for counterfeit goods sold by third-party vendors. As Vítor highlights, proactive enforcement, strate...

June 2, 2025

Press Release Portugal Trademark

Inventa recognized by IP Stars for Trademark Prosecution

We are delighted to announce that Inventa has been recognized in the IP Stars rankings for Trademark Prosecution, a distinction that underscores our continued commitment to delivering high-quality intellectual property services. IP Stars, one of the most respected global rankings in the intellectual property field, evaluates firms based on extensive research, client feedback, and industry insig...

May 30, 2025

Press Release

In Memoriam: Carlos Reis Nobre

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Carlos Reis Nobre, founder of Inventa. Since the 1970s, his strategic vision and pioneering spirit were instrumental in transforming Inventa into one of the leading intellectual property firms in Africa, establishing strong partnerships across numerous countries on the continent. With over 60 years of experience, Carlos Reis Nobre was a...

May 26, 2025

Press Release United States of America Trademark

INTA & Inventa Party 2025

Wrapping up an inspiring week at INTA AM 2025 in San Diego! We thank everyone who stopped by, warmly welcomed our team, and engaged with us throughout the event. This annual gathering brought together IP leaders and legal experts for insightful discussions and informative sessions. Here are some moments throughout the event: The Inventa Party on May 21 was...

May 23, 2025

Press Release DR Congo Portugal Law Africa Industrial Property

Méridor Kongota Ndelo joins us in Lisbon HQ from Inventa DR Congo

Inventa had the pleasure of welcoming Méridor Kongota Ndelo to our headquarters in Lisbon. Méridor is a Lawyer and Trademark and Patent Attorney at our office in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. During his visit, insightful and productive meetings were held to discuss strategies for strengthening intellectual property (IP) in DR Congo. Méridor was recently appointed...

May 16, 2025

Opinion European Union Trademark Law EUIPO

EUIPO rejects Thom Browne’s four-stripe position mark: lack of distinctiveness

Can stripes on a sleeve function as a trademark - or are they just fashion? Thom Browne’s battle with the EUIPO over its four-stripe motif raises questions about the distinctiveness of position marks. Diogo Antunes examines the EUIPO’s reasoning, legal standards for distinctiveness, and what this means for fashion brands seeking to protect minimalist or unconventional design element...

May 15, 2025

Diogo Antunes

Jurisdiction