2026 marks 30 years since the government of Andorra launched its Trademark Registry. Since then, and especially after the opening of the Office of Trademarks and Patents of the Principality of Andorra (OMPA) in December 1996, the country has been gaining ground as a very attractive jurisdiction for companies, both national and international, interested in protecting their intangible assets. Over these three decades, Andorra has experienced remarkable international projection and significant economic evolution. In parallel, its trademark system and registry have transitioned from a traditional administration to a modern, digitized body.  This anniversary coincides with a particularly significant moment for many rights holders who applied for their trademarks between 1996 and 1997, now close to their renewal. Trademark registration in Andorra: the beginnings of OMPA At 9 a.m. on December 5, 1996, the facilities that would receive the first trademark applications processed by the Office of Trademarks and Patents of the Principality of Andorra (hereinafter, OMPA) opened their doors in the old B&B Club building. The first applications came mainly from Andorran public bodies and international companies particularly sensitive to the protection of their industrial property. The speed of those initial procedures already foreshadowed one of the features that would eventually characterize the Andorran system: streamlined procedures and simple and efficient registration management. Andorran legislation was also born aligned with international standards, even though it has not adhered to the Madrid Protocol for the registration of trademarks nor is it a member of the European Union. However, the Nice Classification applies (with nuances) and is valid for ten years from the date of application, renewable indefinitely for successive periods of ten years. From its inception, the Andorran system was well received by international holders, especially companies with interests in Spain and France. The procedure was set up in Catalan, the country's official language, and with the euro as the currency for paying fees, even though Andorra is not part of the European Union. In recent decades, the Principality has established itself as an idyllic environment for business, finance, tourism and trade, which has also resulted in an increase in brand deposits in the country, with an annual increase of over 25%. What were the first trademarks registered in Andorra? The first trademarks registered in Andorra had a distinctly institutional character. Thus, applications number 1 and 2 corresponded to the Govern d'Andorra, Departament de Turisme, including the well-known brand "Andorra, el país dels Pirineus" and its logo, one of the country's longest-standing slogans, an element of tourism promotion of its nature, mountain sports and exclusive commerce. Trademark number 1 «Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees», applied for on December 5, 1996 at 09:06. Trademark number 2 applied for on the same day at 09:18. The third trademark registered in Andorra corresponded to the Institut Nacional Andorrà de Finances, filed on December 5, 1996 at 09:34. Following the aforementioned public entities, and probably out of deference and because of the symbolic nature of the day, private and foreign companies did not arrive until positions 4, 5 and 7. Anheuser-Busch, LLC was careful to submit its trademarks at 10:47, 10:56 and 11:35, respectively, delivering the corresponding forms to the office for its emblematic brands: BUD BUDWEISER. Already with number 15, the Spanish hotel group Meliá, requests its flagship brand GRAN MELIÁ, one of the first brands in the tourism sector, a sign of the importance of this sector for the economy of the area. How Andorran trademark legislation has evolved The evolution of the Andorran trademark system did not stop after the opening of the OMPA and the subsequent creation of the Servei de Signes d'Estat, attached to the OMPA, in 1998. As a result of the modernization and technological development efforts of the last decade, the integration of the Electronic Office and the Transparency Portal are particularly noteworthy, allowing some procedures to be carried out online. In parallel, during these years, ELZABURU has managed more than 4.000 trademarks in the Principality and has actively participated in leading international publications on industrial property and Andorran trademark law. Brand renewal in Andorra: why 2026 and 2027 will be key years? Thirty years after those first applications, many of the trademarks registered between 1996 and 1997 are still valid and will have to face a new renewal cycle between 2026 and 2027. This aspect has practical importance in terms of the volume of actions. Well, during the first years of operation of the OMPA, very high numbers of applications were recorded, concentrating one of the largest volumes in its entire history. Consequently, it is possible to anticipate that during the remainder of 2026 and throughout 2027, there will be a significant increase in renewal procedures, especially for holders with extensive portfolios. Therefore, it is advisable to review in advance the status of trademarks that expire within the next 18 months and plan renewals appropriately to ensure the continuity of rights.   Cristina Arroyo, Associate Partner and Director of the Foreign Brands Area at Elzaburu.

In Qatar, as in other countries where Sharia law prevails, the prohibition of alcohol applies to both citizens and tourists, and therefore it is not possible to sell alcoholic beverages without a special permit. It is possible to consume alcoholic beverages in specific establishments, in hotels and restaurants that have obtained a license, or, if the purchase is for personal consumption, only under certain conditions that affect even the method of transport of the product or the quantity that can be purchased. To respect the country's customs, obviously, it is also not possible to drink alcohol in the street or to be found in a state of intoxication. Qatar 2022 World Cup As a curious anecdote, in an environment like the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the first world championship organized in the Middle East and which presupposed a certain break with certain stereotypes, prejudices and clichés, the sale of alcohol also had its moment of media prominence. According to international press reports, this was the subject of last-minute negotiations between FIFA and Qatari authorities who initially agreed to the sale of beer in restricted areas, but then reversed this decision just days before the tournament's opening. Change in trademark practice in Qatar in February 2026 Well, the country has announced at the beginning of this year 2026 a relevant change in its trademark practice that directly affects the alcoholic beverage sector. Until now, the aforementioned legal limitations surrounding the sale and consumption of alcohol have, in practice, prevented the registration of trademarks for this type of product. Adoption of the 13th edition of the Nice Classification The adoption of the 13th edition of the Nice Classification marks a turning point, by allowing for the first time access to registration in all classes of products and services, from 1 to 45, thus including products in classes 32 and 33 which include alcoholic beverages. Class 32: Beers Class 33: Wines, spirits and alcoholic beverages Opportunity for Spanish and European companies For Spanish and European companies, this represents an opportunity to anticipate the protection of their brands, regardless of other legal, regulatory and social considerations that will determine what can be eaten and drunk in Qatar and that will have to continue to be complied with. Alignment with other Gulf Cooperation Council countries This decision also aligns Qatar's position with that of other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, eliminating administrative barriers, opening a strategic window of opportunity for global brands, and avoiding the need to twist strategies to obtain some protection. Special impact for the Spanish wine and beer sector. Given that our country has one of the largest vineyard areas, is one of the world's largest wine producers, and the beer industry is also an agri-food pillar of our economy, and some of our brands have a presence in international markets, this news will surely generate interest. And not only to protect trademark rights in advance, but also to establish monitoring measures against third-party requests.   Cristina Arroyo, Director of the Foreign Brands Area at ELZABURU

The Libyan Trademark Office has implemented, with immediate effect, a single, mandatory ten-year renewal period for all trademarks registered in the country. This decision is based on Article 1257 of the current Trademark Law and eliminates the previously accepted practice of paying the renewal fee for shorter periods. From now on, all renewals must cover the full ten-year period; partial or progressive payments are no longer permitted. The official renewal fee is USD 20.000 per trademark and class, making the maintenance of trademark rights in Libya a particularly significant financial burden for owners. This change has significant implications. Previously, it was permitted to pay the fees for shorter periods (e.g., year by year until the ten-year period was completed), which allowed for more flexible budget management. The Office has expressly clarified that this system is no longer permissible and that the fee must be paid in a single lump sum for the entire ten-year period. Recommendations for trademark holders in Libya: This new regime requires a careful review of trademark maintenance strategies in the country. In particular, it is advisable to pay special attention to: expiry dates scheduled for 2026, and those cases in which fees have been paid for periods of less than ten years. From a strategic perspective, we recommend that holders with interests in Libya analyze the economic impact of this measure in advance and adjust, if necessary, their budget planning for industrial property protection in the country. An early assessment will help avoid contingencies and ensure the continuity of rights under appropriate conditions. At ELZABURU, we have a team with extensive experience in managing trademarks abroad, available to answer any questions and advise on the practical implications of this regulatory change in each specific case. Cristina Arroyo, Director of the Foreign Brands Area at ELZABURU.

Seven professionals from the firm have been recognized in this year's edition. Madrid, January 29, 2026. – ELZABURU, a firm specializing in industrial and intellectual property, has been recognized with the Gold Position in Prosecution and the Silver Position in Litigation in the World Trademark Review 2026 directory, the international guide that distinguishes the most outstanding firms and professionals in brand strategy and management. Regarding the firm's professionals, the guide highlights Luis Baz with the Prosecution Gold award, as an expert in trademark prosecution, describing him as “a profound strategist with extensive experience in availability searches and global registrability assessments, which guarantees the protection of trademarks and ensures their development and growth.” It also highlights Miguel Ángel Medina, “who exercises absolute mastery in trademark law with a comprehensive commercial perspective,” and Javier Úbeda-Romero, whom it identifies as a leading figure in trademark prosecution; both are recognized in this year's edition with the Prosecution Silver award. The board also recognizes Carlos Morán, “the architect of dismantling counterfeiting networks with surgical precision,” and Enrique Armijo, “a litigator of formidable reputation who masters litigation thanks to his decades of experience,” with the Litigation Silver award. Cristina Arroyo receives the Prosecution Bronze award “for her understanding and ability to connect complex legal issues with broader business objectives, providing solutions that are legally sound and commercially astute.” And Fernando Ilardia is recognized with the Litigation Bronze award “for his ability to bring a rare combination of technical depth and pragmatism to brand strategy, as well as for his capacity to balance rigor with market realities.” WTR 100 highlights that “Elzaburu is undoubtedly the best intellectual property firm in Spain and the one that offers the most consistent level of excellence. What sets it apart is its comprehensive approach to intellectual property: it brings together under one roof legal, technical and strategic expertise, as well as a deep understanding of how intellectual property works in real business environments.”

Madrid, November 13, 2025 – ELZABURU, a firm specializing in industrial and intellectual property, has achieved excellent results in the Best Lawyers in Spain awards, a professional recognition based on the consensus opinion of leading lawyers regarding the professional capabilities of their colleagues within the same geographic area and legal practice. With 35 lawyers and technical experts referenced and a total of 43 mentions, ELZABURU consolidates its position as the industrial and intellectual property firm with the most recognized professionals in this edition, thus reinforcing its leading position in the Spanish market. Regarding the individuals referenced in this year's edition, these are the ELZABURU professionals who appear in the ranking: Intellectual Property Law: Colm Ahern, Agustín Alguacil, Mónica Amores, Enrique Armijo, Cristina Arroyo, Luis Baz, Luis Beneyto, Catherine Bonzom, Ignacio Diez de Rivera Elzaburu, Alfonso Diez de Rivera Elzaburu, Cristina Espín, Mercedes García, Irene Gascón, Fernando Ilardia, Mabel Klimt, Xavier Lamíquiz, Miguel Ángel Medina, Carlos Morán, Tránsito Ruiz, Francisco J. Sáez, José Ignacio San Martín, Ruth Sánchez, Ana Sanz, Pedro Saturio, Rosa Torrecillas, Cristina Velasco and Manolo Mínguez. Litigation: Enrique Armijo, Alba Mª López, and Carlos Morán; Information Technology: Ruth Benito; Privacy & Data Protection: Ruth Benito; Technology Law: Ruth Benito; Communications Law: Mabel Klimt; Entertainment Law: Mabel Klimt; Competition: Carlos Morán. Regarding the Ones to Watch distinction, which recognizes lawyers in the early stages of their careers who have already demonstrated outstanding excellence in their legal practice, the recipients were: María Cadarso and Alberto Gallo in Litigation; and Inés de Casas, Sara Navarro, Paloma Querol, and, again, Alberto Gallo, in Intellectual Property. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, thorough, rational, and transparent survey process designed to obtain meaningful and substantive assessments of the quality of legal services. According to this organization, “the quality of a peer-review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.”

Legislative developments in the area of industrial property are an essential aspect to consider in order to maintain or create a competitive advantage in any market. Recently, countries such as Libya, Iraq, Türkiye, and the Bahamas have introduced significant reforms that directly impact how trademark registrations are managed and maintained in their respective systems. Libya: Significant Increase in Renewal Fees One of the most notable developments in Libya is the significant increase in official fees for renewing trademarks, which has led to a significant increase in the maintenance costs for trademark owners. Specifically, official trademark renewal fees have increased to over $20.000, or more than $2.000 for each year the trademark is valid. What is recommended for registering a trademark in Libya? It is essential to review renewal deadlines and budget accordingly in advance. This change particularly impacts foreign owners, who will need to carefully evaluate whether maintaining their registrations is feasible given the new costs. Furthermore, it is important to consider the specificities of the Arab legal environment when developing a brand strategy in the region. Iraq: New Classification for Goods and Services Since January 2025, the Iraqi Trademark Office has implemented the 11th edition of the Nice Classification, aligning it with international standards. This step allows you to apply for protection in all 45 classes, including services, expanding the range of options for policyholders. Implications of the adoption of the 11th Nice Classification in Iraq This transition requires the reclassification of goods and services in already registered trademarks, pending applications, and future renewals. The office has issued specific guidelines, and they will be mandatory for each new procedure. Given this update, trademark owners are more than ever advised to anticipate any expirations or relevant actions. The goal is to review and adapt to the new classification in a timely manner, thus avoiding delays or incidents in trademark procedures in Iraq. Turkey: Trademark Cancellation Due to Non-Use Since March 2025, Turkey has introduced an administrative procedure that allows applications for cancellation of trademarks due to non-use to be filed directly with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO), without the need to resort to court or litigation. Key aspects of the new Turkish system It applies to trademarks that have not been used in the country for five consecutive years. The application must be submitted formally and with a clear legal basis. The procedure is directed against the registered owner at the time the action is initiated. Subsequent changes in ownership will be considered during the process. Advantages of the new Turkish trademark procedure This new procedure offers a more agile, economical, and efficient alternative to the traditional judicial process, which translates into a useful tool for optimizing trademark management in Türkiye. Bahamas: New Trademark Law in Force The Bahamas has reformed its trademark legislation with the entry into force of a new Trademark Law on February 1, 2025. Among the most significant changes is the possibility, previously nonexistent, of registering service marks. Considerations for companies with interests in the Bahamas Although certain operational aspects remain pending development, the new regulations open a path for companies in sectors such as tourism, financial services, and hospitality to strengthen their brand presence in the country. In any case, it is advisable to proceed with caution until the practical implementation of this reform is consolidated. Staying up-to-date: A key factor in protecting your trademark globally. The reforms in these four countries underscore the importance of staying abreast of legal changes affecting the registration and maintenance of trademarks abroad. These adjustments, whether for economic, technical, or procedural reasons, require a review of strategies and foresighted action. At ELZABURU, we have a team with extensive experience advising companies on trademark management abroad, helping our clients adapt to new legal environments safely and efficiently. Cristina Arroyo, Director of the Foreign Brands Area at ELZABURU

Since January 2025, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has been implementing a pilot project for the ex-officio cancellation of trademark rights, based on Section 45 of the Canadian Trademark Act. This mechanism allows the office to randomly select trademark registrations to be subject to cancellation proceedings if their use in Canada for the goods and services claimed cannot be proven, or if their lack of use cannot be justified. A pilot project with significant implications Although this initiative may seem contrary to the principle of legal certainty, CIPO justifies it as a measure to assess the state of the country's Trademark Registry, promote fairer competition and ensure that registered rights reflect market reality. This procedure affects all trademarks registered in Canada that have been registered for three years. The selection is made randomly and in monthly batches of 45 registrations. Once notified, the owners or their legal representatives have three months to provide evidence of use of the trademark in Canada or, failing that, justify their lack of use. An adjustment in Canadian trademark policy? Since the 45 reform, use is no longer a prerequisite for obtaining a trademark registration in Canada. However, with this new random cancellation procedure, the CIPO could be reconsidering this position and considering the possibility of reintroducing the requirement for proof of use as an obligation for maintaining trademark rights. If so, this measure could indicate a change of approach in Canadian trademark policy, suggesting a possible return to the obligation to prove use in order to maintain the registration, as was the case under previous legislation. Prevention and compliance, keys to avoiding risks Faced with this new reality, trademark owners in Canada must ensure that their rights are used effectively or, failing that, that they can justify their lack of use in accordance with the legal exceptions. Otherwise, they run the risk of being selected in this random process and losing their trademark. This pilot project is a turning point in the management of trademark rights in Canada and its evolution will have to be followed to determine its impact on legal certainty and the brand protection strategy in the country. Cristina Arroyo, Partner-Associate in the Trademark area of ​​Elzaburu

Arabic is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world with some 274 million speakers, behind English, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi and Spanish. Currently the official language of at least 22 countries, and is used as a business language in key nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. In which countries and regions is Arabic the language of business? Arabic is the official language in many countries in the Middle East, Western Asia and North Africa. It is spoken in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Israel (although Hebrew is the official language, it coexists with Arabic), Egypt, Algeria, Gaza and the West Bank, Western Sahara, Morocco, Mauritania, Libya and Tunisia.  In Sub-Saharan Africa, countries such as Chad, Djibouti, Sudan, and South Sudan have Arabic as their main language. It is also an official language of the African Union, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and the Arab League. Although it is not the main language, Arabic also coexists with other official languages ​​in countries such as Malta, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Niger, Senegal and Turkey. Furthermore, as the language of worship of Islam, Arabic is spoken in all regions where this religion is the majority. Thus, Arabic is positioned as a key link for economic, cultural, and academic activities between various regions, and knowing it is fundamental to operating in the global economy, geopolitics, and cultural exchange to ensure proper brand protection.  Why adapt trademark protection to the Arabic language and culture? When designing a brand protection strategy, language plays a crucial role and factors such as the chosen country, local trademark legislation, cultural and idiosyncratic nuances, regulations for the marketing of certain products or provision of the service, the characteristics of the product or service itself and the public to which it is directed, the degree of cosmopolitanism of the region itself, etc., come into play.   Given this complex scenario, decisions regarding brand protection must be aligned with these factors and with an appropriate marketing strategy. The trademark must be adapted to both the local language and culture to achieve effective protection and ensure its success in Arab markets. How to choose where to protect your brand in the Arab world? In general terms, it is important to ensure that the chosen protection, especially in the countries of the Persian Gulf, Western Asia and North Africa, covers minimum needs and that the brand in the market (its presentation on products and services, advertising, signs and identification of establishments, etc.) is perceived by the local public in the desired way.  Some of the characteristics of this language, which must be taken into account for the registration of trademarks, are: The writing goes from right to left. Italics are frequently used. There are no capital letters. Each letter can have several forms, depending on its position in the word. The meaning of a word can vary depending on its context. Iraq and the Persian Gulf: Examples of Legally Mandated Trademark Registration in Arabic In Iraq, for example, registration in Arabic is mandatory by law. If a trademark is filed in non-Arabic characters, an additional registration in Arabic will be required. In Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates, it is common for trademarks to be registered in two versions: one in Latin script and one in Arabic. This is because commercial laws require the transliterated version to be used in commercial establishments, and from a business perspective, presenting both can be advantageous in reaching a wider audience.  How to register a trademark: Latin, Arabic or both characters? It is important to decide whether it is sufficient to register the trademark in Latin characters or whether it is necessary to also register the Arabic version. In some cases, especially for product brands vulnerable to piracy, registering the trademark in both versions (Latin and Arabic) can provide stronger protection against infringers or legal disputes. While it is not common practice, in certain regions it may also be useful to extend protection to the different dialects of Arabic that prevail in each country. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. In addition to legal considerations, it is logical that a brand seeks to effectively connect with its target audience. Therefore, adaptation to the local language and culture is key to attracting consumers. Ultimately, the decision on the type of registration and the brand protection strategy will depend on local laws, market specificities and the specific interests of each company in the different Arab countries. Cristina Arroyo, Director of the Foreign Brands Area at ELZABURU

Madrid, January 30, 2025 – Elzaburu has been recognized in the prestigious World Trademark Review 2025 ranking with the highest GOLD distinction in the categories of “Prosecution and Strategy” and “Enforcement and Litigation”, consolidating its position as one of the leading firms in the field of intellectual property. The WTR 1000 is a global ranking that annually recognizes the best firms and professionals in the field of trademarks and industrial property, based on an exhaustive analysis that includes the opinion of clients, experts and the evaluation of success stories. In its 2025 edition, WTR 1000 has described Elzaburu as “an undisputed leader in the field of intellectual property, with a team of specialists who perfectly master trademark provisions. The firm stands out for its excellence in litigation and strategic trademark management, in addition to having a solid track record in the fight against piracy and counterfeiting.” Likewise, seven of the firm’s professionals have also been individually recognised in this year’s ranking: “Prosecution and Strategy” category Luis Baz – GOLD Javier Úbeda-Romero and Miguel Ángel Medina – SILVER Cristina Arroyo – BRONZE “Enforcement and Litigation” category Enrique Armijo and Carlos Morán – SILVER Fernando Ilardia – BRONZE Among the distinguished lawyers, Luis Baz has stood out for his leadership in the area of ​​“Trademark Prosecution”, where he has more than 30 years of experience. Fernando Ilardia has been recognised for his specialisation in the management and protection of intellectual property portfolios of large multinationals, successfully representing clients before the OEPM and EUIPO. In the area of ​​litigation, Enrique Armijo and Carlos Morán have been singled out as experts in the resolution of unfair competition cases and highly complex international litigation. Finally, Miguel Ángel Medina, Cristina Arroyo and Javier Úbeda-Romero have also been recognised for their key contribution to the firm's growth and prestige. This recognition reinforces Elzaburu's position as a benchmark in the intellectual property sector, highlighting its commitment to the protection, defence and valuation of intangible assets.

Almost 33 years after the closure of the Somali Intellectual Property Office, a consequence of the serious civil war and the failure of one of the most unstable states in the world, the Somali Intellectual Property Office (hereinafter SIPO) has resumed operations in Mogadishu, as a result of a slow but essential reconstruction process. The long road to the revival of trademark protection in Somalia During years of inactivity and lack of protection in intellectual property matters, African experts advised against devoting efforts and economic investment to the protection of trademark rights in this country, since the insecurity and lack of guarantees of any kind were total. In the absence of safe and effective legal options, some interested parties published precautionary notices in English-language and Somali newspapers, an informal preventive practice with little effectiveness in a context as extremely complex and adverse as that of the country. Well, here comes the million dollar question: Why? To what end? Is there a plan to litigate in Somalia to defend trademark rights? This, I believe, remains the great unknown. Asia's interest in Africa and the role of East Africa in international trade However, the world has changed a lot. Africa does it too. Today, the importance of Asia in international trade and its interest in the African continent is indisputable, especially on the part of China and India (which had already dominated trade on the eastern coast for centuries). China dominates infrastructure construction and civil engineering in East Africa and India dominates trade. Merchandise from Asia is practically dependent on maritime transit through the Horn of Africa, as the Silk Road has been for centuries. Asia knows how strategic it is. So what are the prospects for trademark protection in Somalia? Despite SIPO's activity, there are still some reservations about the legal foundations and underpinnings of the Somali trademark system. Moreover, at a time when there was a small ray of hope in the world, a new climate of global crisis has erupted, which tends to have a negative impact on places where instability and fragility reign. We will see. Despite the challenges, experts are now more inclined to offer this jurisdiction as one more in the internationalization processes on the continent, with all the reservations that the context demands. It is claimed that there are positive developments, that a certain stability and recognition of the pre-federal constitution is gradually beginning to be felt and that SIPO has defined objectives. ​Everything indicates that there could be a new intellectual property law in the not too distant future. Regardless of the above, there are many variables to consider and each interested party will have to assess them when the time comes. However, it should be noted that any trademark protection that may be obtained in Somalia will not be effective or recognised in the Republic of Somaliland. Somaliland: a region with its own intellectual property context Like the irreducible Gallic Village of our beloved Asterix and Obelix, and crowning the Horn of Africa, we find the separatist and independent neighbouring Somaliland. Paradoxically stable - at least until the very recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with Ethiopia at the beginning of this year and which has lit the fuse again in the region - it finds itself geographically cornered between Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia itself. This small and unknown country (with limited international recognition) does not have an Intellectual Property registry or Trademark Law, but it does have a system of prevention against illegal acts through precautionary notices in newspapers, as its neighbor used to do until its Intellectual Property Office was reactivated, as this article began. Cristina Arroyo, Director of the Foreign Brands Area at ELZABURU