We are pleased to announce that the Trade Mark Office in Gaza is gradually resuming its operations.

The functioning of the Registry in Gaza had been substantially disrupted over the past period as a result of the circumstances that affected the region. Consequently, the filing and prosecution of trade mark matters, together with various Registry-related procedures, were placed on hold, resulting in an unavoidable suspension of administrative activities.

For now, the Trade Mark Office has recommenced processing the following:

• New trade mark applications;
• Publications;
• Renewals; and
• Recordals of assignments, mergers, and changes of name and/or address.

However, uncertainty remains regarding historical trade mark applications, including examination procedures, examination citations, and other prosecution steps, such as past changes of agent. We expect these uncertainties to be resolved as the Office works through the pending matters. We are also engaging with the relevant authorities to obtain clarity and will provide further updates as they become available.

In the meantime, the gradual resumption of the Registry's operations is a welcome development. Rights holders who postponed filings or other recordal actions due to the previous suspension are encouraged to review their portfolios and consider proceeding with any outstanding matters at the earliest opportunity. Our firm is communicating with our existing clients regarding the implications of these developments.