Recent amendments, effective 25 January 2026, introduce a significantly accelerated examination procedure for trade marks.

The changes regarding national registrations stem from Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 establishing a unified EU‑wide protection system.

The changes prevent new national GI registrations for handicrafts and industrial products, while the existing national GIs will remain valid only until 2 December 2026.

The purpose of OAPI LEX is to streamline access to IP rulings, legislation, and legal insights – enhancing transparency and consistency across Francophone Africa.

The new IP system features 11 initiatives designed to strengthen innovation, creativity, and IP protection.

The bylaws and regulations for the complete implementation of the new laws are expected within nine months from their entry into force.

IPR registration-related amendments entered into force on 9 August 2025, while the enforcement-related measures enter into force on 10 November 2025.

The amendments took effect on 11 August introducing official fee hikes ranging from 50% to 300% across key IP categories.

National origin-based quality products like Khvanchkara wine and Tushuri Guda cheese can now be protected through a streamlined registration process in multiple countries.

The GI system aims to protect national products that have unique characteristics tied to specific regions within the country.

Georgian applicants will soon be able to protect their brands abroad as appellations of origin or geographical indications through a single application and upon payment of one set of fees.

Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers approved the country’s accession to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

Slovakia, Montenegro and Moldova deposited their instruments of accession on 9 July, 10 July and 11 July 2024, respectively.