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This edition covers news on, temporary suspension of new trademark applications in Libya, and Nigeria becoming an official member of UPOV (The international union for the protection of new varieties of plants).
LIBYA
Temporary Suspension of New Trademark Applications in Libya
The Libyan Ministry of Economy and Trade has issued a ministerial decision temporarily suspending the acceptance of new trademark applications from March 5, 2025, to April 10, 2025. This measure has been implemented to address the existing backlog at the Trademark Office.
The suspension does not impact oppositions, appeals, or renewals, which will continue to be processed as usual.
Given the expected backlog, businesses are encouraged to prepare their filings in advance to minimize delays when the office reopens.
NIGERIA
Nigeria Becomes a Member of UPOV
Nigeria has officially joined the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) as its 80th member. This marks a significant milestone in the nation's commitment to intellectual property rights and agricultural development. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the instrument of accession to the 1991 Act of the UPOV Convention, set to come into effect on March 27, 2025.
UPOV is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting an effective system of plant variety protection, encouraging the development of new plant varieties for the benefit of society. Spanning 99 countries, UPOV serves as a transparent and globally recognized framework for cultivating and safeguarding new plant varieties.
By joining UPOV, Nigeria aligns itself with international standards that protect the rights of plant breeders, fostering an environment conducive to agricultural research and development. This membership is expected to bring numerous benefits to Nigeria's agricultural sector, including:
Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: Protection of new plant varieties incentivizes breeders to develop crops with improved yields, disease resistance, and adaptability to local conditions.
Economic Growth: Strengthening intellectual property rights in agriculture can attract investment, stimulate agribusiness, and open opportunities for exports.
Food Security: Access to a broader range of plant varieties can lead to more resilient food systems, ensuring food availability even in the face of climate change and other challenges.
For more details, see UPOV’s official announcement.
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Important Notice: The information contained in this Article is intended for general information purposes only and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. It is not intended as legal advice from Jackson, Etti, & Edu (JEE) or the individual author(s), nor intended as a substitute for legal advice on any specific subject matter. Detailed legal counsel should be sought prior to undertaking any legal matter. The information contained in this Article is current to the last update and may change. Last Update: October 1, 2024.
