Trade Mark Law & Practice at a Glance – February 2026

UKIPO update

IPReg statement on AI

The UK’s regulatory body for patent and trade mark attorneys (IPReg) is currently working in conjunction with the respective professional bodies, CIPA and CITMA, on guidance on the use of AI in the profession. As an interim measure, in December 2025 they published a joint statement on AI, which can be read here. It essentially confirms that use of AI in the profession is not prohibited but also reiterates the importance of adhering to the overarching principles in Chapter 1 of the Core Regulatory Framework as well as the Rules of Conduct. This points to an increasing acceptance of AI in the attorney workplace, albeit under regulated use only.

150th anniversary of the first UK trade mark

The first registered UK trade mark is the infamous Bass & Co Pale Ale label with the distinctive triangle, and the start of this year marks its 150th anniversary. It remains active and can still be seen on the UK register, under UK registration no. UK00000000001. Read the UKIPO’s article on it here.

EUIPO update

EUIPO launched new SME Fund 2026

On 2 February 2026, the EUIPO launched its new SME Fund 2026, a voucher-based reimbursement model that aims to help SMEs recover up to 90% of their IP-related costs. Voucher 2, which is for trade marks and designs, allows SMEs to recover up to 75% of their IP-related costs. Since the inception of the fund in 2021, it has reimbursed more than 100,000 SMEs, presenting a total of around £68 million in savings. Read more about it here.

Worldwide update

Thirteenth edition of the Nice Classification

The thirteenth edition of the Nice Classification came into force on 1 January 2026 and will only apply prospectively. A few goods have been reclassified under this new edition, in particular, spectacles/eyeglasses and related goods have been reclassified from class 9 to class 10. A full list of reclassified goods can be found in the WIPO notice here.

Publication of the Maldives Trademark Act

The first Maldives Trademark Act is due to come into force on 11 November 2026. It will function in conjunction with the newly established Maldives Intellectual Property Office. It presents a significant improvement to the trade mark system in the Maldives by providing a formal statutory basis which replaces the previous informal cautionary notice system. The Act intends to align the trade mark system in the Maldives with the international system, making it more friendly and efficient to foreign applicants. Read the relevant press releases here and here.

New deadlines for Nepal

Nepal’s Department of Industry issued a notice on 1 December 2025 prescribing various new deadlines for pending applications. It is advisable for owners with pending applications in Nepal to ensure that these new deadlines are met to avoid further delays or loss of rights. In particular, where an application has been pending for more than seven years due to incomplete documentation, the deadline to resolve this is 28 February 2026 and failure to meet this deadline will result in cancellation of the application. This seven-year rule will apply to all future trade mark applications in Nepal.

New WIPO fees for Cuba, Colombia and Denmark

There are increases in WIPO fees for Cuba, Colombia and Denmark.

The new individual fees (in USD) payable for Cuba entered into force on 19 December 2025. However, the individual fees in Swiss francs, based on the official exchange rate of the United Nations, will remain the same. You can read more about it in the WIPO notice here.

There is a slight increase in individual fees payable for Colombia in respect of applications or subsequent designations and renewals. These new fees entered into force on 1 January 2026. You can read more about the new fees in Swiss francs in the WIPO notice here.

There are also increases in individual fees payable for Denmark in respect of applications or subsequent designations, effective 1 January 2026, and renewals, effective 1 July 2026. You can read more about the new fees in Swiss francs in the WIPO notice here.

Grenada now part of the Madrid System

Grenada is the 132nd country to join the Madrid System. The Madrid Protocol is due to enter into force on 15 March 2026. This will make it easier for foreign applicants to extend their trade mark portfolio to Grenada through the international trade mark system. Read more about it in the WIPO notice here.

Zambia’s Trade Mark Act No. 11 now in full effect

Zambia’s new Trade Mark Act No. 11, which repeals the old 1958 legislation, came into force on 31 December 2025. It also introduces significant changes to Zambia’s trade mark system. In particular, it is now possible to register trade marks in service classes 35 to 45. The new Act also standardises the renewal term to 10 years from the filing date, in line with international practice.

Division of an IR – Sweden

Since 1 December 2025, it is now possible for the Office of Sweden to request division of an international registration from WIPO. This means that the holder of a Swedish designation can have it divided, for example where only some of the classes are accepted. This will allow the acceptable classes to proceed without having to resolve the unacceptable classes first. Read about it in the WIPO notice here.

Nice Agreement now in force in Qatar

The Nice Agreement officially came into force in Qatar on 10 February 2026, aligning its trade mark practices with the international classification standard. All new trade mark applications in Qatar will therefore need to comply with the Nice Classification.