Trade Mark Law & Practice at a Glance – September 2026

UKIPO update

AI guidance by IPReg

IPReg, the UK’s Intellectual Property Regulation Board, has released its guidance in relation to the use of AI technologies and the regulatory arrangements as they apply to the IP profession. IPReg has indicated that the guidance will remain under ongoing review as AI technologies continue to evolve.

UKIPO’s new Knowledge Asset Management Hub

On 9 June 2026, the UKIPO launched the Knowledge Asset Management Hub aimed at helping universities and other research institutions identify, protect and commercialise their IP. The initiative is intended to ensure that UK institutions realise the full value of their IP and investments. Read more about it here.

UKIPO’s new guidance on spotting fakes

As part of the UKIPO’s “Second-hand, not second best” awareness campaign, the UKIPO has released new guidelines to help consumers spot counterfeits when shopping for preloved items. The guidelines were developed in collaboration with Vinted.

EUIPO update

Updated guidelines on generative AI tools

The EUIPO has published its new guidelines on the use of Generative AI tools, with a particular focus on protection of personal data as well as human oversight.

Record trade mark filings at the EUIPO

The EUIPO’s website reports that there was an 8.4% increase in EU trade mark applications between January and June 2026, as compared to the same period in 2025. This growth was predominantly due to an increase in filings from within the EU.

Worldwide update

Jersey joins WIPO’s Madrid System

As of 1 August 2026, Jersey became an independent designation under WIPO’s Madrid System. This means that UK designations no longer cover Jersey. For all UK designations that were registered before 1 August 2026, WIPO will automatically record a separate Jersey designation and no further action is required. Read more about it here.

Saudi Arabia joins WIPO’s Madrid System

As of 8 October 2026, anyone seeking trade mark protection in Saudi Arabia will be able to designate Saudi Arabia under the Madrid System. This also means that holders of national trade marks can use the Madrid System to extend protection of their marks. Read more about it here.

New WIPO fees for Member States

There have been changes to individual fees payable for Cabo Verde, Guernsey, India, Laos, Kazakhstan and Morocco. These entered into force in June 2026, except for Kazakhstan which came into force in August. Read more about the new fees in Swiss francs in the relevant WIPO notice here.

New e-Service for registration confirmation in Canada

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office’s (CIPO) new e-service allows holders of national registrations or designations to obtain “an extract from the Trademark Register showing real-time information regarding a trademark registration”. Read more about it here.

Additional official fees in Taiwan

There has been a proposal (in Chinese) for additional official fees for service mark applications in classes 35-45 in Taiwan, to align it with the official fees payable in respect of applications covering goods classes. The proposal is for the adoption of additional fees for additional items beyond 20 in each class.  

China’s updated service rules for non-use cancellation notices for designations

As of 5 June 2026, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) stopped mailing notifications regarding use evidence, cancellation decisions and case closures to trade mark holders. These documents will instead be sent electronically by WIPO to the holders or recorded representatives. The official notice can be found here (in Chinese).

US moves to Madrid e-Filing

As of 1 October 2026, international trade mark applications based on US applications/registrations can only be made through Madrid e-Filing. At present, such applications can be made through the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Application System International (TEASi), but this is being phased out. Find out more in WIPO’s notice here.

Tunisia’s new digital IP system

Tunisia’s IP office transitioned from physical practices to an online platform on 24 June 2026. It is now possible to file trade mark applications electronically, as well as perform e-searches online. The platform will be expanded to allow other procedures, such as oppositions, renewals and recordals, to be done online. This transition also means that registration and renewal certificates will now be issued electronically. Read more about the changes here (in French).