Trademark News: What Flew Under the Radar in April 2026

Stay informed with our comprehensive roundup of the past month's headlines, all neatly compiled for you in one convenient post. Catch up on the latest news reported by the Kluwer IP Reporter.

Argentina eases technology transfer and trademark registration processes

On 31 March 2026, Argentina’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) introduced measures to simplify the registration of technology transfer agreements and speed up the trademark registration process.

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Brazil joins Madrid e-Filing system for trademarks

Brazil has recently joined the Madrid e-Filing service for international trademark registrations, thus becoming the 41st Madrid System member state and first Latin American country to implement the Madrid e-Filing service developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

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CJEU rules UK rights lapse in EU oppositions post-Brexit

On 5 February 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in case C-337/22 ruled that in opposition proceedings under Article 8(4) EUTMR, the earlier right relied upon must continue to exist not only at the filing date of the contested application but also at the date when the EUIPO or its Board of Appeal issues its decision.

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EUIPO, European Commission to combat online counterfeiting and piracy

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Commission have signed a five-year agreement under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to strengthen action against online counterfeiting and piracy.

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Hong Kong allows electronic service via e-filing

The Intellectual Property Department (IPD) of Hong Kong has recently issued updated information on its E-Filing System for trademarks, patents and designs, including new rules for electronic service of documents.

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Indian court bars P-Waymo from using Waymo mark

The Delhi High Court in India has recently granted an interim injunction in favour of Waymo against P-Waymo Private Limited, restraining the Indian electric vehicle company from using the “Waymo” mark after it failed to appear despite proper service.

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Madrid Protocol fees revised for Zambia

In accordance with the provisions of the Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol concerning the International Registration of Marks, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization on 12 March 2026 announced the revised individual fees payable when Zambia is designated in an international application or in an application for renewal of international registration or is a subject of subsequent designation.

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Qatar opens all Nice Classification classes for trademark registration

On 29 March 2026, the Qatar Trademark Office confirmed that all classes under the 2026 version of the 13th edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification) are now open for trademark registration, including Class 33.

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UAE drops certificate need for trademark post-registration steps

The Ministry of Economy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently updated its online trademark filing system to remove the requirement to submit copies of registration or renewal certificates for certain post-registration actions.

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Updated Taiwan-Japan concordance tables released for Nice Classification

On 24 March 2026, the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) announced the updated Taiwan-Japan Concordance Tables for the 2026 version of the 13th edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification).

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USPTO launches Class ACT AI tool for trademark classification

On 19 March 2026, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced the release of Class ACT, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to automate trademark classification tasks.

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WIPO launches AI infrastructure interchange

On 17 March 2026, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) launched the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Interchange (AIII), a new platform for expert dialogue on intellectual property and artificial intelligence.

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WIPO launches survey on registration certificates under Madrid

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has launched a survey seeking views on whether designated offices under the Madrid System should be required to issue national or regional certificates of registration when granting protection or renewing an international registration.

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