Trademark News: What Flew Under the Radar in September 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 tightens trademark nullity and non-use rules

On 6 July 2026, the National Institute of Industrial Property of Argentina (INPI) brought Resolution No. 215/2026 into force, revising the administrative procedures for trademark nullity and total or partial cancellation for non-use.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina to launch front office IP application

The Institute for Intellectual Property of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced that it would make its Front Office application available to users with effect from 22 September 2026.

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Brazil seeks public input on video game registration rules

On 20 August 2026, the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) issued a public notice, which is published in Official Gazette on 25 August 2026, opening a 60-day public comment period on regulatory options for the registration of video games in Brazil.

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EU protection granted to nine French GIs

On 1 September 2026, nine additional French geographical indications were registered at European level as protected geographical indications for artisanal and industrial products.

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France simplifies IP Code

On 23 July 2026, an order was published in the Official Journal bringing the French intellectual property code into compliance with a simplification decree issued on 1 July 2026.

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India prohibits unauthorised use of its IP office logo

On 7 September 2026, the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks issued a public notice prohibiting the unauthorised use of the official logo, name and government insignia of Intellectual Property India.

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Korea opens tools to report fake K-Brands abroad

The Ministry of Intellectual Property launched the Fake K-Brand Reporting Centre and K-Brand Guardian service on 30 July 2026 to address suspected counterfeit goods, trademark misuse and copied shop designs overseas.

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Madrid Protocol fees revised for Israel

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 (WIPO) announced on 17 September 2026 the revised individual fees payable when Israel is designated in an international application or in an application for renewal of an international registration or is a subject of a subsequent designation.

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Madrid Protocol fees established for Saudi Arabia

Pursuant to the provisions of the Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol Concerning the International Registration of Marks, and based on a declaration received from the Government of Sudi Arabia that it wishes to receive individual fee when Saudi Arabia is designated in an international application or in an application for renewal of international registration or is a subject of subsequent designation, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on 1 September 2026 established the individual fees applicable in respect of Sudi Arabia.

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Madrid Protocol fees revised for Indonesia

Under the provisions of the Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol Concerning the International Registration of Marks, the World Intellectual Property Organization on 1 September 2026 notified revised individual fees applicable when Indonesia 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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Russia adds intent-to-use statement to trademark forms

With effect from 18 August 2026, Russia’s updated trademark application form requires applicants to confirm their intention to use the mark for all listed goods and services.

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Supermac’s wins in UK but loses in EU over Big Mac conflict

On 30 June 2026, the Fifth Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) refused the SUPERMAC’S European Union trademark application, while on 31 July 2026, the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) rejected McDonald’s opposition to the corresponding UK applications.

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Ukraine propose new EU-aligned trademark law

Ukraine has introduced a new draft trade mark law to align its registration system with European Union standards under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, Directive (EU) 2015/2436 and Regulation (EU) 2017/1001.

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UK declines to register Crocs clog shape mark

he United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has recently refused Crocs’s application to register the three-dimensional shape of its clog as a trademark, finding that the shape lacked both inherent and acquired distinctiveness.

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