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Landmark IP Reforms Speed Up Trademarks and Protect Creators’ Rights

From three-month trademark approvals to a transparent digital rights hub, these changes could redefine how creators and small businesses thrive. Will innovation finally get its due?

This is a paper. On this something is written.
This is a paper. On this something is written.

Landmark IP Reforms Speed Up Trademarks and Protect Creators’ Rights

New legal reforms have been signed into law to strengthen intellectual property rights and support the creative economy. The changes follow directives from the Head of State’s 2023 Address and were drafted by the Ministry of Justice to modernise protections for creators and businesses.

The amendments introduce several key updates to existing laws. One major change is the creation of a Unified Digital Platform for collective rights management. This system will improve transparency in copyright societies, ensuring fairer distribution and payment of royalties. Implementation will occur in three stages: broadcasting organisations will join by January 2026, with all other users added by January 2027.

The reforms also speed up trademark registration. A new three-month fast-track option addresses delays caused by the current seven-month review process, helping startups and small business ideas enter the market sooner. The period for filing objections against trademark applications has been extended to two months, giving owners more time to protect their brands. Patent attorneys now face stricter rules. They must pass certification and can only handle intellectual property types for which they have proven expertise. Additionally, patent applications can be rejected earlier—during the formal examination stage—streamlining the process. Other changes include better access to published works for visually impaired individuals and clearer grounds for refusing trademark applications. The goal is to turn intellectual achievements into measurable economic assets, encouraging investment in creative industries.

The updated laws aim to create a more efficient and secure system for intellectual property protection. With faster trademark registration, stricter attorney qualifications, and a digitised rights management platform, the reforms seek to support innovation and fair compensation for creators. The phased rollout of the digital platform will begin in early 2026.

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