News - October 2026
- New reforms to streamline Australia's IP system
- Brazil updates its Patent Services Module
- Chile launches patent technology information platform
- Argentina simplifies trade mark opposition procedure
- Cuba’s new trade mark regime enters into force
- EPO to act as PCT authority for applicants from The Bahamas
- K-Brand Government Certification System to Tackle Overseas Distribution of Counterfeit Products Targeting Korean Export Companies
- Hague System - Canada Modifies Its Individual Designation Fees
1 New reforms to streamline Australia's IP system
The Regulatory Reform Omnibus Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 18 September 2026, introducing reforms that will streamline parts of Australia's intellectual property (IP) system.
The changes form part of the Australian Government's work to support productivity and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden. As part of this work, we sought public feedback earlier this year on a range of proposals to simplify and streamline Australia's IP system
Stakeholders broadly supported 4 proposals that progressed through the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Act 2026, passed Parliament in September 2026. Changes to trade mark classification standards…
Source URL:- https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/news-and-community/news/new-reforms-to-streamline-ip-system
2 Brazil updates its Patent Services Module
On 28 August 2026, Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) announced that a new version of its Patent Services Module will become operational on 16 September 2026. National patent applications and entries into the Brazilian national phase under the PCT will be filed through the module following the completion of testing with external users.
The new electronic form integrates the generation and online payment of official fees, meaning that applicants will no longer need to generate a separate payment form before filing. During a transitional period, the existing PAG…
3 Chile launches patent technology information platform
On 12 August 2026, Chile’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) and the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism launched the Patent Technology Information Platform for Sustainable Productive Development. The free public platform brings together technological information obtained from the analysis of national and international patent documents, allowing users to explore technological trends, relevant actors and potential opportunities.
The platform currently contains 148 information products organised into 35 thematic areas, including technology monitoring reports, datasets, trend maps and interactive dashboards. Its main areas cover sustainable manufacturing, lithium and salt flats, green hydrogen, climate change and water…
4 Argentina simplifies trade mark opposition procedure
On 10 August 2026, Argentina’s INPI published Resolution 297/2026 introducing new rules for the administrative resolution of trade mark oppositions. The procedure applies to oppositions filed against new trade mark applications submitted from 1 March 2026 onwards, while earlier applications will continue under the previous rules.
The new procedure automates certain stages and concentrates the submission of evidence, removing the separate evidence stage. Evidence should generally be submitted together with the opponent’s arguments or the applicant’s….
5 Cuba’s new trade mark regime enters into force
On 8 August 2026, Cuba’s new trade mark and trade name framework entered into force following its publication in the Official Gazette on 9 June 2026. Decree-Law 103 replaces Decree-Law 203 of 1999 and introduces several changes to the Cuban trade mark system. These include the recognition of sound marks, a 60-day opposition period, and a requirement for substantive examination to be completed within one year from the filing date. The new law also expressly provides for invalidity where an application was filed in bad faith and cancellation where a trade mark has not been genuinely used in Cuba for three…
6 EPO to act as PCT authority for applicants from The Bahamas
As of 19 August 2026, nationals and residents of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas can use the EPO as their International Searching Authority and International preliminary Examining Authority under the PCT.
The Bahamas Intellectual Property Office (BAHIPO) has designated the EPO as a competent International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
The designation applies to international applications filed as of 19 August 2026 by nationals or residents of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the date on which the PCT entered into force for the country…
Source URL:- https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/epo-act-pct-authority-applicants-bahamas
7 K-Brand Government Certification System to Tackle Overseas Distribution of Counterfeit Products Targeting Korean Export Companies
Applications open for companies to participate in the K-Brand Government Certification System’ (August 24 – September 11, 2026)
- The Korean Government verifies and promotes authentic K-brands overseas. The Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), led by Minister Kim Yong Sun, announced that it will accept applications from companies for the first round of the “K-Brand Government Certification System. Applications will be open for three weeks from August 24 to September 11, 2026. Selected companies…
Source URL:- https://www.moip.go.kr/en/engBultnDetail.do?c=1003&board_id=kiponews&catmenu=ek06_01_01&seq=1867
8 Hague System - Canada Modifies Its Individual Designation Fees
The Government of Canada has announced modifications to its individual designation fees under the Hague System. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2027.
When designating Canada in an international application, the individual designation fees will be adjusted as follows:
· Application: 360 Swiss francs per design;
· First renewal: 315 Swiss francs for each design;
· Subsequent renewals: 0 Swiss francs for each design…
Source URL:- https://www.wipo.int/en/web/hague-system/w/news/2026/hague-system-canada-modifies-its-individual-designation-fees