UTPS Operations Continue As Usual

In response to the Corona pandemic, we want to provide you with an update on our ongoing efforts to continue assisting clients while also protecting the health and safety of our team.

 

As you know, UTPS operates in several countries. In some countries, the Courts and the IP Offices are closed and we are working remotely. In other countries, most of our essential team members are still continuing to come to work, and we also have some offices where we have implemented a partial work from home with a mix of staff working remotely and a few working on site.

 

We will remain 100% operational and rely on our technological platform which allows us to be prepared for any situation that may arise. If and when the situation changes in a country, we will adapt. We are able to work remotely in all offices and will continue to deliver the high quality of service that we know you have come to expect from us.

 

The safety of our team is of paramount importance to us. We have initiated our contingency protocol to guarantee the seamless continuity of service and the safety and well-being of our teams. We have implemented the recommendations made by the World Health Organization and we have trained all employees on protection measures while providing normal service to you.

 

Our attorneys and staff remain prepared to help our clients through these extraordinary times. We remain responsive and fully functional. You should expect no interruption in our service. We are committed to serve you with the professionalism, excellence and dedication that we are known for.

 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your usual contact person or use unitedtrademark@unitedtm.com if we can be of assistance.

 

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Coronavirus outbreak, particularly those on the front lines helping to battle this disease

 

The following jurisdictions of UTPS and their updates are as follows:

 

PAKISTAN

The Government of Pakistan has not yet announced any closure of public and state offices.

 

UAE

The Government of UAE has not yet announced any closure of public and state offices.

 

EGYPT

All courts including the Court of Cassation, High Administrative Court, Commercial Court, Economic Court and Criminal Courts will shut down from Monday 16^th March until Saturday 28^th March, 2020. Any hearings that were meant to take place during these dates will be postponed and rescheduled as soon as the Courts reopen on Sunday 29^th March 2020. Our Egypt team will be able to meet all deadlines that may arise at that time.

 

SRI LANKA

The Sri Lankan Government declared public holidays from 17^th March to 27^th March 2020 to prevent outbreak of corona virus.  All government offices including Trademark and Patent Offices and private sector will also be closed on these dates. Deadlines falling on/during the official holidays will roll to the next working day, 27^th March 2020. Our office staff is working from home and will ensure uninterrupted service.

 

SAUDI ARABIA

The Saudi Trademark Office announced that it will temporarily suspend operations for 16 days from March 16^th until further notice. The online function of IP office remains active (filing and renewal), but delays must be expected. Searches cannot be conducted during the closure.

 

LIBYA

The Libyan Government has announced that all Courts, the Trademark Office and Patent Office will be suspended as a preventive measure until further notice.

 

QATAR

The Qatar Government has not yet announced a closure or official holiday but health precautionary measures are being taken by every department.

 

MOROCCO

The Moroccan Ministry of Justice decided that all hearings for ongoing cases will be postponed and rescheduled as soon as possible.

 

KUWAIT

The Kuwaiti Patent and Trademark Office announced that it will temporarily suspend operations until March 26^th, 2020. Patent, Design applications, renewals and recordals will only be processed once the Office open. All online functions such as filings and renewals are working.

 

LEBANON

The Lebanese Government has closed Offices including the Trademark Office until the 29^th March 2020.

 

OMAN

The Omani Government has put in place limited Court appearance from 15^th March 2020.

 

JORDAN

The Jordanian Government has closed all public and government offices. Our team in Jordan is working from home as per the official compliance. The Trademark office is closed from 18^th March to 1^st April 2020.

 

BAHRAIN

The Kingdom of Bahrain has not announced any closure.

 

IRAN

The IPO Office in Iran has reduced working hours and closes at 1pm.

 

IRAQ

The Government of Iraq has imposed a curfew in Baghdad until the 24^th March.