Libya moves to revive trademarks

The Libyan General Directorate of Companies and Trademark Registrations has issued a notice inviting owners of trademark rights in Libya to take steps to revive their rights, for a fee.

While the announcement does not specify a cut-off date, it is surmised that the directorate is referring to marks filed or registered prior to 1981. Trademark owners have until December 31 2004 to revalidate their registrations and/or complete formalities relating to pending applications.

In a related development, the Minister of Trade has issued Ministerial Decree 86/2004 adopting the eighth edition of the Nice Classification of goods and services. Alcoholic beer in Class 32 and goods in Class 33 are not registrable.

Implementation of these measures is expected shortly.

Bharati Bakshani, Ladas & Parry LLP, New York