The Libyan Council of Ministers has issued Decision No. 366 of 2025, dated 5 August 2025, transferring the administrative responsibilities of the Trade Mark Office (TMO) to the Commercial Registration Authority. The TMO will, however, remain under the overall supervision of the Ministry of Economy and Trade.

Key highlights of the suspension
i. Temporary halt to filings
The TMO is not accepting new trade mark applications or transactions during the transition period.

ii. Deadlines preserved
Trade mark deadlines falling within the suspension will not be considered abandoned. Instead, they will be automatically extended and processed once operations resume.

iii. Continuity of supervision
Despite the transfer of administrative responsibilities, the Ministry of Economy and Trade will continue to provide overarching oversight of trade mark matters.

Implications for trade mark owners
This administrative shift reflects broader efforts to streamline trade mark procedures in Libya. While the temporary suspension may cause short-term delays, trade mark owners can be assured that their rights will be preserved during the transition. Owners are encouraged to factor in these developments when planning new filings or managing existing portfolios.

We continue to monitor regulatory changes in Libya and remain available to advise on the most efficient strategies for safeguarding trade mark rights during this transition period.

For further assistance or inquiries regarding trade mark protection in Libya, please contact us at info@cfllegal.com.