The Madrid Protocol will enter into force for Saudi Arabia on October 8, 2026, making it the fifth Gulf Cooperation Council country to join the System, alongside Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. From that date, applicants will be able to seek protection in Saudi Arabia through a new international application or a subsequent designation of an existing registration. Trademark owners in Saudi Arabia will also be able to use the System to seek protection in other member markets. Read WIPO’s announcement.
In Cuba, the entry into force of Decree-Law 103/2025 on August 8, 2026, comes alongside procedural changes. Cuba now accepts requests to merge international registrations resulting from division. In addition, provisional refusals issued by the Cuban Office on or after that date may be answered within 60 calendar days, counted from the date WIPO transmits a copy of the notification to the holder.
Finally, since August 1, 2026, Jersey must be designated separately: a new designation of the United Kingdom no longer covers the territory. Jersey has its own Office of origin and applies individual fees for applications, subsequent designations and renewals. Designating Jersey also incorporates a declaration of intention to use the mark. WIPO’s update on Jersey. For international registrations with a UK designation dated before August 1, 2026, that remain protected in the UK on that date, WIPO automatically records a Jersey designation, which then operates independently. Where the refusal period remains open and no decision has been issued, the Jersey designation will be recorded only once full or partial protection has been granted in the UK.
