https://www.agip-news.com/The Only Specialized Global Intellectual Property News.key_copyrightshttp://localhost/Ag-Ip-News_Website_V1/images/Admin_images/tagLogo_en.gifhttps://www.agip-news.com/12050https://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78813&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78813&lang=enAG-IP-NewsSpecial to AG-IP-News Talal Abu-Ghazaleh There is a vast difference between preparing for the future and helping shape it. Preparation means anticipating what arrives, then adapting to it. Shaping the future requires having the courage to become part of its formation before it becomes reality. When I reflect upon the history of nations, I find that human memory has not only preserved the names of those who excelled at predicting shifts; but those who possessed the courage to steer them.  History does not remember those who waited for the Industrial Revolution; rather, it remembers those who launched its factories. Nor does it celebrate those who merely followed the digital revolution, but those who invested in it before it became the language of the world. In the end, history rewards initiative, not hesitation.  I always say that my projects never came as a response to an existing reality; rather they were an attempt to anticipate the realities yet to come. Over my life’s journey, I have learned that time waits for no one. In a rapidly changing world at an accelerating pace, the greatest advantages do not belong to those with the most abundant resources; but to those with the clearest vision.  I always state that what seems today like just an idea may become a reality years later, as the future always starts as an idea believed in by the few. I believe that our role should extend beyond simply following global shifts, and constantly ask ourselves, “Where will we stand when these shifts reach our region? Will we be part of shaping them, or just consumers of their outcomes?  What concerns me most is not the speed the world is changing, but the possibility that we may become accustomed to waiting for this change. Waiting may seem like the safer choice, but it is in reality the most costly. Those who wait for the future usually awaken to find that others have already defined it. For this reason, I never considered education as a separate endeavor, technology as an independent sector, or industry as simply an economic activity. I see them all as links in a single chain extending across time.   From this understanding came the idea of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global Digital Polytechnic (TAG Polytechnic). I did not want it to be just another educational institution, but a place where the ideas needed for tomorrow are born, and where individuals find an opportunity to keep pace with an era that waits for no one. The world is no longer looking for people skilled in repeating what already exists, but for individuals capable of dealing with what does not yet exist. I believe that the greatest investment extends far beyond investing in buildings, equipment, or even software. The greatest investment is in human beings who are capable to giving all of this value. As machines develop and software changes, but human minds capable of learning and relearning are the wealth that never loses its value.  The experiences of nations have proven that the difference between one country and another lies not in the size of its natural resources, but in its ability to transform the human being into a source of wealth. I always say that I do not recognize this project merely as a response to an educational need, but as a call to a new way of thinking; a mindset that asks not "What do we need today?", but "What will our children need ten years from now, and what must we begin building today so that we are not left behind when the future arrives?"  I often say to my sons and daughters in our Arab region that time does not offer equal opportunities, but it grants everyone the right to choose between taking initiative and waiting. Whoever chooses initiative may face difficulty at first, but has a chance to be part of writing history, rather than remaining a mere remorseful reader. I do not dream simply of an institution that graduates large numbers of students. I dream of individuals with the courage to create what has never existed before, to turn challenges into opportunities, ideas into reality, and ambition into achievement. The standards of power in the twenty-first century have fundamentally changed. Nations are no longer measured solely by the size of their territory or the wealth of their natural resources, but by the strength of their minds, their ability to imagine, design, and ultimately bring ideas to life. Perhaps the most beautiful thing a person can do in life is to plant an idea that continues to produce success after becoming part of society's collective consciousness. Great ideas flourish if they transform into institutions, opportunities, and human beings who carry them into future times and generations. That is why I always say, and will continue to say as long as I live, that history does not remember those who waited for the future, but those who had the courage to create it.  Sun, 09 Aug 2026 15:09:57 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78811&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78811&lang=enThe Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has made an adjustment to the generic top-level domain (gTLD) evaluation fee payment timeline for New gTLD Program: 2026 Round applicants. This adjustment ensures that for applicants that receive an invoice after the close of the application submission window (23:59 UTC on August 12, 2026), there are seven days between when the invoice is sent and when ICANN must receive payment, according to the official website of ICANN.  ICANN must receive the full gTLD evaluation fee by whichever date is later: 1. 23:59 UTC on August 19, 2026, OR 2. 23:59 UTC on the date that is seven days after the invoice was sent. (For example, for an invoice sent on August 14, 2026, payment must be received by 23:59 UTC on August 21, 2026.) Please note that invoices are not automatically generated. Once an application is submitted, ICANN must conduct due diligence. When that process is completed, an invoice is generated. The invoice is then sent to the billing point of contact and applicants are notified in the TLD Application Management System (TAMS). ICANN will note the date payment is received. Following the processing of the payment, the payment status will be updated in TAMS. Additional information about payment processes can be found here. The application submission window closes at 23:59 UTC on August 12, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their gTLD application and payment as soon as possible to avoid last-minute issues. While preparing an application, applicants can direct questions to globalsupport@icann.org. Unless a question affects an applicant's ability to submit their application, applicants should not wait until they receive a response to submit their application. The volume of questions is expected to increase toward the end of the application submission period, which may impact response times. After an application is submitted, applicants should use the inquiry function within TAMS to ask questions related to a specific submitted application.  Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:47:16 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78810&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78810&lang=enThe United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)VIRGINIA - In this decision, an Appeals Review Panel (ARP) of Director John A. Squires, Chief Judge Kalyan Deshpande, and Acting Deputy Chief Judge Michelle Ankenbrand reversed a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) decision and reinstated the examiner’s rejection of claims for obviousness-type double patenting (OTDP), according to the official website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The ARP explained the statutory, precedential, and supporting commercial rationales underlying OTDP and determined that the Federal Circuit has recognized an anti-harassment rationale as a legitimate policy justification underpinning the OTDP doctrine, even absent evidence that patent issuance would extend the duration of an applicant’s patent monopoly.  The ARP, nonetheless, questioned whether a standalone anti-harassment rationale risks harming innovation and should be ultimately reconsidered by the court. The ARP also proposed a future framework designed to streamline and make more predictable the Office’s handling of OTDP.  Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:46:20 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78809&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78809&lang=enThe Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) issued a request for proposal (RFP) to identify and select a qualified agency to deliver comprehensive event sponsorship management services in alignment with ICANN's objectives and industry best practices, according to the official website of ICANN.  The selected agency will support ICANN in the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of sponsorship activities for ICANN Public Meetings and related events. The scope of services includes the full end-to-end sponsorship life cycle, from sponsorship strategy and sales to fulfillment, reporting, and post-event evaluation. Through this engagement, ICANN aims to strengthen its sponsorship program while supporting its commitment to transparency, accountability, and operational excellence across its event portfolio. Please review the RFP Project Overview for additional details, including the requirements and timeline. This RFP invites qualified agencies to submit proposals for delivering comprehensive event sponsorship management services in accordance with the requirements set forth in this solicitation. ICANN will evaluate proposals received through this RFP and select the agency that best meets its business and operational requirements. Indications of interest should be emailed to Event-Sponsorship-Mgmt-RFP@icann.org and provide the following information: • Company name • Contact person name • Contact person email address By submitting your personal data, you agree that your personal data will be processed in accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy, and agree to abide by the electronic Terms of Service. Responses should be electronically submitted using ICANN's sourcing tool by 23:59 UTC on September 4, 2026. Access to this tool may be requested via the same email.  Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:44:43 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78808&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78808&lang=enThe Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) provided an update on community implementation of the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP), according to the official website of ICANN. The CIP was launched in July 2025 after the finalization of the CIP Framework, which provides guidelines for groups in the ICANN community (including Supporting Organizations (SOs), Advisory Committees (ACs), and the Nominating Committee (NomCom)) to develop and execute continuous improvement assessments and activities. Of the eight participating community groups: Six groups have launched their CIP efforts and are actively conducting their planned activities. • One group has progressed to the second phase of the first CIP cycle. • One group has deferred implementation based on its current bandwidth. • One group plans to begin implementation in the near future. "It is encouraging to see that several structures have CIP implementation efforts well under way and the steady progress they have made to date," said Theresa Swinehart, senior vice president, Global Domains and Strategy. "As a community, it is our shared responsibility to continually assess and embrace opportunities that allow us to improve efficiencies and adapt to changes in the Internet ecosystem. I look forward to continued community momentum as we move forward." The community-developed CIP Framework is rooted in ICANN's Bylaws (Article 4.4), which calls for a periodic review of the performance and operation of each SO, AC, and the NomCom, while promoting continuous improvements aligned with each structure's charter and priorities. To ensure accountability and transparency, each group is expected to report on its CIP progress at the end of each cycle or within a three-year period. For more information, please visit the Continuous Improvement Program community wiki and the CIP Implementation Dashboard. The CIP represents implementation of the third Accountability and Transparency Review (ATRT3) Recommendation 3.6, which calls for the ICANN community to "evolve the content of Organizational Reviews into [a] Continuous Improvement Program in each SO/AC/NomCom." The publication of this update reflects continued implementation of the ICANN community's recommendation and provides transparency into the program's progress.  Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:41:34 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78807&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78807&lang=enThe Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) issued a request for proposal (RFP) to identify providers of a governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software-as-a-service solution that enhances the organization's ability to efficiently and effectively manage its GRC processes, according to the official website of ICANN.  The objective of this project is to obtain a scalable, integrated GRC platform that advances the maturity of ICANN's governance, risk, and compliance capabilities. The selected solution should provide: • Policy and document management • Enterprise risk management (including centralized risk registers and third-party risk management) • Analysis of compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 • Analysis of compliance with SOC 2 and SOC 3 • Analysis of compliance with various privacy requirements (e.g., GDPR) • Configurable reporting and dashboards • Automated evidence collection Indications of interest should be emailed to GRC-Solution-rfp@icann.org. Proposals should be electronically submitted using ICANN's sourcing tool by 23:59 UTC on September 11, 2026. Access to this tool may be requested via the same email.Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:54:05 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78805&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78805&lang=enAG-IP-NewsSpecial to AG-IP-News  In collaboration with the Blood Bank AMMAN –Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global Digital (TAG.GD) 2026 Social Committee organized a blood donation campaign in cooperation with the Blood Bank Directorate at the Jordan’s Ministry of Health. The initiative falls within the TAG.GD’s corporate social responsibility and its firm commitment to supporting national and humanitarian endeavors. The campaign witnessed broad participation from the TAG.GD’s employees, reflecting a spirit of solidarity and unity while reinforcing the values of giving and humanitarian action. In this regard, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, TAG.GD founder and chairman, stated that this campaign came in response to the national and humanitarian duty, representing the TAG.GD’s mission to serve the community and support efforts aimed to meet humanitarian needs.  He further noted that the Hashemite leadership is our role model in these efforts, represented by His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts are dedicated to serve the nation and its people. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh went on to affirm that donating blood is the minimum effort one can exert to support those in need, noting that such initiatives embody the values of solidarity and generosity that characterize Jordanian society.  In conclusion, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh expressed his thanks and appreciation to all donators who participated in this exceptional campaign, praising the Directorate and its cadres for their great contributions to ensuring the campaign's success. He affirmed that TAG.GD will continue to support the national and humanitarian initiatives, as well as strengthening partnerships with diverse institutions to serve the community.   Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:43:16 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78804&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78804&lang=enThe European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)• The registration helps protect one of Spain’s best-known jewelry-making traditions against misuse, imitation and misleading commercial practices, including online. • Only producers operating in Córdoba and complying with the registered product specification may use the protected name • Córdoba is home to the largest specialized jewelry business complex in Europe and a well-established community of artisans, manufacturers and designers. ALICANTE - The name ‘Joyería de Córdoba’ has been registered as a geographical indication for craft and industrial products, giving it protection throughout the European Union, according to the official website of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). It is the first Spanish name to be registered under the EU system for craft and industrial geographical indications (CIGs), which became operational on December 1, 2025, and is administered by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The registration recognizes the distinctive qualities and reputation of ‘Joyería de Córdoba’- making tradition - one of Spain's best-known expressions of artisanal excellence-. It also gives producers a shared intellectual property right that can be enforced across the EU against the misuse or imitation of the protected name, including in online marketplaces. ‘Joyería de Córdoba’ covers rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other jewellery made from gold, silver or platinum. The pieces may incorporate natural or cultured pearls, natural or synthetic stones, or enamel. They are known for the quality of their design and finish, as well as for achieving an optimal balance between weight and volume. All stages of production must take place within the municipality of Córdoba, in Andalusia, Spain. Depending on the product, these may include design and modelling, lost-wax casting or microcasting, stamping, die-making, soldering, laser cutting, assembly, stone setting, polishing, enameling and other artisanal finishing techniques. Packaging must also be carried out within the defined geographical area. All these requirement helps preserve the integrity of the products and their connection with Córdoba. A tradition built over centuries The link between ‘Joyería de Córdoba’ and its place of origin is based on the quality and reputation of the products, which derive from the specialist skills developed and passed on by local producers. Jewelry-making in Córdoba has a history of more than a thousand years. Filigree techniques were documented in the city during the Caliphate of Córdoba in the 10th century. In later centuries, local silversmiths’ guilds helped consolidate a tradition of craftsmanship that continues today through specialized workshops, training institutions and a highly developed jewelry sector. The city is today home to the Parque Joyero, the largest specialized jewelry business complex in Europe. The Executive Director of the EUIPO, João Negrão, said: “The registration of ‘Joyería de Córdoba’ brings a centuries-old Spanish tradition into a common European framework of recognition and protection. The name will now benefit from uniform protection across the Single Market, helping producers safeguard their collective reputation and compete on the basis of authenticity and quality. This registration shows how distinctive local know-how can become a protected European asset. Geographical indications contribute to the economic development of our regions while helping to preserve Europe’s craft and industrial heritage for future generations. I would like to acknowledge the commitment and expertise of the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office and all those involved in making this registration possible.” The Director of the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM), Elisa Rodríguez, said: “This registration does more than recognize a long-established tradition. It will provide tangible benefits for Córdoba’s jewelry sector by helping to prevent misuse of the name and ensuring that it is reserved for producers who comply with the agreed product specification. It also enables local businesses to strengthen the value of their shared heritage and specialist know-how in the European market. I would like to thank the EUIPO for its close cooperation and all the teams involved for the quality of the work carried out throughout the registration process.” Protecting Europe’s craftsmanship The EU system for craft and industrial geographical indications protects the names of products whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are closely linked to their geographical origin. It builds on the well-established EU system for agricultural geographical indications and could provide protection for hundreds of traditional craft and industrial products, including textiles, glassware, woodwork and ceramics. Since the system became operational in December 2025, the EUIPO has received 81 applications. This level of interest shows that producers are increasingly aware of the value of protecting traditional product names against counterfeiting, imitation and misuse. The system also benefits consumers by providing clearer information about the origin and authenticity of products. This can support more informed purchasing decisions and strengthen confidence in products bearing a protected name. Over time, the system may also contribute to local economic development, including through tourism connected to Europe’s craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Applications have so far been submitted for products originating in seven EU Member States: Czechia, France, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. The applications cover a broad range of sectors, including textiles, stone and mineral products, ceramics, clothing, musical instruments, jewelry, furniture and cutlery. Support for applicants and stakeholders The EUIPO provides guidance and practical tools to help producers and other stakeholders access the system. The GIportal is the central platform for submitting applications directly to the EUIPO. Information on registered names and pending applications is publicly available through GIview, the EU database for geographical indications. Free of charge and accessible to businesses and citizens, GIview allows users to consult application details and information on protected products. The EUIPO has also expanded its training offer through its e-learning portal, with different courses, workshops and multilingual resources. Different registration pathways across the EU The procedure for registering a CIGI depends on the country of origin of the product. In most Member States, applications are first examined by the relevant national authority before being forwarded to the EUIPO. In seven Member States - Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands and Sweden - applicants may submit their applications directly to the EUIPO through the GIportal under a specific derogation.  Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:55:22 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78802&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78802&lang=enThe United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)New report offers insight into the economic contributions of industries that predominately rely on intellectual property protection ALEXANDRIA - America’s Innovation Agency, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), released the latest edition of its series of reports highlighting the profound economic contributions of industries that predominantly rely on intellectual property (IP) protection, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, titled “Intellectual property and the US economy in 2024”, according to the official website of USPTO.  “Intellectual property rights are indispensable to key sectors of the US economy," said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and 60th Director of the USPTO John A. Squires. “The continued growing prominence of IP-intensive industries over the past several years demonstrates clearly how important their contribution is to the US economy as a whole, and the substantive benefits that accrue to the workers employed by them. Every piece of intellectual property we put into circulation is a potential job, a new business, a competitive advantage, and an investible asset. Today’s report is remarkable and proof-positive of the effect of American ingenuity at scale.” The new report found that, in 2024, 128 IP-intensive industries in sectors such as manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and professional, technical, management, and administrative services: • Accounted for $11.4 trillion in US gross domestic product (GDP), or 44% of total GDP  • Provided direct employment to 49.6 million workers, or 33% of total US employment  • Provided indirect employment—that is, jobs created in other industries that depend at least partially on final sales in IP-intensive industries—that accounted for an additional 11% of total US employment Overall, IP-intensive industries contributed 44% of US employment. In a new analysis section, the report finds that the contribution of IP-intensive industries to output and employment varies by industrial sector. The sectors where the IP-intensive industries contribute the most are the information services and manufacturing sectors, where IP-intensive industries’ shares of output and employment exceed 90% and 80%, respectively. The report found a substantial wage premium for workers in IP-intensive industries, with average weekly earnings 53% higher than those received by workers in other industries. Workers in the copyright-intensive and utility patent–intensive industries are compensated particularly well, with wage premiums of roughly 130% and 90%, respectively. Overall, the wage premium for workers in the IP-intensive industries rose by 13% over the past decade. The IP-intensive industries also contribute to US exports. Of the 104 industries identified as commodity-exporting industries, 76 are IP-intensive. These IP-intensive industries, led by the aerospace, petroleum, and pharmaceutical industries, accounted for 81.5% of all US commodity exports.  Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:08:59 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78801&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78801&lang=enThe South Korea?s Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP)- Applications open through July 21 for the “IP Protection Support Program for Local Specialty Resources” - - One-Stop support to help prevent domestic trademark disputes and overseas trademark bad-faith trademark registrations- DAEJEON - In 2001, Company A, a Korean firm seeking to sell Sunchang Gochujang (chili paste) in the US market became involved in litigation with a foreign company that had registered “Sunchang Gochujang” as a trademark there. Although eventually winning the suit, the dispute took approximately four years and USD 2 million in legal costs, according to the official website of the South Korea’s Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP).  Hoengseong Hanwoo (Korean beef), a well-known domestic local specialty, was preemptively registered in China as a bad-faith trademark by a foreign broker. Hanwoo cattle farmers seeking to enter the Chinese market were reportedly asked to pay about KRW 10 million in exchange for the trademark rights. The Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), led by Minister KIM Yong Sun, announced that it has established the “Intellectual Property (IP) Protection Support Program for Local Specialty Resources” to prevent the misrepresentation of the origin of such resources in Korea and abroad. Local specialty resources such as Jeju Gamgyul (mandarins) and Ulleung mul-eonggeongkwi (island thistle) embody the historical, cultural, and geographical characteristics of their regions. Unauthorized use of these resources in other regions or overseas may not only undermine their value but also cause economic harm. Furthermore, as the Korean Wave continues to enhance the global standing of K-brands, cases involving the bad-faith registration of trademarks associated with Korea’s local heritage resources have also been increasing. The program will analyze the geographical characteristics of local specialty resources and their connection to their regions of origin. Based on this analysis, it will provide one-stop support for securing IP rights both in Korea and overseas. The aim is to reduce the risk of future disputes and enable local cooperatives to focus on their economic activities. As part of MOIP’s proactive administration initiative, the program will also lay a foundation for local governments to take the lead in managing the origin, quality, and other attributes of local heritage resources. This is expected to reduce the burden on local cooperatives in managing their trademarks. Specifically, the project will support ? the acquisition of IP rights in Korea and abroad by examining the correlation among geographical characteristics—including natural and human factors and reputation—and assessing the applicable registration requirements; and ? if the local specialty resource is already a registered domestic trademark, the development of IP protection strategies tailored to the trademark systems of major current or prospective export markets. Eligibility to apply is granted to local governments that prove and manage the quality, production methods, or other characteristics of local resources. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, July 21. Director General PARK Jin Hwan of the Intellectual Property Dispute Resolution Bureau at MOIP stated, “Local specialty resources reflect the unique characteristics of their regions and have significant potential to contribute to regional economic growth and the expansion of K-brands. Going forward, we will actively expand government support measures to protect the rights of these resources.” Further information and application instructions are available through the IP Protection Comprehensive Portal (IP-NAVI) at www.ip-navi.or.kr. Inquiries may also be directed to the Trademark and Design Dispute Response Division of the Korea Intellectual Property Protection Agency.  Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:13:13 GMT