Temporary Suspension of IP Office Operations in Lebanon
Due to the devastating explosion in Beirut’s port which has caused much destruction to the National Office for the Protection of Intellectual Property Office, loss of electricity and IP system due to which IP Office staff members are not able to work which adversely impacted the services provided by the Office resulting in the authorities announcing temporary suspension of all IP activities as it will remain closed to the public until further notice. However, our office in Lebanon remains unscathed, fully operational and our work will continue uninterrupted and receives clients’ communications, queries which are responded to promptly and instructions for IP actions the necessary formalities thereof are prepared so as applications to guarantee immediate filing and attendance to as and when the IP office reopens and resumes normal operations.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advise our clients immediately of any change. Meanwhile, the Lebanese parliament has issued a decree on 16 August 2020 stipulating the extension of all deadlines falling due this time until 31 December 2020.