Beyond Passive Hosting: The French Supreme Court Rules on Airbnb’s Liability for Third-Party Illicit Content
In two decisions handed down on 7 January 2026, the French Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) addressed whether Airbnb can rely on the hosting provider exemption when its services are used for illicit purposes.
“Don’t Aid pirates”; The Court Found Cloudflare Liable for Aiding and Abetting Copyright Infringement of One Piece
On 19 November 2025, the Tokyo District Court rendered a landmark judgment against Cloudflare, Inc., holding the U.S.-based Content Delivery Network (CDN) provider liable for aiding the infringement of publication rights regarding four Manga titles including globally popular works such as ONE PIECE and Attack on Titan.
Algeria: Official IP Fees Revised under New Finance Law
ALGIERS – The Algerian National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) has announced the implementation of a revised fee structure for intellectual property services, following amendments introduced under the Finance Law of December 2025.
Online Filing System Introduced for Industrial Property Rights
The Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) has launched an Online Filing System for industrial property applications, allowing electronic filing and payment on a 24/7 basis.
Statutory Trademark Registration System Enacted
The Maldives has enacted a new Trademarks Act, introducing a statutory trademark registration system and replacing reliance on cautionary notices and unregistered rights.
Qatar and Republic of Korea Cooperate on Development of a National Intellectual Property Strategy
Qatar has entered into an agreement with the Republic of Korea to develop a national intellectual property (IP) strategic plan as part of broader efforts to strengthen its IP ecosystem and support innovation-led growth.