New Requirements for Class 5 Trademark Applications

The Trademark Office in Yemen (Aden) has announced a new requirement for trademark applications in Class 5 covering pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

Applications in this class will now be accepted only if accompanied by a declaration confirming that the mark is being registered for protection purposes only and will not be used in Yemen. This declaration must be issued by the Legal Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Aden.

The declaration is strictly procedural and does not authorize the use of the trademark in Yemen. Actual use of pharmaceutical or medical supply trademarks remains subject to prior approval from the Supreme Authority for Medicines and Medical Supplies.

Previously, the Office required a license from the Supreme Authority to process Class 5 filings. Although limited exceptions were once granted, the Trademark Office has now adopted a policy of strict compliance—requiring all new Class 5 applications to include the declaration before examination can begin.