Intellectual property services in Kuwait are expanding, with activity rising across trademarks, patents and industrial designs, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Acting Undersecretary Marwa Al-Jaidan said the growth reflects efforts to strengthen protection of commercial and industrial rights, support the business environment and move towards a knowledge-based economy.
In a statement to Kuwait News Agency on Monday, she said the Trademarks and Patents Department recorded 68,632 transactions in 2025, generating about KD 6.69 million ($21.7 million) in fees.
Al-Jaidan said the increase in activity is linked to steps taken to improve transparency and connect regulatory systems, adding that these measures help limit misuse of the sector, including money laundering and terrorism financing.
She said the ministry is working through an integrated approach that includes updating procedures, linking departments and applying international standards in auditing and follow-up to ensure oversight of intellectual property operations and related financial activity.
The Trademarks Department accounted for the largest share, with 62,942 transactions and fees of about KD 6.07 million ($19.7 million). This included 13,350 trademark registration applications, 11,644 publication transactions and 10,518 registrations and certificate issuances.
Applications to renew trademarks in their final year of protection reached 6,468, while 7,103 renewal publications were recorded. Ownership transfer applications totalled 1,406, indicating continued activity in the local trademark market.
The Patents Department handled 4,798 transactions, generating about KD 615,800 ($2 million). These included 643 patent applications from companies, 70 from individuals and 97 examination and publication transactions for companies. Patent renewals across different protection periods made up the largest share of its work.
The Industrial Designs Department recorded 892 transactions, generating about KD 6,484 ($21,000). These included 507 filings, 255 examination and publication transactions and 37 renewal applications.
Al-Jaidan said the figures show the impact of regulatory policies and the ministry’s focus on compliance, alongside awareness and inspection campaigns aimed at protecting the economy and strengthening investor confidence.
The Trademarks and Patents Department is a key part of the ministry’s work to protect intellectual property rights and regulate related laws to support fair competition and investment.
Intellectual property in Kuwait is divided into literary works, such as books, films and music under the Ministry of Information, and industrial property, including patents, designs and trademarks, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The department is responsible for registering, renewing and amending trademarks, reviewing objections and rejecting similar applications. It also documents and publishes patents and industrial designs and works with other authorities to implement the GCC patent system.