Recently, Iran has enacted the Law on Protection of Industrial Property, marking a significant advancement in the field of intellectual property (IP) rights. Prior to this, the Act on Patents, Industrial Designs, and Trademarks Registration (2008) served as the cornerstone of intellectual property rights in Iran, particularly in industrial sectors. It is important to note that the executive by-law of the new Law has not yet been enacted; therefore, the executive by-law of the previous Act remains in effect until then. The Law on Protection of Industrial Property introduces several innovative features not present in the earlier Act. Notably, it provides protection for utility models for the first time, allowing them to be registered in Iran. Additionally, this Law addresses unfair competition and includes provisions for the protection of trade secrets, which were previously lacking.

These innovations represent a significant step forward in enhancing intellectual property rights in Iran.