In response to a large backlog of patent applications, and increased volume in patent applications each year as a result of Pakistan's new recognition of pharmaceutical product patents, Pakistan's Patent Office has hired 12 new examiners.

CLDP sponsored the attendance of 17 Trade Working Group members from several countries in the region to the meeting in Antalya, Turkey. CLDP Acting Chief Counsel Stephen D. Gardner will participate in the program and will plan future regional programs with the delegates to the SPTWG.

CLDP conducted a seminar in Bahrain to educate judges on the country's new Company Code that is currently being drafted and is scheduled to be published mid 2006.

CLDP experts consulted with Egypt's National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority(NTRA) in its efforts to create transparent and efficient dispute resolution procedures to handle disputes that will dramatically increase in the recently liberalized Egyptian telecom market.

CLDP hosted a senior-level delegation of Egyptian officials who will be responsible for developing a Cybersecurity framework for Egypt's growing e-commerce sector to Washington, DC for a one week consultative visit.