We are pleased to report that the Office of the Intellectual Property Division of the National Bureau for Research and Development, located in the capital, Tripoli, was not damaged during the recent fighting to remove the Gaddafi regime. The building is protected by armed guards, and the official records are intact. However, whilst it is technically "open" for business, it is not functioning at present because the computer database is down, and the new Government is still in the process of reorganising the staff.

It is not clear when normal operations will resume, but we are, of course, keeping a close watch on the situation, and will prepare all applications ready for filing as soon as circumstances permit.

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