Iraq – Trademarks
From Filing to Registration: 14-20 Months
Convention Priority: Yes
Classification of Goods/Service: Local classification. Main local classes are almost identical to international classification, and each of these classes is divided into cub-classes.
Multiple Class Applications: Multi-class application system is followed. Additional government fees must be paid for each additional class/sub-class.
Procedure: Once the application is filed, it is queued to be examined as to trademark registrability. Accepted applications by the Registrar are published in three consecutive issues of the Official Gazette. There is 90 days period for filing an opposition by any interested party. In the absence of an opposition, the published trademark is registered, and the certificate of registration is issued.
Registration Validity: 10 years, renewable for other consecutive periods, each of which is 10 years.
Renewal Time: Application for Renewal should be submitted prior to expiry date. There is a grace period of 6 months for late renewals with payment of a surcharge.
Trade/Service mark Use: Not pre-requisite for registration. However, a trademark is vulnerable for cancellation by any interested party, who may prove that the trademark was not actually used for 3 consecutive years.
Requirements:
Trademark/Service Mark Applications
1. Power of Attorney, legalized up to the Consulate of Iraq. Legalization stamp must appear on the back of the power sheet itself.
2. Ten prints of the trademark, a local requirement stipulates the Arabic transliteration should be shown above the Latin script.
3. In case the application covers goods of class 34, specimen of the packaging must be provided to trademark office.
Renewal of Trademark/Service Mark Registrations
1. Power of Attorney, legalized up to the Consulate of Iraq. Legalization stamp must appear on the back of the power sheet itself.
2. Photocopy of the certificate of registration.
Assignment Applications
1. Power of attorney, legalized up to the Consulate of Iraq. Legalization stamp must appear on the back of the power sheet itself.
2. Deed of Assignment, signed by both parties and legalized up to the Consulate of Iraq
Change of Name
1. Power of attorney in the new name, legalized up to the Consulate of Iraq. Legalization stamp must appear on the back of the power sheet itself.
2. Certified and legalized copy of change of name document duly legalized up to the Consulate of Iraq.
Change Address
1. Power of attorney in the new address legalized up to the Consulate of Iraq legalization stamp must appear on the back of the power sheet itself.