
Iraq – Kurdistan: Update on Trademark Protection Term
A significant development has recently emerged from the Trademark Office in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq regarding the duration of trademark protection.
According to the current practice of the Kurdistan Trademark Office, trademark registrations are now being granted a protection period of 15 years instead of 10 years, in line with the provisions of the amended Trademarks and Commercial Data Law No. 21 of 1957.
The restored 15-year protection period applies to both trademark registrations and renewals in the Kurdistan Region, as follows:
- New trademark registrations: All newly issued registration certificates will reflect a 15-year protection term.
- Pending trademark applications: Applications currently pending before the Kurdistan Trademark Office, once registered, will be granted a 15-year protection term.
- Renewal applications: Existing trademark registrations will benefit from the extended 15-year protection period upon renewal.
Please note that trademark certificates previously issued under the former practice will remain valid for the term stated therein until renewal, at which stage they will be renewed for a 15-year protection period.
Should you have any questions or require any further clarification regarding the impact of this change on your clients’ portfolios, please do not hesitate to contact us: [email protected]

