Iraq – Kurdistan: Further Update on Trademark Protection Term

Further to our previous update regarding the restoration of the 15-year trademark protection period in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, we would like to provide the following clarification based on the latest guidance received from the Kurdistan Trademark Office.

The Kurdistan Trademark Office has confirmed that the 15-year protection period applies to trademark applications and renewals filed on or after 1 January 2023.

Accordingly:

• Applications and renewals filed on or after 1 January 2023: will benefit from a 15-year protection period.

• Applications and renewals filed before 1 January 2023: certificates issued in respect of such applications or renewals will reflect the 10-year protection period.

• Existing registrations: trademarks previously registered for a 10-year period will remain valid until the expiry date stated on their certificates. Upon renewal, they will be renewed for a 15-year protection period.

We further note that this position is currently based on an administrative directive issued by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Shura Council and has not yet been formalized through a published legislative amendment. The matter may therefore be subject to further review following the formation of the Kurdistan Parliament.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide further updates should there be any changes to the current practice.

For any questions or further clarification regarding the impact of this development on your trademark portfolio in the Kurdistan Region, please contact us at [email protected].