Iraq Trademark registration
In Iraq the legal basis is the Coalition Provisional Authority Order Number 80 amending the Trademarks and Descriptions Law No. 21 of 1957, on April 26th, 2004. The law was renamed the “Trademark and Geographical Indications Law”. Israelis and Israeli companies (even if they only have or had an office in Israel) cannot register trademarks. However, the Israeli boycott declaration is no more needed. Beer, ale and port in class 32, alcoholic goods in class 33 and pork meat in class 29 are not registerable. Trademark protection is obtained by registration.
Requirements
A trademark application has to be filed before the Patent Office by a local agent. A power of attorney authenticated by an Iraqi Consulate is necessary. Foreign applicants need a domestic registration.
Procedure
The application process includes a formal examination and an examination of distinctiveness, but no search for prior trademarks. It takes approximately 18 -36 months from first filing to registration. Trademark applications accepted by the Registrar are published three times in the official gazette prior to registration. The opposition period is 90 days from the date of the third publication of the trademark.
Duration
A trademark registration in Iraq is valid for 10 years and starts with registration date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years.
Methods
NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office.
Extra
Duly note, if the trademark has not been used for 2 consecutive years from registration, it is vulnerable to cancellation.