Trademark registration in Iraq

Trademark registration in Iraq, which is strategically located at the crossroads between East Asia, the Middle East and Europe. This location gives Iraq the potential to become a regional center of trade and commerce. Iraq is a country rich in natural resources, in terms of oil Iraq has the 5th largest oil reserves in the world, accounting for 14% of global reserves, in terms of gas Iraq also owns the 12th largest gas reserves in the world, in terms of minerals Iraq has rich mineral reserves,  These include metallic minerals (such as copper, gold) and non-metals (such as gypsum, sulfur). Iraq has many potential investment opportunities in various areas: the oil and gas industry is Iraq’s most important sector and has a lot of potential for development, Iraq has great potential to develop renewable energy, such as solar and wind energy. To attract foreign investment, the Iraqi government is implementing many policies to encourage foreign investment, in order to attract investment capital and promote economic development. Therefore, more and more businesses are investing here, in order to distinguish their brands from other competitors, businesses need to pay attention to trademark registration procedures in Iraq. Viet An Law Firm would like to guide customers preliminarily through the procedures for trademark registration in Iraq through the article below.

Legal basis

• Law on Trademarks and Trade Names No. 21 of 1957 (amended and supplemented by Law No. 9 of 2010)

Trademark definition in Iraq

Trademarks in Iraq are defined by their function and form as follows:

Function: A trademark helps distinguish a legal entity’s or individual’s goods or services from others.

Format: A trademark can take many different forms, similar to many other countries:

• Words (including name)
• Logo
• Slogan
• Design (images, icons)
• Product seal or packaging

Conditions for trademark registration in Iraq

General conditions

• Distinguishability: The trademark must be able to distinguish the goods or services of the enterprise from other businesses. A trademark doesn’t merely describe a product or service.
• Legal: A trademark must not be contrary to public order or morals. A trademark must not infringe any existing trademark or intellectual property rights.
• Tangible sign: A trademark should be a tangible sign. This sign can take forms similar to other countries:
  • Words (including name)
  • Logo
  • Slogan
  • Design (images, icons)
  • Product seal or packaging

Additional requirements (novelty, based on practices in other countries)

In terms of novelty, the trademark must be new and not yet registered in Iraq by anyone else for similar goods or services.

Types of trademarks registered in Iraq

Traditional brands

• Words: Include brand names, product names, slogans, and even proper names used as trademarks.
• Logo: A visual symbol that represents the brand of the business.
• Design: Can be two-dimensional (like a logo) or three-dimensional (like a product shape).
• Marks and packaging: Can be used on packaging or documents to identify the brand of the business.

Collective marks and certification marks

Although less common, Iraq also allows the registration of collective marks (used by groups) and certification marks (guaranteeing a certain standard).

Benefits of trademark registration in Iraq

Trademark registration in Iraq brings many benefits to businesses and individuals:

Brand Protection:

• Registered trademarks are legally protected from unauthorized use by other parties.
• Prevent counterfeiting and unfair competition.
• Build credibility and trust for your brand in the Iraqi market.

Exclusive Ownership:

• Provide enterprises with the exclusive right to use registered trademarks within protected classes of goods/services.
• Allows businesses to license the use of trademarks to other parties for profit.
• Create a basis for legal enforcement against violations.

Business Opportunity:

• Expand your market and reach potential customers in Iraq.
• Enhance competitiveness and attract investment.
• Enhance brand value and build a professional image.

Other benefits:

• Simplify procedures for exporting goods to Iraq.
• Facilitating participation in expos and attracting partners.
• Make it easy for businesses to access distribution and retail channels in Iraq.

Trademark registration documents in Iraq

To register a trademark in Iraq, the applicant needs to prepare a complete dossier. Here are the usual documents needed:

Information about the applicant:

• A copy of the applicant’s passport or business registration certificate (depending on the case of an individual or legal entity)
• Full contacts

Trademark information:

• Visual representation of the brand (logo, design images, etc.) in good quality
• A detailed description of the trademark (if necessary, especially for non-traditional trademarks)
• List of classes of goods or services according to the International Classification of Industries of Goods and Services for which the mark will be used
• Statement of trademark ownership (if any)

Additional documents (may require):

• Power of attorney (if the representative submits an application)
• Farsi translations of non-Farsi documents (if applicable)
• Proof of prior use of the trademark (if applicable)

How to file for trademark registration in Iraq

• Direct submission: You can go directly to the Office of Patents and Industrial Designs at O. Box 13032 Al-Jaderiya Baghdad University of Baghdad St. Al-Jaderiya Baghdad to submit the application and related documents.
• By Post or Fax: You can send your application and all required documents via postal service or courier service to the address of the Office of Patents and Industrial Designs at O. Box 13032 Al-Jaderiya Baghdad University of Baghdad St. Al-Jaderiya Baghdad.

Trademark registration service in Iraq of Viet An Law Firm

• Carry out the search and notify you in writing of the results of the trademark search in Iraq;
• Prepare the dossier and file directly on behalf of the trademark owner and monitor the status of the filing of the trademark application in Iraq;
• Inform, advise and handle deficiencies/refusals of competent State agencies (if any) in the process of monitoring trademark applications in Iraq;
• Assist in monitoring, representing the resolution of objections and responding to intellectual property representatives carrying out procedures in Iraq.
• Receive dispatches, certificates and hand over to customers (if any).

If you want to apply for trademark registration in Iraq, please contact Viet An Law Firm for the most effective support