Trademark registration in Iraq is governed by the Iraqi Trademarks and Commercial Data Law and administered by the Trademark Office at the Ministry of Industry and Minerals.

Determine Trademark Eligibility

• Distinctive (not descriptive or generic)
• Not identical or confusingly similar to an existing mark
• Lawful and not misleading
• Not contrary to public order or morality
• Trademarks may include words, logos, symbols, or combinations.

Conduct a Trademark Search (Recommended): Before filing, it is advisable to conduct a clearance search to check for, This helps reduce the risk of rejection or opposition:

• Existing identical or similar trademarks
• Conflicts within the same or related classes

 

Prepare Required Documents

• Trademark application form
• Clear representation of the trademark
• Applicant details (individual or company)
• List of goods/services (classified under the Nice Classification)
• Power of Attorney (mandatory for foreign applicants)
• Priority document (if claiming priority, optional)

• Foreign applicants must apply through a local Iraqi agent or law firm.

 

File the Application: The application is filed with the Iraqi Trademark Office in Baghdad. Once submitted, the application is examined for:

• Formal compliance
• Substantive registrability

 

Publication & Opposition

• Accepted applications are published in the Official Trademark Gazette
• A 90-day opposition period applies
• Third parties may file objections during this time
• If no opposition is filed (or opposition is resolved), the mark proceeds to registration.

 

Registration & Certificate

• The trademark is registered and a registration certificate is issued
• Protection is granted for 10 years from the filing date
• The trademark is renewable indefinitely for additional 10-year periods

 

Use & Maintenance

• Trademarks must be used in Iraq
• A mark may be subject to cancellation for non-use if unused for three consecutive years
• Renewal must be filed before expiry (grace periods may apply with penalties)