BAGHDAD – The Registrar of Patents and Industrial Designs has issued new strict directives on patent and industrial design renewals. These changes outline who is authorised to file renewals, fee updates, and year-end clean-up procedures.
An IP agent must be the agent on record who originally filed the patent or design application. If a different IP agent files the annuity application, the new agent must submit a legalised Power of Attorney (PoA) that expressly includes the required boycott declaration.
In addition to the standard renewal fees, a new fee of IQD 100,000 will apply for the submission of a PoA and a recordal by the agent.
To prevent cancellation due to non-renewal, a grace period of 30 days from the date of filing the annuity application is granted to submit the fully legalised PoA. Payment of the annuity fees, however, cannot be made until the PoA has been duly submitted.
The Directorate will also conduct comprehensive year-end audits at the end of every calendar year. All registered patents and industrial designs that have not been renewed will be marked and subject to permanent cancellation if no proper renewal requests are filed.
For further information, please contact us at iraq@qumsieh.com.