BAGHDAD – In line with recent updates from the Trademark and Description Department of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (the Department) back in August 2024 concerning the Classification system, Iraq has officially adopted the 11th Edition of the International Nice Classification of Goods and Services, effective January 2025.
Previously, Iraq followed a national classification system, where each class was further divided into sub-classes. This system included Classes 1 to 42, while Classes 43, 44, and 45 were omitted. Given Iraq’s multi-class filing system, official fees were historically calculated based on the number of classes within an application.
IMPACT ON PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED OR RENEWED TRADEMARKS
Trademark renewals for registrations filed under the old classification must be accompanied by a request to convert the classes and list of goods/services to align with the new classification system, and then the renewal can take place.
IMPACT ON PENDING APPLICATIONS UNDER THE OLD SYSTEM
It is mandatory to file a request to convert the classes and list of goods/services to align with the new classification system, and then the TMO will continue the registration process.
RECORDALS OF ASSIGNMENT, CHANGE, LICENSE, AND MERGER ON PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED TRADEMARKS
It is mandatory to file a request to convert the classes and list of goods/services to align with the new classification system, and then the TMO will process the recordal application.
NEW TRADEMARK APPLICATIONS
The Department has approved a predefined list of goods/services and services under the 11th Edition of the Nice Classification. Official fees will now be calculated based on the number of items listed in the application rather than by class.
For more information, please contact iraq@qumsieh.com.