In October 2026 we advised that, because of the considerable backlog at the Iraqi Trademark Office and the current restrictions on the electronic filing system, it is difficult to provide a reliable estimated registration timeline.
The stages
- The procedure generally involves trademark examination, filing of the application following approval of the examination, publication in the Official Gazette, expiry of the opposition period, payment of the final registration fees, and issuance of the registration certificate.
- A trademark is considered duly registered and legally protected once the final registration fee has been paid, regardless of the subsequent administrative issuance of the registration certificate.
Periods that apply
- The examination result remains valid for three months from its date of issuance, and the trademark application must be filed within that period. If the three months expire before filing, a new examination request, with its fees, is required.
- A copy legalised up to the Embassy goes in with the examination request; the original, with all the local legalisations, is due within six months of the filing date.
- A published mark is open to opposition for 90 days from the date of publication.
- After the lapse of the 90-day opposition period from the publication date, the final registration fees are paid and the trademark becomes fully registered.
Delays
- The Registrar is currently experiencing delays in issuing registration certificates (September 2026). Issuing the certificate is an administrative process that depends entirely on the Registrar.
- Under Iraqi law, a deadline falling on an official holiday is extended to the next working day. The Trademark Office accepts no official fee payments on Iraqi public holidays or on the last working day of each month.
The Kurdistan Region
- In Kurdistan the examination result remains valid for only 90 days from its issuance.
- In July 2026 we advised that, for a Kurdistan application, following publication we wait for the 90-day opposition period to expire before proceeding with the payment of the final registration fees and the issuance of the registration certificate.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to register a trademark in Iraq?
In October 2026 we advised that, because of the considerable backlog at the Iraqi Trademark Office and the current restrictions on the electronic filing system, it is difficult to provide a reliable estimated registration timeline.