The Iraqi Trademark Office has discontinued the separate trademark availability search service. Currently, the only available procedure is filing a preliminary examination application.
How the search works
- In Iraq, separate preliminary search applications must be filed for each class in which trademark protection is sought.
- The electronic system accepts only goods whose descriptions exactly match the approved classification list.
- Examination results are received by SMS on the mobile number of the lawyer who filed the search application. They state whether the mark is accepted or refused, with the reasons for any refusal.
- 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.
What to send us
- The requirements for filing an electronic trademark search application in Iraq include a clear image of the trademark in the foreign language, together with its transliteration into Arabic.
- The preliminary search can be conducted on the names alone, without the final logos; the final logos are not required for the search.
- A list of the goods in accordance with the Nice Classification (11th edition) is required. Please highlight the required goods in yellow and send the marked list each time you instruct us to file a search application.
If something needs correcting
- As advised in February 2025, the search application can be amended through an official application: for example, an error in the owner’s name or address can be corrected that way.
Using the electronic system
- Access to the Trademark Office’s online system is linked to the mobile phone number through which the application was originally submitted. Under the current electronic system, payment must be made through the same mobile phone number/account that was used for payment of the original filing fees.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate availability search in Iraq?
The Iraqi Trademark Office has discontinued the separate trademark availability search service. Currently, the only available procedure is filing a preliminary examination application.
How long does a search result stay valid?
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.
Is a separate search needed for each class?
In Iraq, separate preliminary search applications must be filed for each class in which trademark protection is sought.