In one of our files, a mark was filed in a single sub-class. At publication stage in 2022, the mark appeared in additional sub-classes of a second class, and the registration fees demanded covered them too. The mismatch was raised at the time, but the extra class stayed in place until the certificate was issued in 2024.
In October 2026 the owner's agent asked whether the certificate could be amended back to the original class. Our answer: not at this stage, because the mark is officially registered in the additional class.
The remaining cure is slower. On renewal, or when recording any change concerning the owner, a reclassification application may be filed to exclude the unwanted sub-classes. Until then, the register shows a class the owner never asked for.
Protect yourself at publication and fee stage:
- Compare the gazette entry with the filing receipt, class by class
- Check the fee demand against the classes actually filed
- If an extra class appears, raise it in writing straight away and keep the record
- If the mark is already registered, plan reclassification for the next renewal or owner recordal
Questions about classification or certificates at the Iraqi Trademark Office? Our Baghdad team is glad to take a look.