A foreign colleague recently asked us why an Iraqi registration publication showed two dates one day apart. The answer is worth knowing if you renew trademarks in Iraq.
As we explained to them, the final day for renewing a trademark is the close of business on the day before its filing anniversary, so that the full 365-day year is completed. A mark valid from 13 January therefore runs until the close of official business on 12 January at the end of its term.
The Registrar has long accepted renewal applications on the anniversary itself. But that is a long-standing practice, not the rule in the law, and it is not something to plan around.
How we diarise renewals:
- Due date = the day BEFORE the filing anniversary
- Treat the anniversary day as a courtesy, never as the deadline
- Send renewal instructions weeks ahead, not on the last day
- If a publication shows dates one day apart, check them against the filing date first
Renewing a portfolio in Iraq? Send us your list and we will check the dates for you.