Iran Trademarks

Filing Requirements:

1. Power of attorney, legalized. A general power may be used for subsequent filings.

2. Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified.

3. 15 prints of the mark for each application.

* All documents must be submitted at the time of filing.

* Foreigners are allowed a 60-day period from notification date to file the documents.

Classification:

The International Classification of Goods and Services (8th Edition) is followed. However, class 33 and alcoholic goods in class 32 can not be registered in Iran. A single application may include several classes.

Opposition:

Trademark applications accepted by the Registrar are published in the Official Gazette. Oppositions may be filed within 30 days from publication date.

Extension Of Time:

Extension of time for oppositions/counter oppositions or for responding to office actions is not possible.

Protection Term:

Trademark registrations are valid for 10 years from filing date and are renewable for like periods. There is a grace period of 6 months for late renewals with payment of a surcharge.

Documents Required For Renewal:

  • Power of attorney, legalized.

Use Requirements:

Use of a trademark is not required for registration or renewal of a mark. However, a trademark is vulnerable to cancellation by any interested party if there has been no effective use of the mark for a period of 3 years from registration date.

Search:

An official search may be conducted for word marks and devices. It takes approximately 2 weeks for the results to be available. A single application is required for the search in all classes. The search report discloses similar and identical trademarks.

Assignment:

* Trademark applications and registrations may be assigned with the goodwill of the business concerned.

* Documents required:

  • Power of attorney from the assignee, legalized.
  • Deed of Assignment, legalized.
  • Latest registration certificate of the mark(s) for endorsement.

Change Of Name/Address:

* A change of name/address may be recorded for trademark applications and registrations.

* Documents required:

  • Power of attorney, legalized.
  • Extract from the commercial register or any other document evidencing this change, legalized.
  • Latest registration certificate of the mark(s) for endorsement.

Licensing:

* License recordal is compulsory in order to be effective against third parties.

* Documents required:

  • Power of attorney, legalized.
  • License agreement, legalized.
  • Original registration certificate of the mark(s) for endorsement.

Merger:

* A merger may be recorded for trademark applications and registrations.

* Documents required:

  • Power of attorney, legalized.
  • Certificate of merger, legalized.
  • The original registration certificate of the mark(s) for endorsement.

Marking:

Marking is not compulsory.

Cancellation:

Cancellation proceedings must be brought within 3 years from registration date unless the mark was registered in bad faith, in which case, there is no time limit.

Registration Time Frame:

The time frame for completing the registration process is 10 months.

Three Dimensional Trademark Applications:

Acceptable.