Filing Requirements:
1. Power of attorney, simply signed. A general power may be used for subsequent filings.
2. Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified.
3. 1 film and 3 prints of the mark.
* Items 1 and 3 must be submitted at the time of filing.
* Document 2 may be submitted within 3 months from filing date.
Classification:
The International Classification of Goods and Services (9th Edition) is followed. A single application may include several classes.
Opposition:
Registered trademarks are published in the Official Gazette. Oppositions to any registered trademark may be filed before the Court.
Extension Of Time:
Extension of time is not possible.
Protection Term:
Trademark registrations are valid for 15 years from filing date and are renewable for like periods. There is a grace period of 3 months for late renewals without payment of a surcharge.
Documents Required For Renewal:
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
- 1 film and 3 prints.
Use Requirements:
Use of a trademark is not required for registration or renewal of a mark.
Search:
An in-house search is conducted for word marks and device marks. The search takes 2 working days for word marks and 4 working days for other marks. A single application is required for search in all classes. The search report discloses similar and identical trademark registrations and applications.
Assignment:
* Registered trademarks may be assigned with or without the goodwill of the business concerned. The recordal of an assignment may be made within 3 months after the transfer. Late recordals are possible upon payment of a surcharge for each delay of 2 months.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney from the assignee, simply signed.
- Deed of Assignment, legalized.
Change Of Name/Address:
* A change of name/address may be recorded for trademark registrations.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney, simply singed.
- Certificate of change of name, legalized.
- For a change of address, no documents are required.
Licensing:
* License recordal is not compulsory but advisable in order to be effective against third parties.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
- License agreement, legalized.
Merger:
* The recordal of a merger may be made within 3 months after its effective date. Late recordals are possible upon payment of a surcharge for each delay of 2 months.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney, simply signed.
- Certificate of merger, legalized.
Marking:
Marking is not compulsory.
Cancellation:
A trademark may be subject to cancellation by any interested party within 5 years from filing date.
Registration Time Frame:
The time frame for completing the registration process is 1 month.
Three Dimensional Trademark Applications:
Acceptable.