It is no longer possible for owners to validate registered trademarks at the Trademark Office in Baghdad up to the TMO in Erbil. Owner can now only file a separate application in the Kurdish region for additional local protection.
By way of background, there are two TMOs operating in Iraq: one in Baghdad and another in Erbil. In principle, the scope of the registration at the TMO in Baghdad still covers the whole country, including the Kurdish region. However, trademark owners may seek additional protection by filing applications at the TMO in Erbil. Protection in the Kurdish region is advisable in certain situations especially in an infringement claim. Trademark owners should of course seek sound advice before they decide on the best route to pursue.
Should you have any questions, or require any additional information, please contact us at info@sabaip.com