Stages

Stage 1: Preparing for registration

1. Choose the view of trademark:
    In Tajikistan, trademarks can be registered which are including words, images, colors, three-dimensional shapes, sounds, and other view of signs.
   Make sure your trademark completes with legal requirements: it must be original and not mislead consumers.
2. Determining the classes of goods and services:
    Trademarks are registered according to the Nice Classification (International Classification of Goods and Services). You need to select the appropriate classes of goods and services for which the trademark will be used.
3. Checking the similarity of the trademark:
    Before submitting an application, it is necessary to check whether a similar trademark has already been registered in Tajikistan. This can be done through the National Patent Information Center (NCPI) or with the help of a patent attorney.

Stage 2: Applying an Application for Registration

1. Applying an application to the NCPI:
   The application for registration can be submitted to the National Center for Patents and Information  of the Republic of Tajikistan (NCPI).
   The application must include:
   • An application for registration.
   • An image of the trademark (if it is not a wordmark).
   • A list of goods and services with an indication of the Nice Classification.
   • Documents confirming payment of state fees.
     o If the application is submitted by a legal entity, copies of the founding documents must also be attached.
2. Payment of fees:
    Several fees exist: for filing the application and for conducting the examination. The cost may vary depending on the view of trademark and the number of classes.

Stage 3: Examination of the Application

1. Formal examination:
    NCPI conducts a formal examination of the application, checking the correctness of the submitted documents and their compliance with the established requirements.
2. Substantive examination:
    After passing the formal examination, a substantive examination begins. Specialists check the similarity of the mark, its compliance with legal requirements, and the absence of similarity with previously registered trademarks.

Stage 4: Decision of Registration

1. Publication and objections:
    If the trademark successfully passes both the formal and substantive examinations, NCPI publishes information about the application in the official bulletin.
   During a certain period, interested parties may file objections against the registration of the mark if they believe their rights are infringed.
2. Final decision:
    If no objections are raised or they are dismissed, NCPI makes a a decision of registration of trademark.
    If objections are upheld, the registration may be denied.

Stage 5: Obtaining the Certificate

1. Trademark registration:
    After the registration decision is made, NCPI enters the trademark into the State Register of Trademarks.
2. Obtaining the certificate:
    After paying the relevant fees, a trademark certificate is issued, confirming your exclusive rights to use the mark for 10 years.

Stage 6: Maintaining and Renewing the Registration

1. Use of the trademark:
    After registration, the trademark must be actively used. Otherwise, its registration may be challenged.
2. Renewal of registration:
    The registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for similar periods. To do this, you need to submit an application and pay the fee.