A trademark is the name, logo, or combination of the two by which customers recognize you. You can use a mark without registering it, but in that case your exclusive rights to it are not legally protected.
Step one: the search
Before filing, it is important to check whether a similar or identical mark is already registered. This reduces the risk of refusal and helps prevent future disputes.
The Nice Classification: choosing the right classes
Under the international Nice Classification, goods and services are divided into 45 classes: Classes 1–34 cover goods, and Classes 35–45 cover services. A mark is protected only for the classes selected. For example, a logistics company with a mobile app may need Classes 9, 35, 39, and 42.
Filing and examination
- The application is filed with the Intellectual Property Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan; online filing is available through the PƏNAH system, the Agency’s e-filing platform.
- Non-residents file through a patent attorney registered in Azerbaijan.
- Additional questions or objections may be raised during examination, and it is important to respond to them on time.
A brand is one of a business’s most valuable assets: leaving it unregistered is like leaving the door open.