Trademarks in Afghanistan

Competent Authority

Trademark protection in Afghanistan is administered by the Intellectual Property Department of the Afghanistan Central Business Registry and Intellectual Property (ACBR-IP) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries. The working language is local administrative languages (Pashto/Dari), and the system is national.

International Agreements

Afghanistan is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

Who May Apply

Natural persons and legal entities engaged in commercial, industrial, agricultural, or service activities may apply. Foreign applicants generally require a local professional trademark agent. A Power of Attorney (POA) signed by the applicant is required, which typically needs notarization and consular legalization (or apostille, depending on current administrative acceptance).

Registrable Sign Types

Trademarks may consist of names, words, letters, signatures, symbols, figures, drawings, or combinations of these elements that distinguish goods or services.

Classification

Afghanistan follows the Nice Classification system. Note that goods in Class 33 (alcoholic beverages) are prohibited due to local legal restrictions.

Examination

The Intellectual Property Department examines applications for compliance with formal and absolute grounds, as well as relative grounds.

Publication and Opposition

Once accepted, applications are published in the Official Gazette to allow third parties to file an opposition.

Protection Duration and Renewal

A trademark registration is valid for ten years from the filing date of the application. It can be renewed for successive ten-year periods.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or consultation. To receive personalized and in-depth guidance tailored to your specific situation, we invite you to schedule a consultation.