Kazakhstan is a key country in trade relations between Asian and European countries. The Government of Kazakhstan strives to provide reliable protection and help businesses and inventors by providing registration of intellectual property objects (IPOs), including trademark registration. Trademark registration is the first step towards protecting products from huge competition, which makes Kazakhstan a good country for creating a successful, recognizable business.

What are the advantages of trademark registration in the Republic of Kazakhstan?

Firstly, it enhances protection. Goods and IP are protected from any and all goods and services that could compete with them. Moreover, it is possible to prevent or cancel the registration of a similar trademark in respect of any goods or services with an already registered trademark.

Secondly, it increases the value of your company. When a trademark is granted to a product, it is taken into account when assessing the company's intangible assets and depreciation charges.

When registering a designation for your brand, it is initially advisable to search the State Register of Registered Trademarks in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan to make sure that the trademark is not violated. Trademarks of the Republic of Kazakhstan are protected by state registration or without registration in accordance with the Madrid Agreement and Protocol. After registration, the trademark owner, the copyright holder, acquires these rights:

-          prohibit the use of its unique designation to third parties;

-          grant the right to use this trademark to third parties on a contractual basis;

-          increase your intangible assets and attract investors or receive government subsidies.

The validity period of a registered trademark in Kazakhstan lasts 10 years, with the possibility of renewal of registration every subsequent 10 years. The registration trademark normally takes approximately 11-12 months.

Thus, the protection of intellectual property, including trademarks, in Kazakhstan is one of the directions of economic integration within the framework of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space. The Kazakh Government is working on a tremendous improvement of legislation and law enforcement practice.