Trademark Registration in Kazakhstan: Steps, Timeline, Cost

To register a trademark in Kazakhstan, you check the mark against existing trademarks, choose the Nice (ICGS) classes, file an application with NIIP (the National Institute of Intellectual Property) and pass examination. It usually takes 7.5–8 months from filing to the certificate, and your rights date back to the filing date. Below is a step-by-step guide with timelines and costs.

Why register a trademark

A name, logo or packaging becomes your property only once it is registered. Until then, a competitor can register it first — and ban you from using your own brand.

A trademark certificate lets you:

• stop others from using your name and confusingly similar marks;
• take down fakes and infringing listings on Wildberries, Ozon and Kaspi.kz — marketplaces only accept complaints from registered owners;
• sell franchises, grant licences and present the brand to investors as an asset;
• take the brand to other countries.

Steps to register a trademark in Kazakhstan

1. Clearance search. We look for registered and pending marks that are confusingly similar to yours. This is the main way to avoid paying fees for an application that is bound to be refused.
2. Choosing Nice classes. Goods and services are split into 45 classes of the Nice Classification. Protection covers only the classes listed in the application, so we draft the list around your current and future business.
3. Filing with NIIP. We prepare the image of the mark, the list of goods and services and the applicant's details, and pay the fee. The filing date gives you priority.
4. Examination. NIIP checks the documents and the mark itself — similarity to other marks and grounds for refusal. If the examiner has questions, you receive an office action that must be answered on time.
5. Registration and certificate. After a positive decision, the registration fee is paid, the mark is entered in the register and the owner receives a certificate.

How long registration takes

On average 7.5–8 months from filing to the certificate. It may take longer if the examiner issues an office action or a provisional refusal that needs a response.

Priority is fixed on the filing date, so file as early as possible — before you launch advertising or go to marketplaces.

How much trademark registration costs

Patentmura.kz service fees (official fees are paid separately):

• trademark clearance check — 39,000 ₸;
• choosing Nice classes — 39,000 ₸;
• turnkey trademark registration in Kazakhstan — 195,000 ₸;
• response to an examiner's office action — 130,000 ₸;
• renewal of registration — 65,000 ₸.

See the full list on the Intellectual Property page and in the price list.

Why examiners refuse and how to avoid it

A refusal most often happens because the mark:

• is confusingly similar to a registered or pending trademark;
• describes the product itself, its quality or purpose ("fresh bread", "best service");
• may mislead consumers.

Most refusals can be overcome with a reasoned response or by adjusting the list of goods and services. But checking the mark before filing is cheaper and faster.

Registering your mark abroad

If you sell in other countries, the mark needs protection there too. Through the WIPO Madrid System you can file one international application covering several countries. We also register marks in China, Uzbekistan, the EAEU, the US and the EU.

Our team has filed more than 1,000 trademark applications in Kazakhstan — see examples in Cases.

Questions and answers