Country: AFGHANISTAN
Strategic Hub:
Afghanistan sits at the historic crossroads of Central and South Asia. While currently navigating a complex economic landscape, it remains a critical territory for regional trade connectivity and the protection of long-standing consumer brands, particularly in the telecommunications, FMCG, and logistics sectors.
Regulatory Body:
Intellectual Property matters are handled by the Afghanistan Intellectual Property Board (AIPB) and the Intellectual Property Directorate within the Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
International Standing:
Afghanistan is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a signatory to the Paris Convention. Notably, it joined the Madrid Protocol in 2018, allowing international brand owners to designate Afghanistan in their global trademark applications for streamlined protection in the region.
Member of PCT ?
NO
Can Convention priority be claimed ?
Yes- within12 months from the date of first filing of the priority application.
Patent Search
Novelty requirement
Worldwide
Deadline for filing supporting documents
Supporting documents are generally required at the time of filing
Does the invention specification have to be translated for filing
Yes, a translation into Dari or Pashto is required.
Required Documents
Application for Grant of Patent (prescribed form).
• Specification, including:
• Description
• Claims
• Abstract
• Drawings, if any.
• Power of Attorney.
• Deed of Assignment, if the applicant is not the inventor.
• Priority Document, if priority is claimed.
Examination
Examination is primarily formal.
• Limited substantive examination is carried out due to administrative constraints.
• Focus is on:
• Formal compliance
• Basic novelty declaration
Publication
Patent applications are published by the relevant authority after acceptance.
Opposition
Opposition provisions are limited. Third-party challenges are generally handled through administrative or judicial review.
Duration
Twenty (20) years starting from the filing date
Compulsory Licensing
Compulsory licensing may be imposed in cases of Public interest, Non-working of the patent
Annuities
Annual renewal fees are payable.
Failure to pay annuities results in lapse of patent rights.
Assignment
Trademark Search
Not Mandatory- Possible for word mark
Trademark Filing
Single/Multi-Class Jurisdiction
multi class application
Can services be registered
YES
Can convention priority be claimed
YES
Is the international classification
Yes - Nice Classification, 10th addition
Documentation and information required to file
Power of Attorney duly legalized up to Afghani Consulate.
Full name and address of the applicant.
Prints of the trademark
Classes of goods
Opposition period after publication
30 days
Validity
Change of name or address
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of change of name or address
A Power of Attorney in the new name or address duly notarized & legalized up to the Consulate of the Afghanistan.
A legalized certificate proving the change of name or address issued by the local competent authority of the applicant’s domicile.
A simple copy of the registration certificate of the mark
Treaties and conventions
WIPO Convention, Brussels Convention, Trademark Law Treaty, Berne Convention, Paris Convention, Rome Convention, WIPO Copyright Treaty, WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, Patent Cooperation Treaty, Madrid Protocol, Nice Agreement, Patent Law Treaty, Budapest Treaty, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Trade Organization, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), GCC Patent Law.
Member of LOCARNO CLASSIFICATION
Yes
Can Convention priority be claimed:
Novelty Requirement
Patent search
Deadline for filing supporting documents:
Multiple designs
Required Documents:
Publication
Opposition
Duration
Compulsory licensing.:
Annuities:
Assignment:
Merger:
Name / Address:
Our Global Reach & Jurisdictions
We provide expert legal representation across an extensive network of global partners, specializing in the complex regulatory landscapes of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Our firm ensures your intellectual property rights and commercial interests are protected with the broadest possible range of international coverage
