Trademark Law

The current trademark law in Kyrgyzstan, the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on Trademarks, Service Marks, and Appellations of Origin, was enacted on January 14, 1998, and entered into force on January 28 of the same year. It underwent revisions on February 27, 2003, and February 6, 2014.

Official Language

Kyrgyz.

Application Principle

The "first-to-file" principle applies.

Trademark Classification

Kyrgyzstan adopts the Nice Classification system and accepts multi-class applications. Registrable trademark elements include:

• Words
• Names
• Designs
• Three-dimensional marks
• Color combinations
• Slogans
• Motion marks (dynamic graphics)

Note: Three-dimensional marks and color combinations require specific criteria for registration.

Protection Period

Validity of trademark registration: 10 years from the application date.
Renewal: Each renewal extends protection for 10 years.

Renewal applications can be filed within 12 months before expiration or within a 6-month grace period after expiration (with additional fees).
Trademarks cannot be reinstated after the grace period.

Non-use cancellation period: 3 years of consecutive non-use.

Application Methods

Kyrgyzstan is a member of international intellectual property treaties, including the WIPO Convention, TRIPS Agreement, Paris Convention, and Nice Agreement, as well as the Madrid Agreement and Madrid Protocol. Applications can be filed via:

• National registration (direct filing in Kyrgyzstan).
• Madrid international registration.

Application Process

Steps: Application → Examination → Approval → Certificate issuance → Publication

• Application submission: File trademark documents with the Kyrgyz Patent Office.
• Formality examination: Checks the legality of application documents, trademark samples, and power of attorney. If compliant, an application date and application number are assigned.
• Substantive examination: Assesses registrability, conflicts with prior trademarks, and compliance with prohibited clauses under the Trademark Law.
• Registration approval: Upon successful examination, the trademark is registered, and a certificate is issued.
• Publication: The trademark is published in the official gazette. A 1-month opposition period begins from the publication date.

Total processing time: Approximately 18–24 months (if no objections, rejections, or oppositions arise).