Trademark registration in Armenia. Armenia, officially the Republic of Armenia is a landlocked country located in the Armenian Highlands of Western Asia. The economy of Armenia is still in development, relies heavily on investment and support from Armenians abroad and foreign enterprises. Therefore, now is the right time for foreign businesses to invest in this market. Consequently, to expand and stay root firmly in this market, businesses need to apply for trademark registration in Armenia to best protect their unique trademark and brand.
Trademark filing requirements in Armenia
The official language of the proceedings before the Armenian Patent Office is Armenian. Therefore, a trademark application should be filed in the Armenian language. However, the documents accompanying the application may be filed in any language. The translation should be submitted within 2 months from the filing date for foreign applicants and at the time of filing for nationals.
Signs which may be Registered as Trademarks in Armenia
The following signs represented graphically may be registered as trademarks:
(1) words, phrases, names, or slogans;
(2) letters or figures;
(3) pictures, images, or symbols;
(4) three-dimensional images, in particular, the shape of goods or their packaging (container);
(5) holograms, colors, combinations of colors or their compositions;
(6) sounds;
(7) any combinations of signs referred to in subparagraphs 1 to 5 according to The law of the Republic of Armenia on Trademarks.
Necessary documents for trademark registration in Armenia
– A request to register a trademark;
– Applicant’s details;
– Trademark sample;
– A list of goods and/or services;
– Payment receipt of the official filing fee.
An original of a sealed/stamped Authorization Letter should be filed together with the trademark application or within two months from receipt of the notification from the Office. In case the stamp is not available, the POA must be notarized.
To confirm the priority right, if priority is claimed, the applicant must provide a copy of the document proving the right of priority together with its Armenian translation within three months from the filing date.
Publication, opposition, and examination of a trademark application in Armenia
An examination of the formality of the application is conducted within one month from the filing date. Upon completion of the formal examination, the application is published and then opened to an objection period within 3 months from the publication date. Complaints may be filed within two months from the publication date.
Grant, validity term, and trademark renewal
The official fee for trademark registration in Armenia should be paid within three months from receipt of the notification about trademark registration. Trademarks in Armenia are valid for ten years from the date of filing and may be renewed for an additional 10 year period. There is an unlimited number of times for renewal of the trademark.
Requests for trademark renewal should be filed during the last year of the current trademark validity term. However, renewal requests may be filed within 6 months following the expiry of the trademark validity, provided that a corresponding surcharge is paid. Reinstatement of a lapsed trademark is not possible after the expiration of the period.
Important notes when filing a trademark registration in Armenia
Multiple-class applications
Multiple-class trademark applications are possible in Armenia.
Duration of the registration procedure
It takes an average of 10-12 months to register a trademark in Armenia.
Use requirement
If a trademark has not been used for a continuous period of five years from the registration date, its registration may be canceled upon a third party’s request.
Representation by a trademark attorney
For foreign applicants, it is necessary to be represented by an agent, a registered Armenian trademark attorney.
Please find a list of Armenia IP Firms here