Trademarks Office increases official fees

In January 2013 the Iranian Trademarks Office amended the payment regime for official fees, which resulted in an increase in fees.

Moreover, under the new payment regime, the Trademarks Office accepts the payment of official fees by foreign applicants only in euros or Swiss francs.

There have been no structural fee changes, but applicants are required to pay the official fees based on the currency exchange rates applicable on the day of payment. As the currency exchange rates are not fixed, the official fees will vary on a day-to-day basis. The restrictions on international money transactions imposed on Iranian banks have made the payment issue even more complex.

The new payment regime will also apply to registration fees for pending applications.

The official fees for Iranian applicants are still payable in the local currency, the rial.

Mohammad Badamchi, HAMI Legal Services, Tehran