LEGAL ALERT: Amendments to Intellectual Property Legislation Introduced in Kazakhstan

January 2026

The Head of State signed the Law of November 24, 2025 No. 233-VIII On Introducing Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Intellectual Property Matters. In particular, amendments were introduced to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated July 26, 1999 On Trademarks, Service Marks, Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin of Goods.

The main procedural and process-related changes are presented below:

  1. Changes in timeframes for examinations under the accelerated procedure. A preliminary examination is carried out on an accelerated basis upon the applicant’s request within 10 working days; the standard processing time is 1 month. A full examination is carried out on an accelerated basis upon the applicant’s request within 3 months from the application date; previously, this period was 4 months.

  2. Term for filing oppositions. The term for filing an opposition against the registration of a designation as a trademark has been extended. Currently, the period for filing an opposition is 1 month from the application publication date. After the amendments to the law come into force, this period will be extended to 2 months.

  3. Possibility to suspend application proceedings upon filing a lawsuit. Previously, the law provided for the filing of a request to suspend application proceedings in connection with filing an opposition with the Board of Appeals. Now, proceedings can also be suspended in connection with the filing of a lawsuit in court.

  4. Possibility to adjourn the consideration of an opposition in the Board of Appeals upon request from either party. Previously, the law provided for the possibility to adjourn the consideration of an opposition only upon request from the applicant (i.e., the party who filed the opposition). After the amendments, any parties involved in the case can request an adjournment.

The amendments to the law will come into force from January 25, 2026.

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