Intellectual Property lawyers in Kazakhstan (AS)

Patent attorneys in Kazakhstan handle several key responsibilities:

• Filing patent applications with the National Institute of Intellectual Property
• Conducting patentability searches and assessments
• Responding to office actions from Kazpatent
• Representing clients in patent opposition and invalidation proceedings
• Providing guidance on patent strategy and portfolio management
• Assisting with technology licensing agreements

These professionals must be registered with the Kazakhstan patent office and typically have technical backgrounds in addition to legal knowledge.

Trademark registration in Kazakhstan follows these steps:

1. Preliminary trademark search through the Kazakh IP database
2. Filing an application with Kazpatent in Astana
3. Formal examination by the patent office
4. Substantive examination for conflicts with existing marks
5. Publication of the trademark in the official gazette
6. Three-month opposition period
7. Registration and certificate issuance

The entire process typically takes 12-14 months if no objections arise. Trademark protection in Kazakhstan lasts for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for additional 10-year periods.

Businesses should hire an IP lawyer when operating in Kazakhstan for several practical reasons. These attorneys provide valuable guidance on navigating the local legal system, communicate effectively with Kazakh authorities in local languages, and understand regional enforcement mechanisms. IP lawyers help companies avoid costly legal mistakes, protect innovations from competitors, and develop strategies that align with Kazakhstan’s specific IP regulations. For foreign companies, local IP attorneys serve as essential intermediaries who bridge cultural and procedural gaps while ensuring intellectual property assets receive proper protection in the Kazakh market.

The main centers for intellectual property practice in Kazakhstan are:

• Astana (capital) – Home to Kazpatent and the National Institute of Intellectual Property headquarters
• Almaty – The commercial center with the highest concentration of IP law firms and corporate IP departments
• Shymkent – Growing IP presence due to industrial development
• Atyrau – IP services focused on the oil and gas sector
• Karaganda – IP support for the mining and metallurgical industries

Most major Kazakh universities with IP research centers are located in Astana and Almaty, including facilities at Nazarbayev University and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

Recent changes to IP law enforcement in Kazakhstan include the 2018 amendments to the Patent Law that strengthened remedies against infringement, the 2020 update to customs procedures allowing more effective border control measures against counterfeit goods, and the establishment of specialized IP courts in Astana and Almaty to handle complex cases. Kazakhstan has also implemented digital filing systems for IP applications and created an online database of registered rights. Additionally, the country has aligned its IP enforcement standards more closely with international practices as part of its World Trade Organization commitments, resulting in more consistent protection for rights holders.

1. Standard patent application fee: approximately $300 USD
2. Examination fee: $500-700 USD depending on complexity
3. Annual maintenance fees: starting at $100 USD and increasing throughout the patent term
4. Patent attorney fees: $1,500-2,000 USD for assistance during the application process

Costs can vary based on the specifics of the invention and the complexities of the application process.