Iran has recently enacted the new Law on Protection of Industrial Property, replacing its 2008 legislation governing patents, industrial designs, and trade marks. We understand that the the new law aims to bring Iran’s legislation in line with international IP standards. The law has also introduced new provisions related to utility models, certification marks, trade secrets, and unfair competition.

While procedural changes will remain pending until an executive by-law is issued, the most immediate procedural shift is financial in nature, relating to official fees, in effect as of 22 October 2024, with the key changes indicated below:

• Trade mark application fees for legal entities increased from 400,000 to 10 million rials (approx. from EUR 7 to EUR 185);
• Registration fees rose from from 2.4 to 30 million rials (approx. from EUR 43 to EUR 555); and
• Appeal fees for one class jumped from 750,000 to 25 million rials (approx. EUR 13 to EUR 460).

Foreign applicants are now required to pay fees in Iranian rials via online systems. Owing to the shift from euro-based fees to local currency as well as local currency depreciation, higher nominal costs have in some cases lowered the actual costs for international rights holders, who may benefit from the currency shift if they quickly adjust to Iran’s updated payment system.

With further procedural changes expected, IP rights holders should monitor developments.