Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Commerce and Industries Directorate of Central Business Registry and Intellectual Property Dated: 03.04.2016 – 15.01.1395

No. 114 Suggestions

Sentences/Order

TO THE RESPECTED (MINISTER OFFICE) MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY!

Observed

With all the respects we are suggesting the followings: In-order to create necessary facilities to the applicants who apply to register their trademarks in this office (APTO) in accordance with the law and to avoid the IP related disputes in the future, we are planning to add the followings in the upcoming rules and regulations which is under draft: 1. Each trademark in each class should be registered via a

standalone application and multiple class applications will not be accepted. 2. Registration fee, application fee and classification fee should be

deposited by the applicant at the time of filing the application in a single payment. 3. Validity of distributorship certificates should not exceed from

one year, in case, if the validity of distribution contract is for more than one year then the distributorship certificate should be renewed after one year following the registration date. 4. The handwriting system should be changed to a modern and computerized system to avoid the writing mistakes. Upon approval of the above mentioned suggestions the IP related disputes will decrease and as the protection period of a trademark is for ten years, so adapting of the said system will increase the government income as well. In the matter whatever guidance you command will be applicable. Best regards, Sign Tareq Ahmad Sarfaraz General Director of Central Business Registry & Intellectual Property

03.04.2016 – 15.01.1395 The suggestions have been approved. Sign and Seal Deputy Minister of Commercial Affairs