Alert: important development in trademark registration and protection in Kazakhstan in the technology and software sector

Effective: October 2027

Kazakhstan has introduced revised administrative requirements governing trademark registration and protection for technology and software companies operating in or entering the Kazakhstani market. The changes affect the classification, documentation, and examination procedure for marks in Classes 9, 35, 38, and 42 under the Nice Classification — the classes most commonly relied upon by foreign technology and software businesses registering their brand identities in Kazakhstan.

Foreign technology and software companies holding, or intending to hold, trademark rights in Kazakhstan are directly affected. Under the revised procedure, applicants must provide more granular specification of the goods and services covered by the mark at the point of filing, with the Committee on Intellectual Property Rights of the Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan applying a stricter distinctiveness standard to marks in the technology and software sector. Existing registrations due for renewal are also subject to review against the updated criteria. Foreign rights holders who registered marks in Kazakhstan under earlier, broader class specifications face a material risk that the scope of their protection will be narrowed upon renewal unless the registration is proactively managed.

For foreign companies operating through a Russian or other EAEU-jurisdiction entity — and relying on that entity's trademark position to cover Kazakhstani commercial activity — the development creates an additional exposure: EAEU-wide registrations do not automatically satisfy Kazakhstan's domestic examination requirements for technology and software classes, and separate Kazakhstani registration or confirmation of scope remains necessary.

Recommended action:

• Audit existing Kazakhstani trademark registrations in Classes 9, 35, 38, and 42 against the updated specification requirements.
• Identify registrations due for renewal within the next twelve months and instruct local Kazakhstani counsel to review the scope before submission.
• For companies planning Kazakhstani market entry in the technology or software sector, file under the revised requirements from the outset rather than relying on EAEU-route coverage.

[CTA: To discuss your trademark position in Kazakhstan — make an enquiry: info@vetrovpartners.com | WhatsApp/Telegram: +7 (983) 510-38-76]

This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Vetrov & Partners is a Russian-qualified law firm. Contact info@vetrovpartners.com for advice on your specific situation.

— Aigerim Serikbayeva Contributing Regional Analyst — Kazakhstan · EAEU Trade, Customs & Market Entry vetrovpartners.com/contributions/

Vetrov & Partners is a Russian boutique law firm established in 2009, recognised by Pravo-300 for eight consecutive years. The firm advises foreign companies on cross-border IP protection and enforcement matters across Russia and the EAEU, including in relation to Kazakhstani trademark registration and market entry. Enquiries: info@vetrovpartners.com | WhatsApp / Telegram: +7 (983) 510-38-76 | t.me/vitvetcom