Breakdown of Official Filing Fees
The Azerbaijani government sets the official fees, which must be paid at certain points during the registration and application process. Although many sources convert these amounts into US dollars for convenience, they are actually in Azerbaijani manats. The following trademark costs in Azerbaijan are applicable in accordance with the Intellectual Property Agency’s fee schedule:
| Action | Official Fee (AZN) | Official Fee (current exchange rate in USD) |
| Filing application – first class | 263 AZN | 155 USD |
| Filing application – each additional class | 60 AZN | 35 USD |
| Registration & publication of certificate | 45 AZN | 27 USD |
| Trademark renewal (10‑year term) | 143 AZN | 85 USD |
| Assignment agreement registration | 60 AZN | 35 USD |
| License agreement registration | 120 AZN | 70 USD |
Trademark application fees in Azerbaijan must be paid directly to COPAT at the relevant stages. Notably, the filing fee covers the cost of examination and is charged per class. A trademark can be filed in several classes, but each additional class increases the Azerbaijan trademark pricing. Publication and certificate issuance fees are paid only after a favourable examination decision. Renewal fees are due every 10 years and can be paid up to 12 months before expiry.
Cost per Class of Goods or Services
A trademark application in Azerbaijan can cover multiple classes of goods or services under the Nice Classification, but the official filing fee is charged per class.
The first class costs 263 AZN (about 155 USD)
Each additional class costs 60 AZN (about 35 USD)
For example:
- One‑class filing: 263 AZN in government fees.
- Two‑class filing: 263 AZN + 60 AZN
- Three‑class filing: 263 AZN + 60 AZN + 60 AZN
Applicants should carefully determine the classes they need. Filing in unnecessary classes increases the fees and may expose the mark to non‑use cancellation if not actually used. For goods or services that are related, it can be cost‑effective to group them within a single class when appropriate. However, if a brand owner plans to expand into distinct fields, it may be wise to file in more classes from the outset to avoid future conflicts.
Optional Fees: Accelerated Processing & Search
Under Azerbaijani law, applicants can request an accelerated examination by paying an additional state fee. According to an update from Pocket IP, the accelerated examination fee is US$106. This service reduces the examination time from the standard 4-8 months to as little as 1-2 months. This option can be useful when a brand owner needs prompt registration (e.g., before launching a product) but should only be used when the mark is distinctive and unlikely to face objections.
Conducting a clearance search before filing helps to identify existing trademarks that could block your application. The Intellectual Property Agency does not publish a search fee, but private service providers offer pre‑filing searches for a fee. For instance, the Pocket IP charges US$200 to conduct a verbal element search. These searches check for identical or similar marks and provide an opinion on registrability.
Attorney or Agent Fees (if applicable)
Foreign applicants must appoint a local trademark attorney to file and prosecute applications in Azerbaijan. Local representation ensures compliance with local procedures and helps respond to office actions. The fees for legal representation vary widely depending on the attorney, the number of classes, and additional services
Attorney fees may also cover responses to office actions (if the examiner raises objections), translations, and preparation of priority claims. Some firms offer packages that bundle search, filing, and follow‑up for a single flat fee.
When comparing attorneys, request a breakdown of costs to understand which part covers official fees and which part is the attorney’s service fee. Some may offer discounted rates for startups or multi‑class filings, while others charge per hour for responses to provisional refusals.
Pocket IP offers the best price on the market – 300 USD to file an application in one class in Azerbaijan.
Renewal and Maintenance Fees
Trademarks in Azerbaijan are valid for ten years from the filing date. To keep protection, the owner must pay a renewal fee of 143 AZN before the expiry of each ten‑year term. The renewal can be requested 12 months before expiration, and there is a six‑month grace period after expiry with an additional monthly fee (around AZN 8 per month). Failure to renew within the grace period results in automatic lapse, and reinstatement is not possible.
Service providers charge additional fees to manage renewals. For example, Pocket IP charges 220 USD to renew a mark. This fee covers attorney service, paperwork preparation, monitoring deadlines, and responding to office queries. Since only local attorneys can process renewals, budget for attorney fees in addition to the official renewal fee.
Azerbaijan has a five‑year non‑use cancellation rule. If the trademark is not used in Azerbaijan for five consecutive years after registration, any person may apply to cancel it. There is no requirement to submit proof of use at renewal, but the risk of non‑use cancellation means owners should maintain actual commercial use or show legitimate reasons for non‑use. Keeping evidence of use (invoices, advertisements, packaging) is important.
Owners must also update the register if they assign or license the trademark. Registration of an assignment costs 60 AZN, and registration of a license agreement costs 120 AZN. These official fees must be paid along with any attorney fees for drafting the agreements.
Budget Tips for Startups and SMEs
Tip 1.
Before you file, it’s worth doing a clearance search. Spending a bit on a professional search— US$200 with Pocket IP, for instance—could save you from costly rejections or having to rebrand later. If you’re watching your budget, at least do some basic digging in international databases and online marketplaces to catch any clear conflicts.
Tip 2.
Pick your classes carefully. Every extra class tacks on 60 AZN (about US$35) to the filing fee. Stick to the goods or services you really intend to offer in the coming years. Filing too broadly can drive up the cost to register a trademark in Azerbaijan and put you at risk of non-use cancellation.
Tip 3.
Consider using multi-class applications when it makes sense. You’ll simplify things and possibly cut down on attorney fees compared to filing separately. Just make sure you’re clear on the per-class cost and how your attorney prices things; some might charge less for added classes.
Tip 4.
Keep an eye on the market. Consider using watch services or docketing tools to track new trademark filings that might be similar to yours. Spotting these early gives you the chance to challenge conflicting applications and safeguard your brand. Some providers include this monitoring as part of their service packages.
Tip 5,
If you’re thinking of expanding beyond Azerbaijan, the Madrid System could be a cost-effective option for getting protection in multiple countries. Since Azerbaijan joined the Madrid Protocol in 2007, you can use it to apply for trademark protection in several countries at once with a single international application. While you’ll still need to pay international fees, this approach can cut down on legal fees and make managing your trademarks simpler.
