President signs law bolstering IP protection in Kazakhstan
22 December 2025
A new law in Kazakshtan is expected to strengthen the jurisdiction’s IP regime. On November 24, 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed Law No. 233 VIII containing significant amendments to its previous IP framework, designed to modernize regulation, reduce procedural timelines and strengthen enforcement.
According to Saule Akhmetova, a partner at GRATA International in Almaty, the amendments align national IP regulation more closely with international best practices and the needs of a modern digital economy.
Saule Akhmetova, partner, GRATA International
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the accelerated trademark examination system which allows applicants to acquire registration within three months, as compared to the previous seven months. “This option is particularly relevant for businesses operating in competitive markets where early brand protection is critical for product launches, franchising and market expansion,” Akhmetova said.
Furthermore, the law allows trademark examination proceedings to be suspended not only in connection with administrative objections but also in connection with court litigation. “This change helps avoid parallel proceedings and inconsistent decisions when different authorities examine the same dispute, and ensures that administrative decisions take into account relevant judicial outcomes,” said Akhmetova.
The law also extends the opposition period against trademark registration from one month to two months, thus improving procedural balance.
Copyright enforcement is also poised to be more robust as the law now mandates justice authorities to conduct unscheduled inspections based on applications by rights holders. “Court proceedings were often the only effective enforcement tool which could be time-consuming and costly,” said Timur Berekmoinov, head of the IP practice at GRATA.
Timur Berekmoinov, head of IP practice, GRATA International
Another critical reform is the introduction of a formal specialization system. Under the new system, activities related to means of individualization, such as trademarks, geographical indications and appellations of origin, are separated from activities related to patentable objects. This means patent attorneys may obtain certification in one or both areas depending on their qualifications. “This approach is intended to improve the quality of professional services, reduce the risk of procedural errors and increase confidence in IP representation,” Berekmoinov explained.
Additionally, geographical indications are now under the coverage of Kazakhstan’s customs protection of intellectual property.
Finally, the law establishes a unified digital platform for collective rights management with the aim of increasing transparency and accountability of collecting societies and ensuring fairer distribution of collected remuneration. “Authors will be able to monitor the use of their works and the calculation of royalties, while users will be able to verify reporting and payments. This digitalization makes the entire process from use of a work to payment of remuneration traceable and understandable for all participants,” said Berekmoinov.
Espie Angelica A. de Leon
