Kazakhstan has recently introduced a series of changes affecting trademark filings, official fee structures, and opposition procedures. While these developments are sometimes collectively described as part of the Kazakhstan “2026 legislative reforms”, the reality is more nuanced. Some measures were already being applied in practice well before 2026, while others were entered into force quietly at the beginning of January 2026, and certain amendments only formally take effect later in the month.

As a result of these nuances, the challenge for brand owners and rights holders is not simply keeping track of what has changed, but also understanding which rules apply to which filings, from what date, and under which procedural route. In particular, distinctions between national trademark applications and international registrations designating Kazakhstan, as well as differences between genuinely new amendments and the formalization of existing practices, are critical to getting filing strategy right.

This article sets out the current trademark framework in Kazakhstan as it now stands, focusing specifically on national trademark filings. It aims to clarify the scope, timing, and practical impact of the recent changes, so that brand owners can assess costs, risks, and procedural options with greater certainty.

Key Changes to Trademark Registration in Kazakhstan
Scope of Application

The changes outlined below apply only to trademark applications filed directly under Kazakhstan’s national procedure.

These requirements do not apply to International Registrations designating Kazakhstan via the Madrid system. As such, applicants filing through Madrid are not subject to the new restrictions on the number of goods and services per class.

1. VAT Increase: Higher Official Trademark Fees
The VAT rate has increased from 12% to 16%, leading to a corresponding rise in all official national trademark filing and registration fees.

For national applicants, this means higher upfront costs and greater importance placed on accurate budgeting at the filing stage.

2. New Limits on Goods and Services per Class
Trademark applications are now subject to stricter classification rules:

  • • Each Nice class is limited to a maximum of 10 goods or services
  • • Each item exceeding the 10-item limit will incur an additional official fee

These restrictions entered into force on January 5th, 2026.

As a result of this change, overly broad or poorly structured goods and services lists can significantly increase costs. This marks a clear departure from earlier practices, where applicants could often include lengthy lists within a single class without immediate cost consequences. Strategic selection and precise wording are now essential to avoid unnecessary fees and procedural delays.

3. Extended Opposition Period

The opposition period against trademark registration has been extended to two months from the date of publication of the trademark application, effective January 25th, 2026.

This new legislative amendment applies to both national trademark applications and to international registrations designating Kazakhstan under the Madrid system. This extension gives third parties more time to assess and challenge new filings, increasing the likelihood of oppositions, particularly in crowded or competitive sectors.

4. Accelerated Trademark Registration: Clarification
A paid accelerated trademark registration procedure, with a timeline of up to 3 months, has been referenced in recent legislative summaries as entering into force on January 25th, 2026.

However, in practice, accelerated examinations have already been applied since July 2024, and the corresponding official acceleration fees were introduced under the fee schedule effective July 10th, 2024 without a formal public announcement. The standard trademark registration period under the ordinary procedure remains approximately 7 months.

As a result, although accelerated regsitration is now more explicitly referenced in legislative materials, it does not represent a newly introduced procedure in 2026, but rather a formalization of a new practice that has already been in effect.

What These Changes Mean for Trademark Owners

Taken together, these new 2026 changes to Kazakhstan’s trademark registration process signal a move towards a more structured, fee-sensitive, and even adversarial trademark environment.

Without careful planning, trademark applicants may face:

  • • Higher-than-expected official costs
  • • Requests for additional fee payments
  • • Delays during examination
  • • Suspension of application processing
  • • Increased exposure to oppositions and disputes

In this new landscape, classification strategy, cost forecasting, and procedural accuracy are no longer optional. They are now critical to maintaining an efficient and predictable registration process in Kazakhstan.

Strategic Considerations Before Filing a Trademark in 2026

Rather than treating Kazakhstan as a routine extension of an international filing program, applicants should evaluate how each element of the application (scope, structure, and timing) aligns with both local requirements and their broader brand objectives. Ultimately, a well-prepared filing strategy can significantly reduce costs, minimize procedural delays, and strengthen long-term enforceability in an increasingly competitive trademark landscape.

To adapt effectively to the new rules, trademark owners should consider the following before filing in Kazakhstan:

Reassess Goods and Services Scope

Trademark owners should avoid relying on legacy goods and services specifications that were originally drafted for other jurisdictions, particularly those designed to be overly broad or defensive in nature. Under the new national rules, expansive lists can quickly become inefficient and expensive, without necessarily providing meaningful additional protection.

Instead, goods and services should be carefully tailored to reflect the applicant’s actual commercial activities in Kazakhstan, as well as foreseeable market expansion in the near term. A focused specification not only helps control official fees but also strengthens the enforceability of the trademark by ensuring closer alignment between registered rights and real-world use. This approach can also reduce vulnerability to oppositions or non-use challenges down the line.

Build in Fee Forecasting Early

Account for VAT increases and potential excess-item fees when budgeting filings, renewals, and portfolio expansions. This is particularly relevant for companies managing multi-class applications, portfolio expansions, or coordinated filings across several jurisdictions. Early cost modeling allows trademark owners to make informed decisions about scope, timing, and filing structure, and to avoid disruptive requests for additional payments

Strengthen Clearance and Risk Analysis

The extension of the opposition period heightens the importance of robust trademark clearance and risk assessment before filing. With third parties now afforded more time to challenge new applications, the likelihood of oppositions, especially in crowded or highly competitive sectors, has increased.

Conducting thorough searches and evaluating potential conflicts at an early stage can help applicants avoid filings that are likely to attract objections or disputes. Beyond identifying identical or similar marks, a strong risk analysis should consider market context, enforcement trends, and the commercial profile of potential opponents. Investing in clearance upfront can significantly reduce the risk of costly oppositions, procedural delays, or forced rebranding later in the process.

Interpret Legislative Changes with Local Expertise

The 2026 legislative changes should be read and applied with care, as they introduce nuanced distinctions across filing routes and IP rights, that are not always apparent from a high-level overview.

For instance, as previously mentioned in this article, certain requirements apply only to national trademark applications, while others affect international filings differently, and some changes entered into force quietly or were applied in practice well before being formally referenced. Misinterpreting how these rules interact can lead to unnecessary costs, easily avoidable procedural issues, and suboptimal filing strategies. For this reason, applicants are well advised to assess the new framework with the support of experienced local IP counsel. Local counsel can accurately interpret new legislative changes whilst helping you align your filing strategy with your specific commercial objectives.

Align Kazakhstan Filings with Broader Portfolio Strategy

For businesses operating across Europe, Asia, or the wider Eurasian region, trademark filings in Kazakhstan are often most effective when considered in the context of a broader regional brand strategy. Aligning Kazakhstan applications with parallel filings in other jurisdictions can help maintain consistency in brand positioning, scope of protection, and long-term enforcement objectives, even though such coordination is not a formal requirement.

Ongoing Kazakhstan Trademark Portfolio Management Considerations

The 2026 reforms affect not only new trademark applications, but also how existing trademark portfolios should be managed going forward. Brand owners are well advised to review their current registrations to determine whether older filings remain commercially and legally fit for purpose under the updated framework. In particular, changes to fee structures and classification limits may impact how efficiently existing rights can be maintained, renewed, or expanded in the future.

A proactive portfolio audit allows businesses to identify opportunities to streamline protection, refine goods and services coverage, and anticipate future costs with greater accuracy. By reassessing portfolio structure now, trademark owners can reduce the risk of unexpected fees or procedural issues while ensuring that their trademark rights continue to support evolving business objectives in Kazakhstan.

Navigating Kazakhstan Trademark Filings After the 2026 Reforms

While none of the 2026 reforms fundamentally alter the availability of trademark protection, they do raise the stakes for how applications are structured, budgeted, and risk-assessed from the outset.

For trademark owners, the key takeaway is the importance of deliberate planning. Thoughtful classification, realistic cost forecasting, and early awareness of potential conflicts can reduce uncertainty and help ensure that trademark rights remain effective and commercially meaningful under the updated framework. As filing environments continue to evolve, adaptability and informed decision-making remain central to successful trademark protection strategies.

MSA IP: Strategic Trademark Guidance for Growing Brands

Protecting trademarks in evolving markets like Kazakhstan requires more than standardized filing templates. MSA IP seasoned team of trademark professionals provide strategic, business-oriented trademark counsel, helping companies structure registrations that support growth, enforcement, and long-term brand protection across jurisdictions.

Whether you are entering the Kazakh market for the first time, expanding an existing portfolio, or reassessing your trademark strategy in light of the 2026 changes, our team can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Contact MSA IP to discuss your Kazakhstan trademark strategy and ensure your filings are aligned with the new regulatory landscape.