Azerbaijan Relaunches Attestation for Trade Mark and Patent Attorneys

Azerbaijan’s Intellectual Property Office (AZ IPO) has recently announced the relaunch of the long-awaited trade mark and patent attorney attestation process. The move ends a significant gap, as the previous attestation competition and qualification rounds were held in 2017.

The updated attestation procedure consists of two stages: a theoretical examination in the form of a written test and a subsequent interview. This revised approach is intended to ensure a more objective assessment of candidates and to eliminate ambiguities associated with the former oral-based system.

Under the new framework established by the AZ IPO, candidates had to submit their applications online via the Office’s official website in late February – early March 2026. Among other formal requirements, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of intellectual property or equivalent experience in legal practice or academia. Candidates were also required to select their specific area of specialisation (trade marks, industrial designs, or patents). Applications may be submitted only once per year.

Following the verification of applications, eligible candidates are invited to sit for a written test administered by the State Examination Center, an independent public body responsible for conducting university and civil service entrance examinations. The test consists of 100 questions covering various areas of law and intellectual property protection. Candidates must correctly answer at least 50 questions to pass and proceed to the second stage, an oral interview conducted by the AZ IPO’s Attestation Commission.

The theoretical examination stage took place on 12 April 2026. Out of 40 registered candidates, 36 took the exam, of whom 31 achieved the passing score and were admitted to the next stage – the interview before the AZ IPO’s Attestation Commission. The date of the interviews has not yet been announced.

This reform is significant for several reasons. First, following a prolonged pause, the admission of new trade mark and patent attorneys is expected to revitalise and strengthen Azerbaijan’s IP ecosystem. Second, the involvement of an independent examination body introduces a more transparent and reliable mechanism for assessing candidates’ knowledge and competence in handling complex IP matters. Finally, the updated procedure aligns Azerbaijan’s certification process more closely with international best practices, thus improving professional standards and supporting inventors, businesses, and the broader IP system.

Prepared by: Zakikhan Hasanzade

For more information, please contact Zakikhan Hasanzade at our Azerbaijan office.