Baku: Azerbaijan has introduced restrictions on patent protection for designs that incorporate state symbols and official insignia. Objects that contain, depict, or imitate state symbols such as the flag and coat of arms will no longer be granted legal protection as industrial designs, according to APA reports. This is outlined in a proposed amendment to the Law On Patents, which was discussed during a session of the Milli Majlis.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the amendment also covers objects that imitate the abbreviated or full names of international and intergovernmental organizations, their flags, coats of arms, and other symbols. The regulation extends to awards, official insignia, control marks, and the official names, images, or recognizable elements of cultural heritage objects, including ethnic and religious heritage. Legal protection will only be granted if there is consent from the relevant competent authority of the state to which these items belong.

The proposed draft law was put to a vote and successfully adopted in the first reading.