In Pakistan, registering a patent is essential to legally protect your invention from being copied, used, or sold without your consent. The process is governed by the Patents Ordinance, 2000, and administered by the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan). A registered patent grants the inventor exclusive rights to the invention for a period of 20 years.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Register a Patent in Pakistan
1. Conduct a Patent Search
Before submitting a patent application, you must ensure that your invention is:
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Novel
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Non-obvious
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Industrially applicable
To confirm this, a patent search must be conducted through the IPO-Pakistan database. This step helps you avoid wasting time and money on ideas that are already patented.
How to do a patent search:
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Visit https://ipo.gov.pk
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Navigate to the “Patent Search” tab
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Enter keywords, inventor names, or classification numbers
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Review the search results to ensure your idea has not already been patented
2. Prepare and File the Patent Application
Once you’re confident about the uniqueness of your invention, prepare a complete patent application. It must contain:
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A description of the invention, clearly explaining how it works
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Drawings or diagrams, if the invention involves a device or process
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Claims that define the scope of the patent protection you’re seeking
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Background and field of the invention
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Abstract, which provides a brief summary
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Details of the inventor and applicant
In 2025, applicants can now file patents online through the IPO-Pakistan e-filing system, which helps avoid delays caused by postal submissions.
3. Pay the Required Fee
As per the updated IPO-Pakistan fee schedule for 2025, the basic filing fee is:
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PKR 10,000 for individuals and sole inventors
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PKR 15,000–20,000 for companies, depending on the nature of the invention
The payment can be made through a challan form at designated National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branches or via online banking integrated into the e-filing system.
4. Formal Examination by IPO-Pakistan
After submitting your application, IPO-Pakistan performs a formal examination. This step verifies:
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Whether the application complies with legal formalities
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If the content is complete and within the patentable scope
The examination process typically takes 6 to 12 months depending on the backlog. You will receive a Patent Examination Report indicating acceptance, objections, or need for modifications.
5. Respond to Objections (If Any)
If the examination report raises any objections or rejections, you will have an opportunity to:
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Submit clarifications or counterarguments
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Modify claims or application content
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Attend a hearing (if required) with a patent examiner or legal advisor
Timely and detailed responses improve the chance of successful patent registration.
6. Publication in the Official Gazette
Once the examination phase is cleared, your application is published in the IPO Official Gazette. This allows third parties to:
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Oppose the patent (if applicable)
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File observations against its grant
If no oppositions are filed within the prescribed period (usually 4 months), the patent proceeds toward registration.
7. Grant of Patent and Certificate
After successful clearance of all stages, IPO-Pakistan issues a Patent Registration Certificate. The granted patent:
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Is valid for 20 years from the date of filing
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Requires annual renewal fees to keep it in force
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Can be licensed, sold, or enforced in court in case of infringement
Documents Required for Patent Registration in Pakistan
To file a patent application, the following documents are needed:
• Completed Patent Application Form (Form P-1 or Form P-2 for convention applications)
• A complete specification and description of the invention
• Drawings or illustrations, if the invention involves mechanical or design elements
• A clear statement of claims defining the scope of the patent
• Power of Attorney (Form P-28) if the application is being filed by an agent or attorney
• Proof of payment of official fees (challan or receipt)
• Copy of priority document, if claiming priority from an earlier application abroad
How to Search for Existing Patents in Pakistan
If you want to verify whether a patent already exists or check the legal status of a filed application:
• Visit the IPO-Pakistan website: https://ipo.gov.pk
• Click on the “Patent Search” option in the services section
• Enter keywords, names, or patent numbers to begin your search
• Review the search results, which show patent title, registration status, and inventor details
• If a document is available, you can download the specification in PDF format for review
Important Notes for 2025 Applicants
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IPO-Pakistan now accepts e-signatures for patent submissions via its revamped portal
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Priority right under the Paris Convention can be claimed within 12 months of filing abroad
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To enforce your patent, legal action can be taken in civil courts under Sections 60–73 of the Patents Ordinance
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Keep track of your annuity payments annually to avoid cancellation of your patent
Why Should You Register a Patent?
• Exclusive Rights: You get legal protection against unauthorized use, replication, or sale of your invention
• Commercialization: Monetize your invention by licensing it to third parties
• Investor Credibility: Patents improve the valuation and investment appeal of your business
• Competitive Edge: It differentiates your product in the market and protects your R&D
