Trademark Registration Pakistan
Secure Your Brand Identity with IPO-Pakistan
Your brand name, logo, and slogan are worth protecting. Get exclusive rights, legal protection, and peace of mind through official registration with the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a distinctive sign that identifies and distinguishes your goods or services from those of others. Under the Trademarks Ordinance, 2001, a mark can include a device, brand, heading, label, ticket, name (including personal name), signature, word, letter, numeral, figurative elements, colour, sound, or any combination thereof [citation:3][citation:6].
Word Marks
Brand names, slogans, taglines, and business names that identify your products or services.
Logo & Device Marks
Graphic designs, symbols, emblems, and stylized representations of your brand identity.
Non-Traditional Marks
Colour combinations, three-dimensional designs, and sound marks (with graphical representation) [citation:6].
Why Registration Matters: Registered vs. Unregistered
Pakistan is a common law jurisdiction, meaning unregistered trademarks can be protected through "passing off" rights. However, the burden of proof is significantly higher, and remedies are limited [citation:6].
Registered Trademark
- Prima facie evidence of ownership [citation:6]
- Immediate right to sue for infringement
- Exclusive rights nationwide [citation:1]
- Customs protection against counterfeits [citation:6]
- Statutory damages and remedies
Unregistered Trademark
- Must prove goodwill and reputation [citation:6]
- Lengthy and expensive passing off litigation
- Limited to area of actual use
- No customs recordal
- Difficult to license or franchise
Benefits of Trademark Registration
Exclusive Rights
Section 39 of the Trademarks Ordinance grants the proprietor exclusive rights to use the mark and prevent unauthorized use by third parties [citation:1][citation:6].
Prima Facie Evidence
Registration serves as prima facie evidence of ownership, enabling courts to grant immediate interlocutory injunctions against infringers [citation:1][citation:6].
Customs Protection
Registered trademarks can be recorded with Pakistan Customs under SRO 170(I)/2017 to prevent import/export of counterfeit goods [citation:1][citation:6].
Asset Value
A registered trademark is an intellectual property asset that can be licensed, franchised, or sold, adding tangible value to your business [citation:7].
Government Tenders
Many government contracts and regulatory approvals (e.g., DRAP) require trademark registration proof [citation:1][citation:6].
International Protection
Pakistan is a Paris Convention signatory, allowing priority claims for international registrations [citation:2][citation:6].
IPO-Pakistan & SECP Now Connected
When you register your company with SECP, you'll receive an automated email advising you to register your trademarks and logos. This prevents costly litigation later and ensures your brand is fully protected from day one [citation:10].
Don't wait until someone copies your brand – register it now alongside your company.
Trademark Registration Process (IPO-Pakistan)
Trademark Search (TM-55)
Conduct a search to ensure your mark isn't identical or deceptively similar to existing registrations. Fee: ₨.1,000 per class [citation:4][citation:5].
File Application (TM-1/TM-2)
Submit application with 8 clear reproductions, list of goods/services, and Power of Attorney (if filed through agent). Fee: ₨.3,000 per class [citation:5].
Acknowledgement Receipt
IPO issues acknowledgement within 10-15 days confirming your filing date and application number [citation:5].
Examination Report
Registrar examines application (approx. 3 months). Objections? You have 2 months to respond with written submissions [citation:5].
Publication in Journal
If accepted, mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for opposition period of 2 months [citation:2][citation:5].
Registration Certificate
If no opposition, Demand Notice issued for registration fee. Certificate issued upon payment. Total time: approx. 2 years [citation:6].
Documents Required
Official Fee Structure (IPO-Pakistan)
| Form | Purpose | Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| TM-1 / TM-2 | Application for registration (one class) | ₨.3,000 [citation:5] |
| TM-55 | Trademark search request (per class) | ₨.1,000 [citation:4][citation:5] |
| TM-48 | Power of Attorney (if applicable) | Stamped as per law |
| TM-16 | Amendment / correction application | Varies [citation:1] |
| Renewal | Renewal after 10 years | To be confirmed |
Note: Fees must be paid via Pay Order / Bank Draft in favor of "Director General, IPO-Pakistan". Cash not accepted [citation:5].
Important: Single-Class Filing Only
Pakistan does NOT accept multi-class applications. You must file a separate application for each class of goods or services. For example, if your brand covers both clothing (Class 25) and retail services (Class 35), you need two applications [citation:1][citation:2][citation:6].
Nice Classification (Goods & Services)
Pakistan follows the International (Nice) Classification system. Classes 1-34 cover goods, and Classes 35-45 cover services [citation:4][citation:6].
Full classification list available at IPO-Pakistan website →
Absolute Grounds for Refusal
Under Section 14 of the Trademarks Ordinance, a mark shall not be registered if it [citation:1][citation:6]:
- Is devoid of distinctive character
- Consists exclusively of indications that may serve to designate kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, or geographical origin
- Consists of indications that have become customary in the language or trade practices
- Consists exclusively of shape resulting from the nature of goods, or necessary to achieve a technical result
- Is contrary to law, morality, or public order
- Is of such a nature as to deceive the public or cause confusion
However: A mark may overcome these objections if it has acquired distinctiveness through prior use [citation:1].
Use Requirement & Non-Use Cancellation
Under Section 73 of the Trademarks Ordinance, a registered trademark may be revoked if it has not been genuinely used in Pakistan for a continuous period of 5 years from the date of completion of registration procedure [citation:1][citation:2].
Proof of use can include invoices, advertising materials, packaging, and other commercial documents [citation:1].
Validity & Renewal
Initial Validity
10 years from the date of filing [citation:1][citation:2][citation:4].
Renewal
Renewable indefinitely for successive 10-year periods [citation:4].
Grace Period
6-month grace period for late renewal with additional fee [citation:1].
IPO-Pakistan Offices
| City | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi (HQ) | IP-House, Plot CD-3, Behind KDA Civic Centre, Gulshan-e-Iqbal | 021-99230538 [citation:5] |
| Islamabad | 3rd Floor, NTC-HQs Building, Attaturk Avenue (East), G-5/2 | 051-9245830 [citation:5] |
| Lahore | Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Building, 11-Shahrah-e-Aiwan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat | 042-99205850 [citation:5] |
Applications can be filed at any of these offices [citation:5].
Our Trademark Services
Trademark Search (TM-55)
We conduct comprehensive searches to identify potential conflicts before you file, saving time and money.
Application Filing (TM-1)
Complete preparation and filing of trademark applications with IPO-Pakistan.
Power of Attorney (TM-48)
Notarized and legalized Power of Attorney preparation for foreign applicants.
Objection Responses
Expert drafting of replies to examination objections and show cause notices.
Opposition Handling
Representation in opposition proceedings before the Trade Marks Registry.
Renewal Management
Timely renewal reminders and filing to keep your trademark protected.
Assignment & Licensing
Recording assignments, name changes, and license agreements with IPO.
International Registrations
Priority filings under Paris Convention for global protection [citation:6].
Why Choose Sterling for Trademark Registration?
IP Specialists
Our team includes experienced trademark attorneys familiar with IPO-Pakistan procedures and examination practices.
End-to-End Management
From search to registration and beyond – we handle every step, including objections and oppositions.
100% Transparency
Clear fee structure, regular updates, and no hidden charges.
Comprehensive Protection
We help you develop a complete IP strategy, including company name + trademark integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does trademark registration take in Pakistan?
Approximately 2 years, barring objections or oppositions. The process includes examination (3 months), publication (2 months opposition), and registration formalities [citation:6].
Can I register a trademark if I'm a foreigner?
Yes. Any legal person or national of any country may apply. Foreign applicants must appoint a registered Pakistani trademark agent or advocate [citation:2][citation:6].
What is the difference between TM and ® symbols?
TM represents an unregistered trademark; ® represents a registered trademark. Using ® for unregistered marks is an offense under Section 102, punishable with imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to ₨.20,000 [citation:9].
Can I register a sound or smell mark?
Sound marks can be registered if graphically representable (e.g., musical notations). Smell marks are currently difficult to register due to graphical representation challenges [citation:6][citation:9].
What is the Paris Convention priority period?
6 months from the first filing in a Convention country. You can claim priority in Pakistan within this period [citation:6].
Do I need to use the trademark before registration?
No. You can file based on "intent to use" (proposed use). Actual use is not required at filing [citation:1][citation:6].
What happens if someone opposes my trademark?
You must file a counter-statement within 2 months. We provide full representation in opposition proceedings [citation:5].
Can I amend my trademark after filing?
Minor amendments (name/address) are allowed via TM-16. Material changes to the mark itself are not permitted after registration [citation:1].
What Our Clients Say
"Sterling handled our trademark registration flawlessly. They conducted a thorough search, filed the application, and kept us updated throughout the 2-year process. Our brand is now fully protected."
— Omar Farooq, Director, Connect Foods
"As a foreign company, we were worried about Pakistan's trademark process. Sterling made it simple – they prepared the Power of Attorney, filed the application, and responded to an objection professionally."
— Ahmed Al-Mansoori, Gulf Trading
"We registered our company with SECP through Sterling, and they immediately advised us to register the trademark. Now both our company name and logo are protected. Excellent integrated service!"
— Sana Zafar, Founder, Zafa Cosmetics