How To Register A Trademark In Pakistan?

For company owners or service providers in Taxila and across Pakistan, it's essential to protect intellectual rights by registering trademarks. MAS Law Firm provides top trademark registration services in Taxila and nationwide. Many in Taxila and Pakistan are unaware of the trademark process.

IPO-Pakistan had taken significant steps to enhance Trademark services in Pakistan and expand its regional operations in Karachi, Taxila, and Islamabad.  

To understand the importance of trademark registration and protection in business, MAS Law Firm is the ideal choice for newcomers seeking to register products as a unique brand in Taxila and throughout Pakistan.

The expert Legal Attorneys at MAS Law Firm specialize in guiding and managing trademark registration for startups and companies in Taxila and across Pakistan. Trademark registration is essential and can benefit your business at any stage. MAS Law Firm's attorneys are proficient in registering trademarks and brand logos, and they welcome all customer inquiries.

Who can apply for a Trademark in Pakistan?

According to trademark rules in Taxila and throughout Pakistan, a trademark application made by the following:

• Individuals 
• Partnership Firms
• Companies - LLP, Private Ltd., Public Ltd., and Non-Profits (NGO, Trust, Society, Foundation, etc.)
• NGO’s

Advantages of Trademark Registration / Logo Registration in Pakistan

• Owner Exclusive Rights over the trademark
• Builds trust and Goodwill
• Differentiates Product
• Recognition to product’s Quality
• Protection for 10 Years
• Use of ® symbol
• Market Place Credibility
• Uniqueness in Identity
• Protection against infringement
• Brand Control and Consistency
• Increased Monetary Value
• Excellent Business Opportunity
• Legal Protection
• Get Unique Identity
• Creation of intangible asset
• Differentiating products
• Protect the Commercial Goodwill

Key Searches Before Registering a Trademark Application in Pakistan

Although not mandatory, good companies always conduct a background trademark search before filing an application. It's optional but advisable to search for the appropriate mark beforehand. This search offers two significant benefits.

1. This helps verify if a proposed trademark is identical or similar to another company's, ensuring the brand is unique with minimal similarity to existing trademarks.
2. If two companies choose the same or similar trademark, the IPO registers it for the first user. The other company may then infringe on this trademark and be liable for legal remedies.

A company with a registered trademark can sue another company using a similar or identical mark. Therefore, a trademark search examines whether a brand is clear for use or if there's a risk of infringing on another company's rights.

Trademark Application Filed Via Classification of Goods and Services

Trademark applications in Pakistan are based on 45 classes of goods and services as prescribed by IPO Pakistan. Classes 1 to 34 cover goods, while classes 35 to 45 cover services. This classification follows the Trademark Ordinance 2001, which adopts the Nice Classification (NCL) of Goods and Services, set by Nice Agreement (1957).

Colors to Claim in Trademark Registration

The Trademark Ordinance 2001 recognizes that colors can be part of a trademark registration. This registration may specify a single color, no color, or a combination of colors. Typically, when a trademark is registered with a color, it applies to all colors. Applications with color limitations follow the same process as those without color restrictions.

A Complete Guide For Trademark Registration In Pakistan

The Applicant files "TM Form 55" for a Trademark Search with the required trademark. IPO Pakistan checks if a similar trademark exists to verify its originality. If no similar trademark is found, the application proceeds to the next stage.

If a similar trademark is registered, the applicant must submit a new trademark for search by filing a new application. This search is optional but strongly recommended by IPO Pakistan to prevent future disputes over similar trademarks.

If the search finds no similar trademark, the applicant fills out TM Form 1 or TM Form 2 for registration. The company's goods and services fall under different classes in the Trademark Ordinance 2001. The application must include the following documents.

List of Documents for Trademark Registration in Pakistan

Here are the documents and information needed to file a trademark application in Taxila and throughout Pakistan:

1.  Application Form
2. Personal Details of Applicant (Name, address, and Nationality)
   • Company – Name, Address, and detail information of all Directors, Country, or State of Company incorporation.
   • Partnership Firm- Name, Address, and detail information of all Partners
3. Identity, address, and nationality (documents Proof)
4. Description of Goods or Services for Registration
5. Proposed Trademark entity documents and soft Copy of the Proposed Trademark
6. Documents supporting the use of the trademark and Date of first use of the Trademark in Pakistan
7. Power of Attorney in favour of Legal Attorney
8. Proof of payment (Demand Draft/ Pay order) in the name of the Director-General IPO Pakistan

After submitting all the documents, the applicant receives an acknowledgment report within 15 days. IPO Pakistan is notified about the Examination Report within three months of the application.

If there are objections to the content or proposed trademark, the Registration Office issues a Show Cause notice to the applicant, who must respond within two months. If the applicant fails to adequately address the objections, IPO Pakistan may cancel the registration application.

If no objections are found in the application, the trademark is allowed to be published in the IPO Pakistan's monthly digital Journal (It is accessible at IPO’s website for online viewing). The digital Journal is freely accessible to the public, allowing anyone to view proposed trademarks for registration.

If a party or company objects, IPO Pakistan files Form TM-5 or TM-8 to request a trademark application investigation.

The Applicant requested to submit his defense against the objection by filing either Form TM-6 or TM-9, as applicable.

If no objections are raised within two months of publishing the trademark in the online Journal, the trademark registration request is accepted. The applicant is then asked to pay the registration fee and complete TM Form 11 to receive the trademark registration certificate.

Once the applicant completes the payment, a Trademark Registration Certificate is issued. The trademark requires renewal every ten years. The applicant must submit TM Form 12 along with the renewal fee.

Trademark Registration Process in Pakistan

Price for Trademark Forms

According to the registration procedure, the applicant must fill several forms, each with a different price. The revised charges list is available on the official website of IPO. Following is the list of some major forms along with their price.

Form Type	Purpose	Fee
TM-01	Application for trademark registration of goods/services and domain name registration.	3000
TM-02	Application of registering specific goods/services	3000
TM-05	Notice for dispute	9000
TM-06	Answer to the notice of dispute	1500
TM-09	Counter-statement in reply to the notice of dispute	1500
TM-11	Application of registration for certificate	9000
TM-12	Renewal of a trademark	15000
TM-13	Application for restoring a removed trademark	3000
TM-55	Application for request of the search of trademark	1000

Issuance Of Trademark Registration Certificate

Once registered, the Registrar issues a Registration Certificate for the trademark. After obtaining this, the applicant/company can use the (®) symbol. If the trademark isn't used for five years and three months from the registration date, it may be canceled for non-use.

The Validity Duration of a Trademark Registration Certificate in Pakistan

A Trademark Certification is valid for ten years from the application date and can be renewed under section 35 of the Trademark Ordinance 2001.

Process For Trademark Renewal in Pakistan

Section 35 of the Trademark Ordinance 2001 states that a trademark can be renewed within six months after its expiry. The applicant must complete two forms: Form TM-12 for renewal and another for a Rs. 15,000 surcharge per trademark. If renewal isn't applied for within this period, the Registrar can remove the trademark from the Register. In such cases, the applicant must file Form TM-13 for restoration according to the Trade Mark Rules, 2004.

The restoration fee for a trademark is Rs. 3000/-, and the application is only accepted between 6 months to 1 year after the date of trademark registration expiry.

How much time does it take to Register a Trademark in Pakistan?

Based on extensive experience, the trademark registry applies for the issuance of the trademark registration certificate average process time takes more or less 18 months.

Where to seek Help For Trademark Registration in Pakistan?

The complete guideline on trademark filing is available at IPO’s official website. In case of a problem, contact persons at the Trademark Registration Office assist the official helpline or online support system. The contact list is available at IPO’s website.

Why Choose MAS Law Firm for Trademark Registration in Pakistan?

The skilled attorneys at MAS Law Firm specialize in filing trademark registration applications for their clients. Their expert advice and timely submission of complete documentation ensure the registration certificate is obtained quickly.

Offices for Trademark Registration Application Filing in Pakistan.

1. Karachi (Head office)
2. Lahore (Regional office)
3. Islamabad (Regional Office)

Helpful Links

Trademarks: Classification of Goods and Services Clicking Here

FAQs on Trademark Registration in Pakistan are accessible by clicking Here

Monthly Trademark Journal published by IPO Pakistan can be viewed by clicking Here

To Trademark Registration in Taxila, Pakistan