Trademark Registration in Pakistan

Intellectual Property

What is a Trademark?

A trademark identifies and distinguishes the goods of one party from others, while a service mark does the same for services. For company owners or service providers in Taxila and across Pakistan, it's essential to protect intellectual rights by registering trademarks.

IPO Pakistan has taken significant steps to enhance Trademark services in Pakistan and expand its regional operations in Karachi 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.

Who Can Apply for a Trademark in Pakistan?

According to trademark rules in Taxila and throughout Pakistan, a trademark application can be made by:

Individuals

Partnership Firms

Companies (LLP, Private Ltd., Public Ltd.)

NGOs, Trusts, Societies, Foundations

Advantages of Trademark Registration / Logo Registration in Pakistan

Owner Exclusive Rights

Exclusive rights over the trademark

Builds Trust and Goodwill

Establishes trust with customers

Differentiates Product

Sets your product apart from competitors

Recognition to Product's Quality

Signifies consistent quality standards

Protection for 10 Years

Long-term protection with renewal

Use of ® Symbol

Official registered trademark symbol

Market Place Credibility

Enhanced reputation in market

Uniqueness in Identity

Distinct brand identity

Protection Against Infringement

Legal protection for your brand

Brand Control and Consistency

Maintain brand standards

Increased Monetary Value

Valuable intangible asset

Excellent Business Opportunity

Business expansion potential

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:

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

Key Searches Before Registering a Trademark Application in Pakistan

Although not mandatory, good companies always conduct a background trademark search before filing an application. This search offers two significant benefits:

1. Verify Uniqueness

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. Prevent Infringement

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.

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).

Classes 1-34

Goods Classification

Classes 35-45

Services Classification

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.

Complete Guide for Trademark Registration in Pakistan

The trademark registration process involves 8 key steps:

TM Form 55 - Trademark Search

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.

Submit TM Form 1 or TM Form 2

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.

Acknowledgment Report

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.

Examination Report

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.

Publication in Journal

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

Opposition Period

If any party objects to the trademark registration, they can file Form TM-5 or TM-8 to request a trademark application investigation. The Applicant must submit their defense against the objection by filing either Form TM-6 or TM-9, as applicable.

Registration Fee Payment

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.

Certificate Issuance

Once the applicant completes the payment, a Trademark Registration Certificate is issued. After obtaining this, the applicant/company can use the (®) symbol. The trademark requires renewal every ten years by submitting TM Form 12 along with the renewal fee.

Price for Trademark Forms

According to the registration procedure, the applicant must fill several forms, each with a different price. Following is the list of some major forms along with their price:

Form Type	Purpose	Fee (PKR)
TM-01	Application for trademark registration of goods/services and domain name registration	3,000
TM-02	Application of registering specific goods/services	3,000
TM-05	Notice for dispute	9,000
TM-06	Answer to the notice of dispute	1,500
TM-09	Counter-statement in reply to the notice of dispute	1,500
TM-11	Application of registration for certificate	9,000
TM-12	Renewal of a trademark	15,000
TM-13	Application for restoring a removed trademark	3,000
TM-55	Application for request of the search of trademark	1,000

View Complete Fee Schedule on IPO Website

The Validity Duration of a Trademark Registration Certificate

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. 3,000/-, 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?

Average Process Time

18 Months

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.

Offices for Trademark Registration Application Filing in Pakistan

Karachi

Head Office

Lahore

Regional Office

Islamabad