Many businesses in Pakistan face issues when others use their brand names, logos, or slogans without permission. This can harm reputation and cause financial loss. Therefore, every brand needs legal protection to differentiate itself and safeguard its identity from imitation.
Trademark registration in Pakistan ensures your brand is legally protected under the Trademarks Ordinance, 2001. It helps you claim ownership of your name, logo, or any mark that represents your business.
In this article, we cover what a trademark is, its importance, registration fees, eligibility, types, required documents, and how Company Enrolla helps clients register their trademarks professionally through the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) of Pakistan.
What Is a Trademark?
A trademark can be the symbol, sign, logo, or combination of these to present your business and its services in Pakistan. With the unique characters, you can distinguish your business from others in the dynamic market of Pakistan. The trademark helps your customers recognize your brand and its quality products in the competition.
Under the Trademarks Ordinance, 2001, businesses and brands in Pakistan are required to register their trademark with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan(IPO). With the registered trademark of your business, you get the authority to utilize it publicly and claim the legal right to prevent others from using it.
Importance of Trademark In Pakistan?
Trademarks hold great importance for businesses and brands in Pakistan, offering both legal protection and market recognition as given below:
Legal Protection and Ownership
Trademark registration provides legal ownership of your brand. Once your trademark is registered, you gain the right to stop others from copying or misusing it. You can also take legal action against anyone who violates your rights.
Nationwide Recognition
A registered trademark in Pakistan is valid across the entire country. Whether your business operates in Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad, your mark remains legally protected everywhere.
Brand Value and Growth
A trademark adds credibility and value to your business. Customers trust brands that have legal recognition. It also helps in building brand loyalty and supports business growth by making franchising across the country..
Prevention of Misuse
When your trademark appears in the official record of the IPO, it becomes public notice that the mark belongs to you. This discourages others from launching their products and services under your brand marks, helping to prevent infringement.
Trademark Registration Fee In Pakistan:
The official trademark registration fee in Pakistan ranges from PKR 3,000 to PKR 9,000 per class, which includes the initial application and final registration fees.
The following table highlights the different trademark application forms and their respective costs in Pakistan:
| Form Number | Description / Purpose | Fee (PKR) |
| TM-01 | Registration of a trademark for goods or services under one specific class. | 3,000 |
| TM-02 | Registration of a trademark for goods or services in a single category from a customs country. | 3,000 |
| TM-03 | Registration of a collective mark related to goods or services under one class. | 3,000 |
| TM-04 | Registration of a certificate trademark for one category. | 3,000 |
| TM-05 | Application for an opposition notice under Section 28. | 9,000 |
| TM-06 | Application for a reply notice against an opposition for each trademark. | 1,500 |
| TM-07 | Hearing request regarding trademark opposition. | 600 |
| TM-09 | Counter-statement in response to an opposition notice for each trademark. | 1,500 |
| TM-10 | Application for trademark entry across multiple categories. | 600 |
| TM-13 | Request to restore a trademark removed from the register. | 3,000 |
| TM-14 | Division of a pending trademark application. | 900 |
| TM-16 | Correction of clerical errors or amendments in the application. | 600 |
| TM-17 | Trademark certification request for each additional purpose. | 900 / 300 |
| TM-19 | Application for registration approval for the first mark and each additional mark. | 900 / 300 |
| TM-20 | Registration of advertisements or trademark assignments without goods. | 600 – 900 |
| TM-21 | Extension of time for advertisement of a trademark assignment. | 600 – 16,000 |
| TM-26 | Application for rectification of the trademark register. | 2,250 |
| TM-28 | License registration application (plus additional fee per new mark). | 3,000 + 750 |
| TM-55 | Search request for existing trademarks. | Up to 1,000 |
| TMA-1 | Application for registration as a trademark agent. | 9,000 |
| TMA-2 | Application for restoration of a trademark agent’s name. | 1,500 |
| TMA-3 | Application for alteration of any entry in the trademark agent register. | 600 |
There are other cost factors that affect the overall costs of trademark registration in Pakistan. The factors are the search request fee, extra filings, and the legal consultation fee.
Once registered, the trademark remains valid for ten years; after this period, a renewal fee of about PKR 10,000 is required to keep it for the next ten years.
Eligibility For Trademark Registration In Pakistan
Any person or business that owns a brand name, logo, or product identity can apply for trademark registration in Pakistan. Individuals, partnerships, associations, and companies of all types are eligible to register their trade names with the IPO in Pakistan.
Foreign companies can also register their trademarks in Pakistan. The applicant must be the actual owner or authorized shareholder of the company to qualify for trademark registration in Pakistan.
Types Of Trademarks In Pakistan:
In Pakistan, different types of trademarks are used to protect various aspects of a business identity. Each serves a unique purpose to strengthen a brand’s legal and market standing, as given below:
Word Marks:
Word marks protect words, names, or slogans written in plain text. They secure ownership of a brand name or tagline, ensuring no one else in the same field can use a similar name.
Logo Marks:
Logo marks cover symbols, images, or designs that visually represent a business. Registering a logo mark protects your unique design and prevents others from using visuals that are confusingly similar.
3D Marks:
Three-dimensional (3D) marks protect the physical shape or design of a product and its packaging. This type of trademark ensures that the unique form of a product, such as a distinctive bottle, container, or item shape, is not imitated by competitors.
Service Marks
Service marks identify businesses that provide services instead of physical goods. They help service-based companies, such as law firms or consultancies, safeguard their brand identity.
Sound Marks:
Sound marks safeguard distinctive audio elements that represent a brand’s identity. These sounds, such as jingles, tunes, or other auditory cues, are designed to be easily remembered by consumers
Documents Required For Trademark Registration In Pakistan
To file a trademark application in Pakistan, applicants must prepare and submit the following documents to IPO-Pakistan for verification and approval:
Application Form for Registration:
A duly filled trademark application form (TM-1) containing all required details of the applicant and the mark.
Identification Proof:
A copy of the applicant’s CNIC, driving license, or passport as proof of identity.
Address and Nationality Proof:
Valid address details, postal code, and proof of nationality for both individual and business applicants.
Business or Firm Proof:
Certificate of incorporation, partnership deed, or firm registration document verifying the legal status of the business.
Trademark or Logo Sample:
A clear representation of the trademark, brand name, or logo intended for registration.
List of Goods and Services:
A complete list of goods and services for which the trademark will be used, categorized under the relevant class.
Soft Copy of Trademark:
A digital or soft copy of the trademark image for official submission and record purposes.
User Affidavit:
If the trademark is already in use, a user affidavit confirming its previous use and ownership must be provided.
Power of Attorney (Form TM-48):
A signed Power of Attorney on stamp paper authorizing a trademark agent or legal representative to act on the applicant’s behalf.
How We Register Trademarks For Our Clients:
At Company Enrolla, we follow the given step-by-step process to register a trademark for our clients in Pakistan:
Step 1: Search for Trademark
In the first step, our experts at Company Enrolla conduct a comprehensive search to ensure your trademark is unique and not already registered. We review the TM-55 form, analyze trademark databases, and confirm your mark’s originality to avoid future disputes.
Step 2: Filling Out the Application
In the second step, our experts assist you in accurately filling out the TM-1 and TM-2 forms, which include your brand name, type of product, and service details. We make sure every classification is correctly entered to meet all legal requirements.
Step 3: Formalities Assessment
In the third step, our experts carefully review the formalities of your trademark application to ensure all documents and information are valid. If any corrections are needed, we fix them within the 30-day time period to maintain application progress.
Step 4: Analysis of Publication
In the fourth step, our experts ensure your application complies with the Trademark Act and qualifies for registration. We handle all communication with the registry and make sure your trademark passes the legal analysis without objections.
Step 5: Trademark Advertising
In the fifth step, our experts oversee the publication of your trademark in the official journal, ensuring everything proceeds smoothly during the four-month opposition period. If any objections arise, we prepare and submit strong defenses on your behalf.
Step 6: Ultimate Registration of a Trademark
In the sixth step, our experts guide you through the final registration process once the trademark is approved for publication. We assist in submitting the required fees to IPO-Pakistan and ensure your registration request is processed efficiently.
Step 7: Certification Procedure
In the seventh step, our experts help you obtain your official trademark registration certificate. Once the certificate is issued, we ensure you can legally use the symbol to protect your products and brand identity.
IPO Trademark Registration:
The Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan is the official body responsible for managing trademarks, patents, and copyrights. The organization operates through its Trademarks Registry offices located in major cities.
All trademark applications are examined, published, and registered through the IPO under the Trademarks Ordinance, 2001. The process ensures that each trademark is unique, verifiable, and legally protected within Pakistan.
Looking for Trademark Registration In Pakistan
If you are looking to register your trademark in Pakistan, our experts at Company Enrolla can assist you with the process. We guide you through every step, from checking availability to obtaining the registration certificate.
Whether you are a startup, an established company, or a foreign brand expanding into Pakistan, our experienced team ensures that your trademark is registered smoothly and efficiently. We also assist in responding to IPO objections, managing renewals, and advising on trademark protection strategies.
FAQs:
How To Check Trademark Availability In Pakistan?
You can check trademark availability by searching the database of the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan website, or you can submit a formal search application using form TM-55.
What Does a Trademark Protect?
A trademark protects your business name, logo, symbol, or slogan in the dynamic Pakistan market. It ensures that others cannot use or copy your brand identity for similar products or services.
How Long Does It Take To Register a Trademark In Pakistan?
The process usually takes between 6 and 18 months, or longer, depending on objections and any opposition during the process.
Can Foreign Companies Register Their Trademarks In Pakistan?
Yes, foreign companies can register trademarks in Pakistan; however, they need to provide an address for their services in Pakistan and comply with the Trademarks Ordinance 2001.
What Happens If Someone Infringes My Trademark In Pakistan?
If someone violates your trademark rights, you can take legal action in court to stop the infringement and claim damages under the Trademarks Ordinance, 2001.