Quick Answer
Trademark registration in Pakistan is administered by the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2004. An applicant files Form TM-1, pays the prescribed fee, and the application proceeds through examination, publication and opposition stages before registration. Registration is valid for ten years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely for successive ten-year periods. The process typically spans six to twelve months, depending on whether objections arise. Registration with IPO-Pakistan is separate from company name reservation with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and from any brand licensing requirement imposed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) under the Sales Tax Act, 1990.
What the Law Says
Trademark protection in Pakistan is governed by the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001 (Ordinance No. XIX of 2001), read with the Trade Marks Rules, 2004. The Ordinance was amended by the Trade Marks (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No. LVIII of 2023), which introduced provisions for electronic filing, the validity of electronic documents as evidence, and a framework for international registration under the Madrid Protocol.
Under Section 2 of the Ordinance, a trade mark is defined as any mark capable of being represented graphically and capable of distinguishing goods or services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings.
Registration is not mandatory, but it confers significant advantages. Section 43 of the Ordinance provides that registration is prima facie evidence of the validity of the registration. After five years, registration becomes conclusive as to validity under Section 44, subject to the provisions of the Ordinance.
Who This Applies To
Any natural person, partnership firm, company, non-governmental organisation or foreign entity intending to use a distinctive sign in Pakistan may apply for registration. The applicant must have a legitimate interest in the mark. There is no requirement that the applicant be a Pakistani national or resident.
The Registration Procedure
Step 1: Preliminary Search (Optional but Advisable)
Before filing, applicants may conduct a search of the Trade Marks Register to check whether identical or similar marks already exist. A search request is filed on Form TM-55, accompanied by two representations of the mark. The search fee is PKR 1,000, payable by pay order or bank draft in the name of the Director General, IPO-Pakistan.
A personal search facility is also available at the Trade Marks Registry, Karachi, IPO Headquarters, Islamabad, and the IPO Regional Office, Lahore, on payment of PKR 200 for fifteen minutes per client.
Step 2: Filing Form TM-1
The application for registration is made on Form TM-1. The form must be filed in duplicate, along with six additional representations of the mark affixed on durable paper of 13 x 8 inches. Separate applications are required for each class of goods or services, based on the classification set out in Schedule IV of the Trade Marks Rules, 2004.
The application must state the full name, description and nationality of the applicant. In the case of a firm, the full name and nationality of every partner must be provided.
The official filing fee for Form TM-1 is PKR 3,000 for one class, as specified in the First Schedule to the Trade Marks Rules, 2004, as revised by S.R.O. notification dated 4 March 2019. Applicants should verify the current fee with IPO-Pakistan before filing, as fee schedules are subject to periodic revision.
Step 3: Examination
Once filed, the application is examined by the Registrar under Section 27 of the Ordinance. The examiner checks the application for compliance with formal requirements and searches for earlier conflicting marks on the register. If objections are raised, the applicant is issued an examination report specifying the grounds of objection.
The applicant is required to respond to the examination report within two months from the date of the notice. The response must address each objection raised. If no response is filed within the prescribed period, the application may be treated as abandoned.
Step 4: Publication and Opposition
If the application is accepted, it is published in the Trade Marks Journal under Section 28(1) of the Ordinance. Any aggrieved person may file a notice of opposition on Form TM-5 within two months from the date the Journal is made available to the public. The opposition fee is PKR 9,000 per application opposed.
Upon receiving a notice of opposition, the applicant must file a counter-statement on Form TM-6 within the prescribed period. The counter-statement fee is PKR 1,500. Failure to file a counter-statement may result in the application being treated as abandoned.
Step 5: Registration
If no opposition is filed, or if the opposition is decided in the applicant’s favour, the mark is entered in the Register. The registration fee (Form TM-11) is PKR 9,000 for one registration of a trade mark in respect of an application for a specification of goods or services in one class.
Duration and Renewal
Under Section 34 of the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001, a trade mark is registered for a period of ten years from the date of filing of the application. The registration may be renewed under Section 35 for further periods of ten years, indefinitely, upon payment of the prescribed renewal fee.
The renewal fee (Form TM-12) is PKR 15,000 for renewal under Section 35 at the expiration of the last registration. An additional fee of PKR 900 applies for late payment of renewal under Rule 52(1).
Renewal may be requested at any time within the six-month period ending on the date of expiry. If the renewal fee is not paid before expiry, a grace period of at least six months is available, subject to payment of an additional renewal fee.
Fees Summary
| Item | Form | Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Search application | TM-55 | 1,000 |
| Application for registration (one class) | TM-1 | 3,000 |
| Notice of opposition | TM-5 | 9,000 |
| Counter-statement | TM-6 | 1,500 |
| Registration | TM-11 | 9,000 |
| Renewal | TM-12 | 15,000 |
| Late renewal fee | TM-12 | 900 |
Position checked as at 28 September 2026. Fees are as prescribed in the First Schedule to the Trade Marks Rules, 2004, as revised by S.R.O. notification dated 4 March 2019. Confirm the current fee schedule with IPO-Pakistan before filing.
SECP Name Reservation and Trademark Clearance
A company name approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and a trademark registered with IPO-Pakistan are governed by different laws and serve different purposes. SECP approval confirms that the proposed company name is available on the companies register; it does not confer trademark rights and is not a defence to an infringement claim.
The SECP’s Guidelines for Name Reservation provide that registered trademarks with notable goodwill and legal protection are a relevant criterion in assessing whether a proposed company name is available. A name that conflicts with an existing registered trademark may be refused.
Applicants incorporating a company should therefore conduct both an SECP name search and an IPO-Pakistan trademark search to avoid conflicts.
FBR Brand Licensing Requirement
Under Section 40E of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, inserted by the Finance Act, 2021, manufacturers of specified goods are required to obtain a brand licence for each brand or stock keeping unit (SKU) from the Federal Board of Revenue. The specified sectors include tobacco, sugar, fertiliser, cement and beverages.
The FBR issued Sales Tax General Order (STGO) 7/2021 dated 3 August 2021, prescribing the procedure for issuance of brand registration certificates. All existing and new manufacturers of the specified sectors are required to submit an application to the Project Director (TTS) for the issuance of a brand registration certificate for their products. The application must include the manufacturer’s name, trade name, Sales Tax Registration Number, National Tax Number, date and place of incorporation, names of directors, precise business location and product details.
Any specified brand or SKU found to be sold without a licence from the FBR shall be deemed counterfeit goods and liable to confiscation and destruction.
This requirement applies only to the specified sectors and is separate from trademark registration with IPO-Pakistan.
Common Mistakes
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Neglecting a preliminary search. Filing without checking for conflicting marks increases the risk of objection and refusal.
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Using overly broad descriptions. The specification of goods or services should accurately reflect the actual use of the mark.
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Failing to respond to examination objections. A missed deadline may result in the application being treated as abandoned.
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Assuming SECP name approval equals trademark protection. Company name reservation does not create trademark rights.
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Failing to renew. Registration must be renewed every ten years to maintain protection.
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Ignoring FBR brand licensing requirements. Manufacturers in specified sectors must obtain a brand licence separately from trademark registration.
Practical Compliance Checklist
- □ Conduct a preliminary trademark search on Form TM-55
- □ Prepare and file Form TM-1 in duplicate with six representations of the mark
- □ Pay the filing fee of PKR 3,000 per class
- □ Monitor the examination report and respond within two months
- □ Monitor publication in the Trade Marks Journal
- □ File a counter-statement on Form TM-6 if an opposition is filed
- □ Pay the registration fee of PKR 9,000 upon acceptance
- □ Diarise the ten-year renewal date
- □ If incorporating a company, conduct an SECP name search and an IPO trademark search
- □ If manufacturing specified goods, apply for an FBR brand licence under Section 40E of the Sales Tax Act, 1990
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a logo without words be registered?
Yes, provided the logo is distinctive and capable of distinguishing the applicant’s goods or services from those of others. Graphical representations are registrable under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001.
How long does trademark registration take in Pakistan?
The process typically spans six to twelve months, depending on whether examination objections arise and whether opposition proceedings are initiated.
Is a trademark renewable?
Yes. Registration is valid for ten years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely for successive ten-year periods under Section 35 of the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001.
Does registration guarantee exclusive use?
Registration provides a legal presumption of ownership and the exclusive right to use the mark. However, enforcement against infringers requires court action.
What happens if I miss the deadline to respond to an examination report?
If no response is filed within the prescribed period (generally two months), the application may be treated as abandoned. It is important to diarise the deadline carefully.
Can a foreign entity register a trademark in Pakistan?
Yes. Any natural person or legal entity, including foreign entities, may apply for trademark registration in Pakistan, provided they have a legitimate interest in the mark.
What is the difference between SECP name approval and trademark registration?
SECP name approval confirms that a company name is available on the companies register. It does not confer trademark rights. Trademark registration with IPO-Pakistan is a separate process that grants exclusive rights to use the mark in relation to the goods or services for which it is registered.
Do I need an FBR brand licence if I register a trademark?
FBR brand licensing under Section 40E of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 is a separate requirement applicable to manufacturers of specified goods (tobacco, sugar, fertiliser, cement and beverages). Trademark registration with IPO-Pakistan does not satisfy this requirement.
What is the fee for filing a trademark application?
The official filing fee for Form TM-1 is PKR 3,000 for one class, as per the First Schedule to the Trade Marks Rules, 2004. Fees are subject to revision; confirm the current schedule with IPO-Pakistan.
Can I file a trademark application online?
Yes. IPO-Pakistan launched an online filing system in June 2023, allowing applicants to submit trademark forms electronically.
What happens if someone opposes my trademark application?
If a notice of opposition is filed, you must file a counter-statement on Form TM-6 within the prescribed period. The Registrar will then hear the parties and decide the opposition.
How long is a trademark registration valid?
Ten years from the date of filing. It can be renewed for further ten-year periods.
Final Takeaway
Trademark registration in Pakistan is a structured process administered by IPO-Pakistan under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001. The key steps are a preliminary search, filing Form TM-1, examination, publication and opposition, and registration. Registration is valid for ten years and renewable indefinitely. Applicants should also consider SECP name reservation requirements if incorporating a company, and FBR brand licensing requirements if manufacturing specified goods. Seeking professional assistance is advisable when filing in multiple classes, when the mark contains foreign language elements, or when prior-search results reveal potential conflicts.
Pak Legal Desk CTA
If you need assistance with trademark registration, SECP company name reservation, or FBR brand licensing compliance, Pak Legal Desk can help. Our team provides practical guidance on the procedure, documentation and timelines involved. Contact us for a consultation tailored to your business needs.
References
Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001 (Ordinance No. XIX of 2001), Pakistan. https://pakistancode.gov.pk/pdffiles/administratora4ef8d40e3d97faef49343d2242e0c3a.pdf
Trade Marks Rules, 2004, Pakistan.
Notification of Revision of Fee — IP Services, S.R.O. dated 4 March 2019, Ministry of Commerce & Textile, Commerce Division. https://ipo.gov.pk/system/files/Notification%20of%20Revision%20of%20fee-IP%20Services%20(04.03.2019)_0.pdf
Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan, Guidelines for Filing Trademark Application in Pakistan. https://ipo.gov.pk/system/files/final%20Guidelines%20for%20Filing%20Trademark%20Application%20in%20Pakistan%20%281%29%20-%2020032019_0.pdf
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Guidelines for Name Reservation of Companies & LLPs. https://www.secp.gov.pk/document/annexure-d-name-reservation-guideline/
Sales Tax Act, 1990, Section 40E (Licensing of brand name), Pakistan.
Federal Board of Revenue, Sales Tax General Order (STGO) 7/2021 dated 3 August 2021.
Legal Information Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on Pakistani law, including the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2004, as amended. Readers should consult a qualified legal practitioner enrolled with a Bar Council in Pakistan for advice tailored to their specific circumstances. The Pakistan Bar Council Act and applicable professional conduct rules govern legal practice in Pakistan. Nothing in this article creates a lawyer-client relationship. Fees, procedures and timelines are subject to change; verify current requirements with IPO-Pakistan, SECP or the FBR before taking action.