Filing requirements in Pakistan
1. Notarized POA, original
2. For stamping on Power of Authority [required only once for one applicants' all trademark application matters]
Other Requirements:
a. Name, address and nationality of the applicant;
b. High resolution reflection of the mark;
c. Goods / Classes to be claimed;
d. Details of prior use, if any]
Reference GuideTrademarks - The Process
Step 1- Trademark Search
Conduct a comprehensive search via Form TM-55 to ensure the proposed mark is unique and select the appropriate class under the Nice Classification (1–45).
Step 2- Application Filing
Submit Form TM-1 (if applying for goods) /TM-2 (if applying for services), including applicant details, trademark, and description of goods/services for filing the trademark application in one class.
Step 3- Examination Stage
The trademark registrar examines the application filed for compliance in regards to eligibility for registration. If any objections arise, an examination report is issued by the Registrar based on absolute and relative grounds of refusal and the applicant must respond to the examination report with the justification or amendment as necessary.
Step 4- Publication
Upon acceptance, the trademark is published in the Trademarks Journal. There is a window of 2 months for third parties to oppose the applied mark.
Step 5- Opposition (if any)
If there is no opposition, the trademark proceeds towards registration. If an opposition is filed, both parties (the applicant and the opponent) present their cases, and the Registrar of trademarks makes a decision.
Step 6- Registration
If no opposition is filed or if the opposition is resolved in favor of the applicant, the trademark is registered, and a certificate of registration is issued.
Step 7 - Renewal
In case no opposition filed or the Applicant has successfully defended the opposition, a registration certificate shall be issued to the Applicant by the Registrar. The trademark shall be renewed every 10 years via Form TM-13.
Fee Schedule Trademarks
Conclusion
Trademark registration in Pakistan, governed by the Trademarks Registry under the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan), offers businesses a structured and well-defined pathway to securing exclusive brand rights. Once registered, a trademark provides 10 years of protection, renewable indefinitely through Form TM-13, ensuring long-term brand security in one of South Asia's largest consumer markets.
The process demands careful attention to documentation from the outset: a notarized Power of Attorney is mandatory and must be submitted with the application, and a comprehensive trademark search via Form TM-55 is strongly advisable prior to filing to minimize the risk of conflicts with existing registrations. Applicants must respond promptly to any examination report issued by the Registrar and remain vigilant during the two-month publication window to defend against potential oppositions. For international applicants, Pakistan's participation in the Paris Convention enables priority claims within six months of the first filing date.
With Pakistan's growing economy and expanding consumer base, securing trademark protection in this jurisdiction is a strategically important decision for any brand with South Asian ambitions. Early filing, thorough preparation, and the guidance of experienced local trademark counsel are the cornerstones of a successful and enduring trademark strategy in Pakistan
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