Filing Requirements in Sri Lanka
Simply signed Power of attorney.
Application for trademark registration
2 photocopies of the duly filled application
Soft copy of the trademark in JPEG/PNG format. If the mark is affixed to a separate A4 sheet, you must provide extra 5 copies.
A certified copy of the priority document from your first-filed application with an English translation, if it's not in English.
Other Requirements
a) Languages: English. In case foreign language (Text/Symbols/Icons must be submitted with their English translation.)
b) Multiple Class Applications: Multiple class trademark applications are not allowed in Sri Lanka.
c) Power of Attorney: Simply executed Power of Attorney to be submitted simultaneously with the application
d) Priority Document: Certified copy of the Priority Document within three months from the date of filing of convention application in Sri Lanka along with a certified English translation (if required).
e) Validity Term: 10 years from the date of application. The trademark and can be renewed for consecutive 10-year periods indefinitely by payment of renewal fees, failing which the mark becomes liable to be remove from the Register on account of non-renewal.
f) Official Examination/ issuance of Office Action: The trademark registry of Sri Lanka shall conduct a formal and substantive examination of the application to assess its registrability as per the law. The examination includes a determination as to whether the proposed mark is identical or confusingly similar to any prior registered or pending trademarks. In the event that any objections or grounds for refusal are identified, the Registrar shall issue an official examination report setting out the reasons thereof and the applicant is required to file the response within one (1) month from the date of receiving the examination report.
g) Publication and Opposition: The trademark application can be opposed by any person within three months of its publication (advertisement) in the Government Gazette. Third parties may object to the application and file a response for the same.
h) Renewal: Renewal every 10 year via Form M-05.
i) Non-Use Cancellation: A trademark may be cancelled if it has not been used fora continuous period of five years from the date of registration.
REFERENCE GUIDETRADEMARKS - THE PROCESS
STEP 1 - Search for Similar Existing Marks- Begin with a preliminary or official search at NIPO to check if your desired trademark (in a specific class) is already registered or pending. Though not mandatory, it's highly recommended to prevent conflicts later.
STEP 2 –Filing - Submit a trademark application under Form M 01 along with details such as A clear representation of the trademark, a list of the goods and/or services for which the trademark will be used, apriority document (if claiming priority from a previous filing) and the requisite fee.
STEP 3 -Request for Examination- After the application for the applied trademark NIPO conducts formal and substantive examinations to assess registrability and conflicts with existing marks.
STEP 4 -Response to Examination - If objections arise, the applicant has 30 days to respond with supporting documents. Based on the reply, the Registrar may approve the application or schedule a hearing for further deliberation.
STEP 5-Advertisement - Once the application clears the examination stage, it is published in the Trademarks Journal. The trademark remains published for three months, allowing any third party to oppose its application. If the application is accepted with conditions applied by the Examiner, the applicant is required to pay fees for publication through Form M 04.
STEP 6:Opposition (if any) - If there is no opposition, the trademark proceeds towards registration. If an opposition is filed, the applicant receives a copy of the notice and must submit a response within three months.
STEP 7: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 8: Renewal - Trademarks in Sri Lanka are initially registered for a period of ten years. To maintain protection, the trademark must be renewed by filing Form M 05 periodically by paying the required renewal fees.
FEE SCHEDULE (SRILANKA) TRADEMARKS
Conclusion
Trademark registration in Sri Lanka, administered by the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), provides businesses with a solid foundation for protecting their brand identity in the Sri Lankan market. Registered trademarks are valid for 10 years from the date of application and may be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods, ensuring continuous protection as long as the mark remains in active use and renewal fees are duly maintained.
Sri Lanka's trademark system requires a separate application for each class of goods or services, as multiple-class filings are not permitted. The examination process involves both formal and substantive review, and applicants face a tight one-month window to respond to any examination report issued by the Registrar — making it essential to engage trademark counsel who can act swiftly when objections arise. Following successful examination, the mark is published in the Government Gazette for a three-month opposition period, during which third parties may file a notice of opposition. Non-use of the registered mark for five consecutive years may result in cancellation.
Whether extending an international portfolio or protecting a local brand, early and accurate filing, consistent commercial use of the mark, and proactive renewal management are key to maintaining robust IP rights in Sri Lanka. Professional guidance throughout the registration and post-registration process ensures that all regulatory requirements are met efficiently and without unnecessary delay.
India: +91-1141 8355 50