How to register your trademark with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan — from search to registration certificate.
Your brand name, logo, and slogan are among your most valuable business assets. In Pakistan, trademark registration through the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO-Pakistan) gives you exclusive legal rights to use your mark and take action against infringers. Without registration, proving ownership and enforcing rights becomes extremely difficult.
What Can Be Trademarked?
A trademark can be a word, phrase, symbol, design, logo, color combination, sound, or a combination of these that distinguishes your goods or services from others. The mark must be distinctive — generic or descriptive terms cannot be trademarked. It must not conflict with existing registered marks or well-known marks.
The Registration Process
Step 1: Trademark Search — Search the IPO database to ensure your proposed mark is available. Step 2: Application Filing — File Form TM-1 with IPO-Pakistan along with the prescribed fee (PKR 5,000 per class for e-filing). Step 3: Examination — IPO examines the application for conflicts and objections. Step 4: Publication — If accepted, the mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 2 months for opposition. Step 5: Registration — If no opposition is filed, the registration certificate is issued.
Classes of Goods & Services
Trademarks are registered under specific classes (Nice Classification). There are 45 classes — 34 for goods and 11 for services. A separate application is required for each class. Choosing the right classes is critical — registering in the wrong class provides no protection. Common business services fall under Classes 35 (advertising/management), 36 (finance), and 42 (IT services).
Duration & Renewal
A trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods. Renewal must be applied for within 6 months before expiry. If you miss the renewal, a grace period of 6 months is available with a late fee.
WeFile IP Registration Services
Our registration team conducts comprehensive trademark searches, prepares and files applications, handles examination objections, monitors the opposition period, and secures your registration certificate. We also manage renewal tracking to ensure your trademarks remain protected.