Trademark Registration in Pakistan

A trademark turns a name or a logo into a legal asset. Once registered, no one else in Pakistan can use a mark that is identical or confusingly similar for the same class of goods or services. If they do, you have the right to send a cease and desist notice, sue for infringement, claim damages and get an injunction. Without registration you rely on common law rights, which are much harder to prove.

What Can Be Registered

• Brand name (word mark)
• Logo (device mark)
• Combined brand name and logo
• Slogan or tagline
• Product packaging shape
• Sound or scent marks (in limited cases)

The Class System

Pakistan follows the Nice Classification system. Goods and services are divided into 45 classes. You register your mark in one or more classes based on what you sell. For example, class 25 covers clothing, class 30 covers food staples, class 35 covers advertising and business services, and class 42 covers software and IT services. Picking the wrong class leaves gaps in your protection, so the choice is worth getting right the first time.

Our Process

1. Availability search. We check the IPO database and pending journals to see if your mark is already taken or opposed.
2. Class selection. We pick classes that cover your current business and near future plans.
3. Filing. Application form TM-1 filed with the Trade Marks Registry along with prescribed government fees.
4. Examination. Registrar examines the application and either accepts, raises objections or issues an examination report.
5. Reply to objections. Where objections are raised (usually similarity or descriptiveness), we file a written response.
6. Publication in Journal. Accepted marks are published in the Trade Marks Journal for four months to invite oppositions.
7. Opposition handling. If opposed by a third party, we defend the application.
8. Registration certificate. Issued after the opposition window passes without opposition, or after opposition is successfully defended.

Timeline

Uncontested trademarks are typically registered within 12 to 24 months, depending on IPO workload. You get an application number and TM-8 (application receipt) within days of filing, and once published in the journal you can start using the (R) symbol in commercial practice.

Documents Required

• Applicant details (individual, firm or company)
• Clear image of the logo in JPG or PDF (if applying for a device or combined mark)
• List of goods and services to be covered
• Date of first use, if the mark is already in use
• Power of attorney (we prepare and send this for signature)

Renewal

A registered trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10 year periods. Missing the renewal date puts your mark at risk of removal from the register. We track renewals for our clients so this never becomes a problem.

Copyright and Patent

We also handle copyright registration for creative works (books, music, software code, artistic work) and referral to specialised patent agents for inventions. If you are unsure whether your idea needs a trademark, copyright or patent, a short call clarifies it.

FAQs

Can I use the TM symbol before registration?

Yes. TM can be used the moment you start using the mark commercially. The (R) symbol can only be used after registration is granted.

Do I need to register my logo separately from my brand name?

For strong protection, yes. Registering a word mark protects the name in any font. Registering the logo separately protects the design. Combined marks protect only the combination as shown.

Someone is copying my brand. What can I do?

If your mark is registered we can issue a cease and desist, file for injunction under the Trade Marks Ordinance and claim damages. If unregistered, a passing off claim is possible but harder to prove.