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FY 2026-27
Comprehensive guide to trademark registration in Pakistan with IPO: step-by-step procedure (TM-1 to TM-11), statutory costs, Nice classes, and timeline.
By Syed Asad Hussain Zaidi · 6 September 2026
Author Note / Last Updated: Updated for 2026–27 by Syed Asad Hussain Zaidi | Advocate High Court | Senior Corporate & IP Advisory Counsel
In the commercial landscape of Pakistan, brand identity is among a company's most valuable assets. Whether you operate a technology enterprise in Lahore, a retail network in Karachi, or an export business in Faisalabad, your logo, brand name, and slogans differentiate your goods and services.
Simply designing a logo or incorporating a company with SECP does not confer trademark protection. Legal ownership and statutory infringement protection arise through formal registration with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) under the Trade Marks Registry (TMR).
This comprehensive guide explains the complete trademark registration lifecycle in Pakistan from pre-filing search to final certification.
Under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001, a trademark is any sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of others:
Registering a trademark in Pakistan is a multi-step statutory process that typically takes between 8 to 14 months for an unopposed application.
Before incurring filing expenses, conduct an official clearance search with the Trade Marks Registry to identify conflicting registered marks or pending applications in your target class.
Pakistan applies the international Nice Classification system (Classes 1–34 for goods; Classes 35–45 for services). Fees apply per class.
Once the search is clear, file Form TM-1 with the Registry. Filing establishes your Priority Date on the national register.
An Examiner evaluates the mark against Absolute Grounds (Section 14) and Relative Grounds (Section 17). If issues arise, the Registry issues an official Examination Report / Show Cause Notice under Section 27 and Rule 28 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2004. The applicant has two months to submit a written reply or attend an official hearing.
Upon acceptance, the mark is published in the monthly Trade Marks Journal. Publication initiates a statutory two-month opposition window. Third parties may oppose registration by filing Form TM-5, to which the applicant responds on Form TM-6.
Where no opposition is filed (or opposition is decided in favor of the applicant), the Registry issues a demand notice for the final registration fee (Form TM-11, PKR 9,000). Upon payment, the official Trademark Registration Certificate is issued.
| Stage | Prescribed Form | Statutory Fee (PKR) | Procedural Purpose | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Clearance Search | Form TM-55 | 1,000 | Official registry search per class | | Application Filing | Form TM-1 | 3,000 | Filing application per class | | Final Registration | Form TM-11 | 9,000 | Certificate issuance per class |
Note: Professional legal fees for conducting searches, drafting applications, responding to examination reports, and attending hearings are separate and vary based on counsel.
In Pakistan, a registered trademark is valid for ten (10) years from the date of filing the TM-1 application under Section 32 of the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001.
Trademarks can be renewed indefinitely for successive ten-year periods by filing Form TM-12 and depositing the renewal fee before the expiration date.
Legal & Statutory Notice: The information provided in this publication is for general educational, academic, and statutory informational purposes only under the relevant laws of Pakistan (including the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, the Companies Act, 2017, and the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001). This content does not constitute formal legal, financial, or tax advice. For specific assessments, consult a licensed Advocate or qualified tax professional.
