TaxCalc.pk
Securing a Trademark Registration Certificate from IPO-Pakistan is a major milestone, but it does not grant you eternal rights by default. Unlike a copyright, which lasts for the author's lifetime plus fifty years, a trademark is a commercial monopol...
By Syed Asad Hussain Zaidi · 6 September 2026
Trademark Renewal Deadlines and Process in Pakistan (2026 Guide) Author Note / Last Updated: Updated September 2026 by Syed Asad Hussain Zaidi | Advocate High Court | Professional Tax Consultant Securing a Trademark Registration Certificate from IPO-Pakistan is a major milestone, but it does not grant you eternal rights by default. Unlike a copyright, which lasts for the author's lifetime plus fifty years, a trademark is a commercial monopoly that must be actively maintained. In Pakistan, if you fail to renew your trademark by the statutory deadline, the Trade Marks Registry will administratively cancel your registration, stripping your brand of all legal protections and allowing competitors to legally register and use your name. This guide explains the exact timelines, government fees, and the critical legal process required to renew or restore an expired trademark under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001. --- The Statutory Lifespan of a Trademark in Pakistan Under Section 34 of the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001, a registered trademark in Pakistan is valid for 10 years. Crucial Warning: This 10-year period is calculated from the Date of Filing (Priority Date) of the original application (Form TM-1), not the date the final certificate was issued. Since the registration process itself often takes 2 to 3 years, many business owners mistakenly believe they have 10 years from the date they received the certificate. This error is the number one cause of missed renewal deadlines in Pakistan. Example:* You filed your TM-1 application on January 1, 2016. Due to oppositions and hearings, the final certificate was issued on December 1, 2019. Your trademark still expires on January 1, 2026 (10 years from the filing date, not the certificate date). --- The Trademark Renewal Process (Form TM-12) A trademark can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods, provided the renewal fees are paid. When Should You File for Renewal? You are legally permitted to file for renewal up to six months before the expiration date. It is highly recommended to file at least 3 months prior to expiration to account for administrative processing delays at IPO-Pakistan. How to File the Renewal The renewal process is entirely administrative. It does not require a new examination or publication in the Trade Marks Journal (unless the mark was struck off and is being restored). Prepare Form TM-12: This is the official "Application for Renewal of Registration of a Trademark." Calculate the Government Fee: As of 2026, the standard government fee for renewal is PKR 15,000 per class. Attach Required Documents: You must submit the original Registration Certificate (or a certified copy) along with the Pay Order in the name of the Director General IPO. Submission: Submit the package to the Trade Marks Registry (Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi). Once processed, the Registry will issue a formal Renewal Certificate extending your protection for another decade. --- What Happens if You Miss the Deadline? The Grace Period Business owners frequently miss the exact 10-year anniversary. Fortunately, the Trade Marks Ordinance provides a statutory grace period, though it comes with financial penalties. The 6-Month Grace Period (Form TM-12 with Surcharge) If your trademark expires, you have exactly six months from the date of expiration to file for late renewal. The Penalty: You must pay the standard renewal fee (PKR 15,000) plus* a late surcharge (PKR 5,000). Total government fee: PKR 20,000 per class. During this 6-month window, your trademark remains on the register, and no third party can successfully register it. The Notice (Form O-3) Legally, the Registrar is required to send a notice (Form O-3) to the registered proprietor (at the address on file) before removing the mark. However, relying on the postal service or the IPO to remind you is extremely dangerous. It is entirely your responsibility to track the 10-year deadline. --- Restoration of a Removed Trademark (Form TM-13) What happens if you miss the expiration date AND you miss the 6-month grace period? At this point, the Registrar will officially remove your trademark from the register and publish a notice of removal in the Trade Marks Journal. Your brand is now legally unprotected. However, all hope is not lost. You can file for Restoration. The Deadline for Restoration: You can apply for restoration within six months to one year after the expiration date. The Process: You must file Form TM-13 (Application for Restoration and Renewal). The Penalty: The government fee jumps significantly. You must pay the renewal fee (PKR 15,000) plus a heavy restoration surcharge (PKR 10,000). Total government fee: PKR 25,000 per class. The Catch: Unlike a standard renewal, restoration is discretionary*. You must provide a valid written justification to the Registrar explaining why you missed the deadline. If the Registrar is satisfied, they will restore the mark and publish the restoration in the Journal. Beyond One Year: The Point of No Return If more than one year has passed since the expiration date, the trademark cannot be restored. The file is permanently dead. To regain protection, you must start the entire process from scratch by filing a brand new TM-1 application, completely losing your original Priority Date. If a competitor has registered the name in the interim, you will lose your brand entirely. Conclusion Managing an Intellectual Property portfolio requires rigorous calendaring. A missed trademark renewal deadline can destroy a brand's valuation overnight. To ensure continuous protection, task your legal counsel with maintaining an IP docket, and always initiate the TM-12 renewal process at least 90 days before your 10-year anniversary. --- Disclaimer: Statutory deadlines and IPO-Pakistan government fees are subject to change. This guide outlines the legal procedures under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001, as of 2026. Always consult with a registered IP attorney for critical deadline management.