This article explains how to register a trademark in Pakistan with the Intellectual Property Office. In 2005, the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (the “IPO Pakistan”) was founded as a self-governing agency. Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar are among its offices. The Intellectual Property Office of Pakistan is in charge of administering intellectual property services, coordinating all government systems for protection, raising awareness about intellectual property rights, and advising the federal government on intellectual property matters.

 

During the course of this article, the following questions will be addressed:

 

  • What is the definition of a trademark?
  • What are the benefits of trademark registration?
  • What kind of companies/businesses should consider trademark registration?
  • What are the benefits of trademark registration?
  • What is the procedure for trademark registration in Pakistan?
  • How long does it take to register a trademark in Pakistan?
  • How do you go about getting a trademark for your tech product in the United States?

If you’re only interested in learning about the trademark registration process, skip to section 5.

 

What is the definition of a trademark?

A trademark is any graphical mark that can be used to differentiate one company’s goods or services from those of another.

The good will or good name of a firm can be characterised as the domain or subject matter of a trademark. Trademarks are effective tools for identifying one’s goods from those of others in the marketplace.

The Trademarks Ordinance, 2001 governs trademark law in Pakistan.

 

What are the benefits of trademark registration?

It is difficult to start a profitable business. Building such a company necessitates a lot of hard work and sacrifice on the part of the owner. Trademarks and other copyright regulations exist to safeguard your company from copycats who are continually looking for ways to profit off successful companies’ identities.

 

After your success, registering your distinctive trademark with IPO Pakistan will provide you with legal protection against anyone who might try to imitate or copy your brand. As a result, it is critical to begin the process of trademark registration as soon as possible.

What kind of companies/businesses should consider trademark registration?

Whether you’re a small-scale retailer, a startup, or a multinational corporation, you should seriously consider trademark registration for your goods and services.

If you don’t, your competitors may be able to use unfair marketing practises to take advantage of your brand.

What are the benefits of registering a trademark?

You have an exclusive right to use a trademark that you have registered in your own name or in the name of your company. You can also charge a fee to another company to use your product. Registration also gives legal clarity, and you will be in a strong position if a legal conflict occurs.

Through several designated authorities such as the Police, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Pakistan Customs, IPO Pakistan assures effective enforcement. You can also file a claim for damages under sections 46 and 47 of the Trademark Ordinance 2001 against persons who copy your mark and infringe on your rights.

You will have the exclusive right to restrict all third parties from using identical or similar marks in the trade of goods or services if you own a registered trademark.

What is the procedure for trademark registration in Pakistan?

The following is a five-step procedure for trademark registration in Pakistan:

 

The first step is to figure out which classification (class) your company’s goods and services belong to. Please keep in mind that each class in which you intend to register your trademark will require a separate application.

You must file a Trademark Search (TM-55) application with the IPO Pakistan once the classification has been determined. This application is being filed to see whether any identical trademark(s) are already on the market.

For your trademark registration, contact SG Advocates & Legal Consultants.

  • Your application would be rejected by the IPO Pakistan if:
  • Your trademark contains profane material; it includes a religious symbol; and it has already been registered.
  • Each trademark search application requires a filing fee of PKR. 1000/-.
  • After receiving the Trademark Search results, file a Trademark Registration Application (TM-1) for each class in which you intend to register your trademark. Please keep in mind that each class will require a separate application.
  • Each trademark registration application is subject to a filing cost of PKR. 3000/-.
  • Remember to include a form (TM-48) for agency authorization with your Trademark Registration Application. The TM-48 form must be printed on stamp paper with a PKR 1000/- value.

 

REPLY TO THE IPO PAKISTAN’S OBJECTIONS

 

Following the review of your application, IPO Pakistan may send you an objection notice(s) requesting additional information. If you file your trademark application in the wrong classification, you may face an opposition. The IPO may also invite you for a hearing before the Registrar to answer any remaining questions once all objections, if any, have been resolved.

The IPO Pakistan will issue notices to publish your trademark in the Trademark Journal once it is totally satisfied that it does not bear any similarity to an existing registered trademark or a pending registration. The goal is to provide the public an opportunity to voice any concerns in order to ensure that no registered trademark with a comparable design already exists.

 

FINAL REGISTRATION

 

If no public objections are received after your mark is published in the Trademark Journal, the IPO Pakistan will issue additional demand notices for the filing of Form TM – 11 for each class in which the trademark application was submitted.

This is done to confirm trademark registration and issue a trademark registration certificate (Registered Trademark). Form TM-11 has an official charge of PKR. 9000/-. (Pak Rupees Nine Thousand only).

The following are the addresses for the IPO Pakistan offices in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad:

Offices in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad

How long does it take to register a trademark in Pakistan?

The average length of time it takes to register a trademark is two (02) years. This is, however, subject to change and varies from instance to case.

The registration process may appear intimidating or time consuming at first, but protecting intellectual property is well worth the time and effort in the long run.

How do you go about getting a trademark for your tech product in the United States?

Here is a full explanation of the trademark registration process with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the United States (USPTO).

For many business owners, the process of trademark registration might be intimidating. But there’s no need to be concerned. Simply arrange a FREE consultation with one of our skilled consultants, and we’ll take care of the rest or call us for more information.