Pakistan is a developing market with significant potential for companies planning expansion in South Asia or seeking suppliers for private-label products. Although its economy is much smaller than that of India or China, Pakistan can be an interesting destination for businesses operating in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, technology, and energy. A very young and rapidly growing population, coupled with infrastructure development initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), attracts investors looking for new opportunities.
Registering a trademark in Pakistan is a practical step for companies planning to do business with Pakistani partners. Filing early helps avoid complications related to reclaiming rights to your brand, which can be particularly challenging in local circumstances. In some cases, it might not even be possible.
Registering a trademark in Pakistan is recommended if you sell under your own brand in this market or export there. Securing your brand in advance helps prevent issues with counterfeits or later complications if someone registers your trademark in bad faith before you. Reclaiming your trademark would be a lengthy, complex, and costly process.
Registering a trademark in Pakistan does not require prior use of the mark; you can file it entirely from scratch if you intend to use it. However, applying for protection with accompanying evidence of use can significantly support your application and increase the likelihood of obtaining trademark rights.
cancellation is granted only to someone who can prove that their rights have been infringed by the registration of the trademark. This must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan. The applicant must provide compelling and convincing evidence to support their claim.
Registering a trademark directly with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) has its advantages compared to the WIPO procedure. Firstly, the process is faster, which can make a real difference. A WIPO registration can take several months before being forwarded to the Pakistani Intellectual Property Office, while a local application is processed immediately. Additionally, working with a local representative familiar with the nuances of the local system is particularly helpful in case of disputes, as it aligns with the local legal framework more effectively.
Typically, the required documents include company details, a power of attorney, a graphical representation of the trademark, and a list of goods or services. If the trademark has been previously used in Pakistan, evidence of use must be provided. This can include local advertisements, sales invoices, proof of product purchase under the brand, testimonials, or screenshots showing the brand’s presence in the market. All documents should be notarized to ensure validity.
The renewal application should be submitted to the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) no earlier than 6 months before the end of the current protection period and no later than the day it expires.
Any legal person (company) who owns a trademark can apply for its protection in Pakistan. Both local entities and foreign entities can apply for trademark protection in Pakistan.
The costs depend on the number of classes and products being registered for protection. Check our pricing section to find the details.
In Pakistan, the following types of trademarks can be registered for protection: word marks, graphic marks, 3D marks, sound marks, and color marks.
No. In Pakistan, a single application can cover only one class of goods or services.
Yes, multi-class applications are examined separately in each class by the Indian Trade Mark Office.
Typically, the certificate is issued within a few weeks to a couple of months after the publication period ends, assuming no oppositions are raised.
Trademark registration (legal protection) in Pakistan is valid for 10 years, starting from the date of application.