How to Register a Trademark in Pakistan — Islamabad & Peshawar Step-by-Step Guide?

Protecting your brand is one of the most valuable investments any business can make. In Pakistan, a trademark not only distinguishes your goods or services from competitors but also provides you with exclusive rights to your brand identity. For businesses in Islamabad and Peshawar, understanding the local registration process through the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) is essential.

Nouman Muhib Kakakhel – Lawyer & Legal Consultant has been guiding businesses through the registration journey, ensuring their intellectual assets are legally protected.

Understanding Trademark Registration in Pakistan

A trademark is any word, name, symbol, logo, or combination that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services. In Pakistan, trademarks are governed by the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001. Registration grants the owner legal rights to protect their brand from misuse, counterfeiting, or unauthorized use.

If you’re considering trademark registration in Pakistan, it’s important to know that unregistered marks enjoy limited protection, whereas registered trademarks provide enforceable legal rights.

Step 1: Conducting a Trademark Search

Before filing, applicants must carry out a comprehensive search in the IPO-Pakistan trademark database. This step ensures that your proposed mark is not identical or confusingly similar to an existing one. For businesses in Islamabad and Peshawar, a trademark search minimizes the risk of rejection and saves both time and money.

Carrying out a trademark search in Islamabad or Peshawar is highly recommended before submitting an application to IPO-Pakistan.

Step 2: Filing the Trademark Application

Once the search confirms availability, the next stage is filing the application with IPO-Pakistan. Applicants must prepare accurate details, including a clear image of the trademark, applicant’s information, and the class of goods or services under the Nice Classification system. A well-prepared application reduces the chances of objections or delays.

For businesses that want to secure their brand, filing a trademark application in Pakistan is the formal step to initiate the registration process.

Step 3: Examination by IPO-Pakistan

After filing, the application undergoes examination by IPO-Pakistan. Examiners check compliance with trademark laws and verify distinctiveness. If objections arise, applicants must respond with legal arguments or evidence. Many businesses in Islamabad and Peshawar hire professionals to handle objections effectively and ensure smooth progress.

Professional assistance can make a big difference in passing the trademark examination in Pakistan stage.

Step 4: Publication in the Trademark Journal

If the application is accepted, it gets published in the Trademark Journal. This stage allows third parties to raise objections if they believe the trademark infringes on their rights. The opposition period typically lasts a few months, and if no valid opposition is filed, the application advances toward registration.

Step 5: Receiving the Trademark Registration Certificate

After the opposition period ends without disputes, IPO-Pakistan issues a registration certificate. This certificate grants exclusive rights for ten years, with the option of indefinite renewals. For businesses in Islamabad and Peshawar, this certificate is proof of legal ownership and protection of their brand identity.

Obtaining a trademark registration certificate in Pakistan is a crucial milestone for long-term brand security.