Pakistan is a signatory to international intellectual property treaties such as the TRIPS Agreement, the Paris Convention, and the WIPO Convention, and is also a member of the Madrid Protocol. Trademark registration in Pakistan can be processed through either direct national registration or Madrid international registration.
Pakistan follows the 'first-to-file' principle for trademark registration, though in certain cases, trademark rights may also be claimed based on 'prior use.'
Features of Trademark Registration in Pakistan
The current trademark regulations in Pakistan are primarily based on the Trademark Ordinance enacted on April 12, 2001. Goods and services descriptions follow the 11th edition of the Nice Classification, and multi-class applications are not accepted. Therefore, a separate application must be submitted for each class.
Required Documents for Trademark Registration
- Trademark specimen
- Designated class(es) and specific goods/services
- Applicant information
- Power of Attorney (requires notarization)
- Priority document and its translation (if priority is claimed)
Trademark Registration Process
- Application Submission: Single-class applications only
- Examination: Substantive examination
- Publication: The publication period for Pakistani trademarks is 2 months, during which any party may file an opposition. The opposition period may be extended by up to 2 months, subject to payment of the prescribed fees.
- Registration: Approval of registration and issuance of the trademark registration certificate
Validity Period and Renewal
- Trademarks registered in Pakistan before April 12, 2004, are valid for 7 years, with a renewal validity of 15 years.
- Trademarks registered after this date are valid for 10 years from the registration date, with each renewal also extending validity for 10 years.
Renewal can be filed within 6 months before expiration, with a 6-month grace period for late renewal.
Note: For the second renewal of a Pakistani trademark, evidence of use must be submitted. Otherwise, the trademark may be deemed unused and invalidated.