If you’ve built a startup in Pakistan, your brand name, logo, or slogan is one of your most valuable assets. But what happens if someone copies it? That’s where trademark registration becomes crucial.
This complete 2025 guide will walk you through how to register your trademark in Pakistan, what documents are required, how much it costs, and why protecting your intellectual property (IP) can make or break your business growth.
In today’s competitive startup ecosystem, your brand identity is your strongest differentiator. A registered trademark ensures no one can legally use your business name, logo, or tagline without permission.
Legal ownership: You get exclusive rights to use your brand name or logo nationwide.
Protection from infringement: Prevent competitors from copying your visual or textual brand assets.
Investor confidence: Registered IP boosts investor trust during funding rounds.
Brand valuation: Your trademark becomes a tangible business asset, adding value to your company.
Many successful Pakistani startups from fintech apps to fashion labels saw major investor traction only after securing their trademarks.
Under the Trademarks Ordinance, 2001, you can register almost any unique sign, symbol, or expression that represents your business identity.
Brand or company names
Product names or service marks
Logos and symbols
Slogans or taglines
App icons or domain names
Sounds, packaging, or color schemes (if distinctive)
Trademark registration in Pakistan is governed by the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan. Here’s the complete process you need to follow:
Before applying, check if your trademark is unique.
Go to IPO Pakistan’s Search Portal and look for any identical or similar marks.
Pro tip:
If your name or logo is too similar to an existing one, IPO may reject your application.
Once you’ve confirmed your mark’s uniqueness, download Form TM-1 from the IPO website.
Required information includes:
Applicant’s name and address
Trademark type (word, logo, or device)
Class of goods/services (based on NICE classification)
Representation of the mark
Filing Options:
Offline: Submit physically to the IPO office (Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad)
Online: Use IPO Pakistan’s E-filing system (recommended for faster processing)
Prepare and attach the following documents:
Copy of CNIC / Passport
Business registration certificate (if applicable)
Power of attorney (if a lawyer files on your behalf)
Two representations of the trademark (for logos)
Fee challan or online payment proof
After submission, IPO Pakistan examines your application to ensure it complies with the Trademarks Rules, 2004.
You might receive a notice of objection if:
Your mark is too generic or descriptive
It resembles another registered mark
If that happens, you can file a written response or attend a hearing to justify your application.
If the IPO approves your application, it’s published in the Trademarks Journal for public review.
This 2-month period allows others to object if they believe your mark infringes theirs.
If no objections arise, or you win any disputes, the IPO will issue a Certificate of Registration.
Your trademark is now legally protected for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely every decade.
Typically, it takes 6 to 9 months, depending on IPO workload and objections (if any).
However, startups using professional legal services can fast-track filings by avoiding errors in documentation.
A Lahore based fashion startup, Designora, started small on Instagram. After six months, another seller began using the same logo and brand name on Facebook.
With legal help, they filed a trademark infringement claim and successfully stopped the misuse. Within a year, their registered trademark became part of their brand valuation, helping them secure an international partnership.
Key takeaway:
A registered trademark can safeguard your growth and even enhance your business valuation for investors or acquisitions.
Skipping prior search: Leads to rejection due to similarity.
Using generic names: Names like “The Tech Company” are not registrable.
Wrong class selection: Choose the correct class for your product/service.
Not monitoring misuse: Even registered marks need periodic monitoring.
At MAH&CO., our legal experts assist startups, entrepreneurs, and businesses across Pakistan with trademark registration, brand protection, and infringement cases.
Conducting trademark searches and analysis
Filing and processing trademark applications
Responding to IPO objections
Managing renewals and brand monitoring
Representing clients in IP infringement disputes
Whether you’re a tech founder, e-commerce entrepreneur, or creative agency, MAH&CO. ensures your brand remains secure and legally protected.
You can register through IPO Pakistan by submitting Form TM-1, your CNIC, business details, logo design, and paying the filing fee.
For individuals and startups, it usually costs between PKR 3,000 to 5,000, while companies may pay around PKR 10,000 or more.
It takes around 6–9 months, depending on IPO verification and possible objections.
