Trademark Registration In Pakistan is governed by the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001, and the Trade Mark Rules, 2004. The official government fees associated with this process are structured to cover various stages, from the renewal application. Below is a detailed breakdown of these fees:
1. Application for Trademark Registration
Form TM-1: This form is used to apply for the registration of a trademark for goods or services included in one class. The official fee for this application is PKR 3,000.
Form TM-2: For applications seeking registration from a convention country under section 25, the fee remains PKR 3,000.
Form TM-3: This form pertains to the registration of a collective mark for goods or services in one class, with a fee of PKR 3,000.
Form TM-4: Used for registering a certification trademark for goods or services in one class, also at a fee of PKR 3,000.
2. Opposition Proceedings
Form TM-5: To file a notice of opposition under section 28(2) for each application opposed, the fee is PKR 9,000.
Form TM-6: For submitting a counter-statement in response to a notice of opposition under section 28(4), the fee is PKR 1,500.
Form TM-7: A notice of intention to attend a hearing under sections 28, 37, 73, 80, 96, and 97 requires a fee of PKR 600.
3. Registration and Post-Registration
Form TM-11: For the registration of a trademark not otherwise charged, including a series of trademarks, collective marks, certification marks, and textile marks in one class, the fee is PKR 9,000.
Form TM-12: Renewal of a trademark registration at the expiration of the last registration costs PKR 15,000.
Form TM-13: For restoration of a trademark removed from the register, the fee is PKR 3,000.
4. Miscellaneous Applications
Form TM-16: An application to divide a pending trademark application under section 32(4) requires a fee of PKR 900.
Form TM-18: Requests for correction of clerical errors or permission to amend an application under section 27(7) have a fee of PKR 600.
Form TM-19: For a certificate of Trademark Registration In Lahore from the Registrar under section 69(3), the fee is PKR 900 for the first mark and PKR 300 for each additional mark.
These fees were revised and notified by the Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Commerce and Textiles, Commerce Division, on March 4, 2019, and came into effect on March 9, 2019.
Additional Considerations
Preliminary Search: Before applying, it's advisable to conduct a trademark search to ensure no existing trademarks conflict with the proposed mark. The fee for this search is PKR 1,000, submitted via Pay Order or Bank Draft made payable to the Director General IPO.
Professional Assistance: Engaging legal professionals or IP consultants can aid in navigating the registration process. Legal fees for preparing and filing the trademark application typically range from PKR 15,000 to PKR 30,000, depending on the attorney’s experience and the complexity of the application.
Publication and Opposition: After acceptance, the trademark is published in the Trademarks Journal, allowing 60 days for any opposition. If opposed, additional legal fees may be incurred to address the opposition.
Validity and Renewal: A registered trademark is valid for ten years from the date of application. To maintain protection, it must be renewed every ten years, with a renewal fee of PKR 15,000.
It's important to note that while the official fees are standardized, additional costs such as legal consultations, search fees, and potential opposition proceedings can vary. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) or legal professionals like Hamza & Hamza Law Associates for the most current information and guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
