Country: PAKISTAN
Strategic Hub:
Pakistan is a rapidly evolving market with a massive consumer base, serving as a critical strategic corridor connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It is a primary hub for textiles, agriculture, and a burgeoning technology sector, offering significant opportunities for global brands to establish a dominant presence in one of the world's most populous nations.
Regulatory Body:
Intellectual property rights are administered and protected by the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan). It operates as a centralized statutory body managing the Trademarks Registry, Patents Office, and Copyright Office, while coordinating enforcement with agencies like Federal Customs and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
International Standing:
Pakistan is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a signatory to the Paris Convention. Crucially, Pakistan joined the Madrid Protocol in 2021, enabling international brand owners to secure trademark protection in Pakistan through a streamlined single-application system.
Member of PCT ?
YES
Can Convention priority be claimed ?
Yes- within12 months from the date of first filing of the priority application. For national phase of PCT application-within 30 months from the earliest priority date
Patent Search
YES
Novelty requirement
Worldwide
Deadline for filing supporting documents
Yes- 90 days
Does the invention specification have to be translated for filing
No
Required Documents
• Application for Grant of Patent (prescribed form).
• Complete Specification, including:
• Description
• Claims
• Abstract
• Drawings, if any.
• Power of Attorney (notarization generally not required).
• Deed of Assignment, if the applicant is not the inventor.
• Priority Document, if priority is claimed.
• PCT documents, for national phase applications.
Examination
• Substantive examination is conducted automatically after publication.
• Examiner assesses:
• Novelty
• Inventive step
• Industrial applicability
• Compliance with the Patents Ordinance, 2000
Publication
The patent applications will be published within 18 months
Opposition
Pre-grant opposition is allowed. Any person may oppose the grant after publication and before sealing of the patent.
Duration
Twenty (20) years starting from the filing date. The term of protection is non-extendable
Compulsory Licensing
• May be granted if the invention:
o Is not worked in Pakistan, or
o Does not meet reasonable public requirements, or
o Is not available at a reasonable price.
Application for compulsory license can be made after 3 years from grant.
Annuities
• Annual renewal fees payable from the 5th year onwards.
• Annuities must be paid yearly.
• Grace period available with surcharge.
Assignment
Deed of assignment, notarized
Must be recorded with the patent office of Pakistan.
License
License agreement, notarized
Recordal with the patent office is required for enforceability.
Merger
Certificate of merger, notarized
Name / Address:
Trademark Search
Possible for word and device marks
Trademark Filing
Single/Multi-Class Jurisdiction
Single class - a separate application for each class
Can services be registered
YES
Can convention priority be claimed
YES
Is the international classification
Yes - Nice Classification, 11th edition – single class application
Documentation and information required to file
Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified
Date of first use of the mark in Pakistan, if available
Transliteration and translation of non-English words appearing on the mark
Notarized POA required for all
Opposition period after publication
2 months from publication date
Validity
Renewal
Renewal due
The trademark renewal can be requested as early as twelve (12) months before the expiration date.
Grace Period
It can also be requested during the grace period of six (6) months after expiration, upon payment of a late renewal fee.
Documents required to renew
• No additional documents are required
Proof of use due
None due
Documents required to file proof of use
N/A
Assignment
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of assignment
Deed of assignment, notarized
Merger
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of Merger
Certificate of merger, notarized
License
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of License
License agreement, notarized
Change of name or address
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of change of name or address
A Power of Attorney (on Form-48) in the new name and/or address duly notarized.
A notarized certificate proving the change of name or address issued by the local competent authority of the applicant's domicile.
A copy of the certificate of the mark/ trademark registration.
Treaties and conventions
WIPO Convention, Brussels Convention, Trademark Law Treaty, Berne Convention, Paris Convention, Rome Convention, WIPO Copyright Treaty, WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, Patent Cooperation Treaty, Madrid Protocol, Nice Agreement, Patent Law Treaty, Budapest Treaty, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Trade Organization, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), GCC Patent Law.
Member of LOCARNO CLASSIFICATION
Yes
Can Convention priority be claimed:
Novelty Requirement
Patent search
Deadline for filing supporting documents:
Multiple designs
Required Documents:
Publication
Opposition
Duration
Compulsory licensing.:
Annuities:
Assignment:
Merger:
Name / Address:
Our Global Reach & Jurisdictions
We provide expert legal representation across an extensive network of global partners, specializing in the complex regulatory landscapes of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Our firm ensures your intellectual property rights and commercial interests are protected with the broadest possible range of international coverage
