TRADEMARK REGISTRATION IN PAKISTAN

The process for trademark registration in Pakistan is handled by the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan). Here is a general overview of the trademark registration process in Pakistan:

Trademark Search: Before filing a trademark application, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive search to ensure that the intended trademark is not already registered or in use by others. This step helps avoid potential conflicts and rejections during the registration process.
Filing the Application: Once you've completed the trademark search, you can proceed with filing the trademark application.
Examination: After the application is filed, it undergoes a formal examination to check if all required information and documents have been provided. The trademark office also examines whether the proposed mark meets the necessary criteria for registration.
Publication: If the trademark application passes the examination, it is published in the Trademarks Journal. This publication allows third parties to oppose the registration if they believe the mark could infringe on their existing rights.
Opposition (if applicable): After publication, interested parties have a specific period (usually two months) to oppose the trademark registration if they have valid reasons to do so. If no opposition is filed within this period, the application proceeds to the next stage.
Registration: If there are no valid oppositions or if the opposition proceedings are resolved in favor of the applicant, the trademark is registered. The trademark registration certificate is issued once the registration process is completed.
The entire process typically takes around 8 to 10 months, but it can vary depending on the complexity of the application and any potential oppositions.
It is important to note that this information is based on the state of the law as of September 2021, and there might have been changes or updates since then.