Filing a trademark application with IPO-Pakistan online requires an account on their e-filing portal at apply.ipo.gov.pk. If you’re applying for your own trademarks (not on behalf of clients), you register as a SELF user – a simpler process than the REPRESENTATIVE registration used by advocates and Registered Trademark Agents (RTMAs). Here’s the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Go to the Online Filing Portal
On the IPO-Pakistan homepage, click Online Filing under Online Services – or go directly to apply.ipo.gov.pk. On the login screen, click New Registration.
Step 2: Verify Your Mobile Number and Email (Step-I)
Registration data is collected in two steps. In Step-I, enter your CNIC number (and confirm it), select your mobile Service Provider, and enter your Mobile No. and Email Address. Use your own mobile number and email – once verified, these are locked and cannot be changed later.
Click Get Code via SMS to receive a verification code on your mobile, and Get Code via Email for a code sent to your email. Enter both codes in their respective fields – each one shows a confirmation message once verified. Once both are confirmed, the VERIFY & CONTINUE button turns green.
Step 3: Enter Your Details (Step-II)
Click VERIFY & CONTINUE to move to Step-II: Authorized Representative Detail. Your CNIC, mobile number, and email carry over from Step-I and can’t be edited here. Under “Register as,” select the SELF radio button, then fill in:
- Title – if your name starts with Malik, Hafiz, Chaudhry, Syed, Qazi, Rana, Mian, Sheikh, Mirza, or similar, don’t select Mr/Ms/Dr/Prof – use the last option in the dropdown instead.
- Full Name and Gender
- Landline Phone No. and Fax No. (both optional)
- Correspondence Address – your mailing address only. Don’t include city, country, or phone number here; those have their own fields.
- Province and City (the city list loads based on your province selection)
This address automatically populates the Correspondence Address field on your TM-1 form later, formatted as Address, City, Province. Keep in mind that a SELF registration can only file your own applications – if you intend to file on behalf of clients, you need to register as a REPRESENTATIVE instead.
Step 4: Agree to Terms and Submit
Check the box agreeing to IPO-Pakistan’s Terms & Conditions, enter the captcha characters shown in the image, and click SAVE & CONTINUE.
Step 5: Registration Complete
You’ll see a “Registration Successful” message confirming your request was submitted, and an email is sent to your registered address with further instructions.
What You’ll Receive by Email
IPO-Pakistan sends a confirmation email from no-reply@ipo.gov.pk containing your Username (your CNIC), a system-generated Default Password, and a 4-digit PIN Code. Your Username and Password log you into the online filing portal; the PIN Code is required separately when you actually submit an application to IPO-Pakistan. It’s recommended to change the auto-generated password immediately after your first login.
FAQ
What’s the difference between SELF and REPRESENTATIVE registration?
SELF is for applicants filing their own trademark applications. REPRESENTATIVE is for advocates and Registered Trademark Agents (RTMAs) filing on behalf of clients – it requires additional verification, including a law firm name, Bar Council license number, and a physical address verification letter sent by courier.
Can I change my registered mobile number or email later?
No – once verified during Step-I, your mobile number and email are locked to your account and can’t be changed.
What if I don’t receive my verification code?
Make sure promotional SMS aren’t blocked on your device, since the verification code arrives the same way. If problems persist, contact feedback@ipo.gov.pk for queries about registration, OTPs, passwords, or PINs.
Do I need this account just to search the trademark register?
No – registration is specifically for filing applications online. A physical search request (Form TM-55) can be filed without an online account, though online filing is faster for the application itself.
Once registered, see our guide to registering a trademark in Pakistan for the full filing process, fees, and timeline.
Filing on behalf of a client instead? See our guide to registering as a REPRESENTATIVE (Attorney/RTMA).
