Form TM-1 is the application that must be filed by the applicant either on paper or via IPO-Pakistan’s online portal to register a trademark in Pakistan. Correct completion of each field helps avoid objections and delays. Below is a field-by-field checklist based on IPO-Pakistan’s filing guidelines.
Completing this form yourself can become technical, including classification, series marks, and Power of Attorney, which is why our trademark registration service handles the TM-1 filing for you. If you haven’t started, see our guide to registering a trademark in Pakistan on the complete process, and Trademark Classes Explained to decide which class to select for the form.
Before You Fill TM-1 Checklist: Search First
It is advisable, though optional, to conduct a search of the Trademarks Register for identical or similar trademarks to yours to avoid objections and oppositions. File Form TM-55 to conduct a search. One application covers one trademark search in one class, requiring two representations of the mark and a search fee of Rs. 1,000. A Personal Search Facility is available at TMR Karachi, IPO-HQs Islamabad, and Lahore Regional Office for Rs. 300 per 15-minute session.
TM-1 Field-by-Field Checklist
- One class: TM-1 covers a specification of goods/services in one class only. If the applicant’s trademark spans multiple classes, a separate TM-1 application (and accompanying fee) must be filed for each class.
- Full name, description, and nationality of the applicant: Must be completed, not abbreviated.
- Details of partners for a firm: In the case of a partnership, the full name, and nationality of each partner must be stated.
- Full trade or business address: Must be completed in full to facilitate the locating of the applicant.
- Significance in a series: If filed as a series of marks, the number in which the mark belongs to must be indicated.
- Domain name declaration: Declaration of registering a domain name in respect of goods/services.
- Claim of color: If the mark is in color, the claim of the specific colors for the mark must be indicated, which restricts the registered use of the mark to the claimed colors. In the absence of a proclaimed color, the mark can be used in any color.
- Signature and designation: The person signing the application must be an individual owner, the managing partner (in case of a partnership), or a managing director/CEO/Secretary (in case of a company), along with the designation.
- Power of attorney (Form TM-48): Must be attached, duly stamped, if filing is done via an attorney/agent instead of personally.
- Foreign nationals: Must file an application via a duly authorized attorney/advocate in Pakistan.
- Non-English/Urdu mark: If the mark is in a language other than English/Urdu, translation and transliteration must be attached to the application as an affidavit by the applicant.
Filing Requirements
- TM-1 filed in duplicate, together with six additional representations of the mark affixed on durable paper measuring 13×8 inches
- Filing fee: Rs. 3,000 via Pay Order or Bank Draft in the name of Director General, IPO-Pakistan (cash not accepted)
- If filing via an agent, authorize them by submitting Form TM-48 (Power of Attorney), duly stamped and notarized – all communication regarding the application will be directed to the agent
What Happens After You File
- Cash receipt and a trademark number are issued upon receiving the application
- Acknowledgement Receipt issued within 10-15 days
- Examination Report generated after roughly 3-4 months; objections come as Show Cause Notice, with two months to respond
- If no objections, application is published in the Trade Marks Journal
- Two-month opposition period follows publication
- If unopposed, a Demand Notice requesting Form TM-11 plus the registration fee (Rs. 9,000) is issued
FAQ
Do I need to file the search form (TM-55) before TM-1?
No, it is optional but advisable, as it ensures there are no conflicting marks before spending time and money on a full application which may face objections or opposition.
What if my mark isn’t in English or Urdu?
Translation and transliteration of the mark must be attached as a sworn affidavit from the applicant along with TM-1.
Can I claim a color on my mark after filing without color?
The color claim is made at the point of filing. If you didn’t file a color claim, your mark is protected for the use in any color, which is often a more widespread protection.
Who signs the TM-1 if the applicant is a company?
The managing director, CEO, or Secretary of the company signs on behalf of the company along with their designation.
For the full legal text behind these requirements, see the official Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001 (as amended in 2023).
