A brand name is one of the most important things a company might have. However, many companies in Pakistan don’t register their brand name.
Form TM-01 is the starting point of legally protecting your brand. This post is what you need, it has everything: the official charges and how to do the operation online.
What is Form TM-01?
Form TM-01 (or TM-1 for manual submissions) is the form to register trademarks with IPO-Pakistan.
This is completed under the provisions of Section 22 of the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001.
It includes a specification for the goods or services and one class.
Why complete Form TM-01?
Once you have filed your trademark application, you will have the official filing date, which will give you priority over any similar trademarks filed later.
Who should complete Form TM-01?
- Startups – Investors want to see evidence that you own your trademark.
- E-Commerce businesses – To ensure your listings are protected.
- Retailers/Manufacturers – To protect against counterfeit products.
- Franchisees – Before your name can be licensed.
Trademarks can still be protected by using them; however, it will be a more time-consuming and costly process in Court.
Requirements for Form TM-01
Clear Representation of Trademark
- You must upload a high-resolution image of your logo, brand name or slogan.
- If you’re using colours as part of your brand, you will need to file it in colour.
- When you file manually, that means you have to send in 8 clear copies of your trademark.
Applicant Information
- Full Name
- Nationality/Incorporation
- CNIC (Individual) or NTN (Business)
- Full Business Address.
Correct Trademark Class.
Pakistan uses the WIPO Nice Classification.
- Goods Classes (1 to 34).
- Service Classes (35 to 45).
For example:
- Class 3 – Cosmetics/Skin Care
- Class 25 – Clothing/Shoes
- Class 30 – Tea/Spices/Bakery
- Class 35 – Retail/Advertising/E-Commerce Stores.
- Class 42 – Software/IT Services.
- Class 43 – Restaurants/Cafes.
You will only be able to protect your trademark in these classes.
First Use Date
If you are already using your trademark in Pakistan, provide the date it was first used.
If you haven’t started your business yet, you can file ‘proposed to be used’.
Keep evidence of when you’ve used your trademark (invoices, packaging, advertising).
Form TM-48 (Power of Attorney).
Only required if you are filing through a lawyer/agent.
Not required if you are filing yourself.
First, search for your trademark.
A TM-55 search will be done to identify if there are similar trademarks already registered. This is around PKR 1,000 per class. This is a minimal price to pay to make sure your trademark is not refused.
Official Costs
Form TM-01 Cost.
Form TM-01 costs PKR 3,000 per class.
Multi-Class Applications.
Pakistan only allows single class applications.
Therefore, you will have to complete multiple applications. Each application will cost PKR 3,000.
For example, if you are a skincare brand selling online, you may need to register in Class 3 and Class 35. This will result in 2 applications and a total cost of PKR 6,000.
Cost Summary.
Form Stage Official Cost.
- Search (Optional) TM-55 Approximately PKR 1,000 per class.
- Application Form TM-01 PKR 3,000 per class.
- Registration Form TM-11 PKR 9,000 per class.
These are separate to professional fees.
How to File Online.
Create an Account.
- Go to the official IPO-Pakistan website: ipo.gov.pk.
- Click the online services option.
- Create a self-filer account using your CNIC.
- Verify your mobile number and email.
Your login details and a secure PIN will then be provided to you.
Representative accounts were opened by lawyers/agents. These have to be looked at, and take time.
Choose your Form.
- Log into your e-filing account.
- Click Trademark Forms.
- Click TM-01 (Application to register a trademark).
Fill in your Details.
- Fill in the owner information.
- Select the correct Nice class.
- Write a specification for your goods/services.
- Mark as In Use or Proposed to be Used.
Be specific with your specification. If you are too generic with your wording, ding you may face objections. If you are too specific it may leave gaps in your protection.
Upload your Trademark and Pay.
- Upload your specimen/logo or word mark.
- Include any colour claims or descriptions.
- Generate your payment challan (PKR 3,000 per class).
- Complete your payment using the payment options on the portal.
You can also pay via Pay Order or Bank Draft to the Director General, IPO-Pakistan. (As stated in IPO’s official FAQ).
Sign and Submit.
- Use your PIN to e-sign your application.
- Submit your Form TM-01.
- Save your Acknowledgement.
Timeline.
Acknowledgement.
You will get an electronic acknowledgement.
This will show your application number and date.
Examination.
You will usually receive an examination report within 3-4 months.
IPO will check that your trademark is distinctive.
They will also ensure that there are no issues with existing trademarks.
If there are any disagreements, you will have time to discuss or modify things.
Journal.
Accepted trademarks will be published in the Trademarks Journal.
Any person can object to your trademark within 2 months.
You will have to get past any objections before you can go ahead with your registration.
Registration.
If your trademark isn’t objected to or the objection fails, you will receive a Demand Notice from IPO.
Complete Form TM-11 and pay PKR 9,000.
IPO will issue your Trademark Registration Certificate.
Your trademark will be registered for 10 years and can be renewed.
Timeframe.
A simple application usually takes around 1 year.
But if there are complaints this can be prolonged.
Your rights start from the date you file and we encourage that you file as soon as possible.
Common Errors.
- No search completed.
- Incorrect class.
- Too generic specification.
- Didn’t reply to the examination report.
- Did not complete Form TM-11.
- Missed renewal date after 10 years.
File your Trademark with Confidence.
By registering your trademark you will be protecting your brand for many years. Ensuring your application is completed correctly will save you time, money, and stress.
Our legal team can help you with:
- Trademark Searches.
- Class Selection and Specification.
- Form TM-01 and Form TM-48.
- Responding to Examination Reports.
- Opposition.
- Form TM-11 and Renewals.
