The trademark is something that represents a unique symbol, name, word, logo, or combination thereof employed by a company, individual, or firm to distinguish its goods and services from those of others. Trademarks contribute to the creation of brand recognition and consumer trust. The Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965) governs the trademark registration process in Nepal. Trademark Registration in Nepal 2025. Trademark registration and administration are under the Department of Industry (DoI) in the Ministry of Industry. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in Nepal.
Types of Trademarks in Nepal
In Nepal, trademark classification can be made into three types in view of registration phase:
1.™: Used for unregistered trademarks, they mark a good branding effort for goods.
2.℠: Unregistered service marks, they serve to good branding of services.
3.®: Registered trademark, that is a trademark is registered with the Department of Industry.
Steps to Trademark Registration in Nepal
The trademark registration process in Nepal comprises a series of activities:
Step 1: Application Submission
Application for trademark registration is filed in the Department of Industry (DoI). It shall contain all requisite documents and particulars to be submitted, such as the following:
- An application form properly filled in
- Trademark label or design
- Name and address of the applicant
- The goods or services which the trademark will represent
Step 2: Preliminary Examination
After submission of the application, the application is then being examined by the DoI in respect to the trademark. The examiner has to make sure that the trademark is:
- Distinctive enough
- Not deceptively descriptive
- Not similar to existing trademarks
If all the above conditions are accepted, the trademark application will go ahead into the next level.
Step 3: Publication in the Industrial Property Bulletin
In case the trademark is accepted by the DoI, it is published and announced in the Industrial Property Bulletin (IP Bulletin). This publication is considered the formal notice to third parties who may oppose the trademark registration.
- Opposition must be filed within 90 days; otherwise, the trademark registration will proceed.
- If an opposition is initiated, the DoI will give consideration to the opposition and this could further delay the process.
Step 4: Trademark Registration
If no objection or opposition has been lodged, then the DoI registers the trademark and issues the trademark registration certificate to the applicant. This certificate asserts that the trademark is now accorded legal protection.
Necessary Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Nepal
To apply for the registration of a trademark in Nepal, the following documents must be submitted:
| S.N Description of Document | Number of Copies Required | Specific Format Required |
| 1. Duly completed Application for Trademark Registration | One original set | Prescribed format required |
| 2. Certificate of Registration of the Proprietor (Company or Individual) | One photocopy | No specific format prescribed |
| 3. Tax Registration Certificate of the Proprietor | One photocopy | No specific format prescribed |
| 4. Trademark Label or Logo | Four copies | Required in 8 cm × 8 cm size |
| 5. Power of Attorney authorizing the representative | One original copy | No specific format prescribed |
| 6. Tax Clearance Certificate |
| 7. Industrial Enterprise Registration Certificate or License issued by the relevant authority | One original copy | No specific format prescribed |
What types of trademarks that can be registered?
- Word Marks – Brand names, slogans, taglines.
- Logo Marks – Symbols or graphic logos.
- Combined Marks – Word + logo together.
- Color Marks – Specific brand colors.
- Shape Marks – 3D product/package shapes.
- Sound Marks – Sounds or jingles.
- Pattern Marks – Repeating patterns.
Non-Registrable Marks
- Generic or common terms
- Descriptive words (without distinctiveness)
- Marks offensive to public order/morals
- Flags or names of global bodies
- Deceptive or confusing signs
Reasons for Refusal
A trademark application can be rejected on the basis of the following grounds in terms of Section 18(1) of the PDTA:
- Reputation Harm: The trademark injures the reputation of any person or institution.
- Public Morals Contradicted: The trademark contradicts public morals or the interest of the nation or law.
- Goodwill Damaged: The trademark destroys the goodwill in an existing trademark.
- Registered Already: The trademark is identical to or so nearly resemble another registered trademark.
Validity and Renewal of Registered Trademark
According to Section 18D, a trademark registered in Nepal is valid for seven years from the date of its registration. This period may be renewed under the following conditions:
- Within 35 days of the expiration according to the provisions of Section 23B (1) Renewal Period.
- Late Renewal: If not applied for within the six-month period, the renewal can be done under Section 23B sub-section (2) with a late fee of NPR 1,000.
Government Fees for Trademark Registration
Fee Type |
NPR |
| Application filing fee | 2,000 |
| Registration fee | 5,000 |
| Renewal Fee | 500 |
Ensure accurate calculation and timely payment to avoid penalties.
Classification of Trademark Classes
Class |
Types of Trademark in Nepal |
| 1 | Chemicals for industry, agriculture, science, etc. |
| 2 | Paints, varnishes, colorants, resins, metal powders. |
| 3 | Cleaning, perfumery, cosmetics, soaps. |
| 4 | Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels, candles. |
| 5 | Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary products. |
| 6 | Common metals, metal building materials, hardware. |
| 7 | Machines, motors (non-land vehicles), tools. |
| 8 | Hand tools, cutlery, razors. |
| 9 | Scientific, electric, photographic, computing devices. |
| 10 | Medical, dental, and surgical instruments. |
| 11 | Lighting, heating, cooking, and sanitary apparatus. |
| 12 | Vehicles and transport apparatus. |
| 13 | Firearms, ammunition, fireworks. |
| 14 | Jewelry, precious metals, watches. |
| 15 | Musical instruments. |
| 16 | Paper goods, stationery, printed materials. |
| 17 | Rubber, plastics, insulation materials. |
| 18 | Leather goods, bags, umbrellas, saddlery. |
| 19 | Non-metal building materials. |
| 20 | Furniture, mirrors, goods of wood, plastic, etc. |
| 21 | Household items, kitchenware, glassware. |
| 22 | Ropes, tents, sacks, raw textiles. |
| 23 | Yarns and threads. |
| 24 | Textiles, bed and table covers. |
| 25 | Clothing, footwear, headgear. |
| 26 | Lace, embroidery, buttons, artificial flowers. |
| 27 | Carpets, rugs, mats, wall hangings. |
| 28 | Toys, games, sports equipment. |
| 29 | Meat, fish, eggs, milk, oils, preserved foods. |
| 30 | Coffee, tea, flour, spices, bakery, condiments. |
| 31 | Fresh produce, grains, seeds, animal food. |
| 32 | Non-alcoholic drinks, juices, syrups, beer. |
| 33 | Alcoholic beverages (excluding beer). |
| 34 | Tobacco, smokers’ items, matches. |
| 35 | Advertising, business management and admin. |
| 36 | Insurance, finance, real estate. |
| 37 | Construction, repair, installation services. |
| 38 | Telecommunications. |
| 39 | Transport, storage, travel services. |
| 40 | Material treatment services. |
| 41 | Education, training, entertainment, culture. |
| 42 | Scientific, tech, legal services, software design. |
| 43 | Food and drink services, accommodation. |
| 44 | Medical, veterinary, beauty, agricultural services. |
| 45 | Personal, legal, and security services. |
Laws Governing Trademarks in Nepal
The registration of trademarks in Nepal is governed by the Patent, Design, and Trademark Act (PDTA), 2022 (1965).
Napal is also a party to other very significant international agreements for trademark protection, namely:
- Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property (1883): This agreement facilitates international protection of trademarks.
- TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, 1995): A universal agreement, prescribing rules and regulations for protection of property such as trademarks.
- WIPO Convention (World Intellectual Property Organization): An institution of WIPO enhances cooperative measures for protection of intellectual property that includes, among other things, trademarks on an international arena.
These laws and treaties, therefore, seal up protection to trademarks in Nepal and elsewhere.
Trademark Rights in Nepal
From the date of registration, the trademark owner has the rightful exclusive use of the trademark concerning certain goods and services to restrain others from using a similar mark of goods and services involving the rights of the trademark owner if it confuses the trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the period required to register a trademark in Nepal?
Usually, it takes 9 months to 1 year, provided there is no opposition.
What documents are required for trademark registration?
-
Application Form
-
Proprietor’s Registration Certificate
-
Tax Registration Certificate
-
Trademark Label/Logo
-
Power of Attorney
-
Tax Clearance Certificate
-
Industrial Enterprise Registration/License
How can I register trademark in Nepal
- Application Submission
File trademark application at the Department of Industry (DoI). - Preliminary Examination
DoI examines if the mark conflicts with existing trademarks or laws. - Publication in IP Bulletin
Trademark is published in the Industrial Property Bulletin (every 3 months). - Registration
If no opposition is filed within 90 days, the trademark is registered. - Renewal
Trademark must be renewed periodically to maintain protection.
How can I protect my trademark?
Legal protection comes from registering the Department of Industry.
Can the ® symbol be used without registration of the trademark?
No, the use of symbol ® is upon registration.
What would happen if there was an opposition towards my trademark registration?
In case of opposition, the Department of Industry will analyze the opposition and then proceed with registration.
Can a trademark be renewed when not renewed?
Yes, a renewal is possible within 35 days after the expiration, while any delay thereafter is subject to a penalty fee of Rs. 1,000 within half a year.
Can I register a color or a sound as a trademark?
Yes, if they are distinctive, these non-conventional trademarks can be registered.
Does the trademark have a lifetime validity?
No, for a trademark may be valid for 7 years at a time before renewal becomes possible.
Can I register a trademark for services instead of goods?
Yes, goods and services can both be trademarked.
On which grounds can an application for trademark registration be rejected?
The grounds on which the registration of trademark applications may be denied may be the damage of contrary to morality and actually registered with some other party.
Can a Foreigner Register a Trademark in Nepal?
Yes, foreigners can register trademarks in Nepal by appointing a local attorney, providing a notarized power of attorney, and submitting applications through the Department of Industry (DOI).
Where to Register a Trademark in Nepal?
Trademarks must be registered at the Department of Industry (DOI) in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. This is the only authorized government body for trademark registration, either directly or via an attorney.