A registered trademark in Pakistan does not last forever on its own. Registration runs for a fixed term, and if it is not renewed the mark can be removed from the register, leaving your brand open to copycats and weakening any infringement case. Many Pakistani businesses registered their marks a decade ago and have not checked the expiry date since. This guide explains how long a registration lasts, when and how to renew, what happens if you miss the deadline, and how to keep a registration safe from cancellation.
Quick answer: Under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001, a trademark registered in Pakistan is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for further 10-year periods without limit. The renewal fee can be paid during the last six months before expiry. A late renewal is still possible for a limited period after the registry publishes the mark as unrenewed, on payment of an additional fee; after that, the mark can be removed from the register.
How long is a trademark registration valid in Pakistan?
Applications filed under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001 are registered for 10 years and renewed for 10 years at a time. Older marks filed under the Trade Marks Act, 1940 followed different terms, so if your mark dates from before 2004, check the dates on its certificate and the registry record rather than assuming. Registration is administered by the Trade Marks Registry of the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan).
If you have not registered yet, start with our trademark registration guide, which covers searches, classes, examination and opposition.
When should you renew your trademark?
| Stage | Timing | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal window opens | Six months before expiry | File the renewal and pay the fee |
| Expiry date | 10 years from registration or last renewal | Renewal should already be filed |
| Late renewal | Limited period after the registry publishes the mark as unrenewed | Renew with the additional late fee |
| Removal | After the late period ends | Mark may be removed; a fresh application may be needed |
Do not wait for a reminder from the registry. Put the expiry date of every registration, in every class, into your company’s compliance calendar, alongside the deadlines in our Pakistani compliance calendar.
How do you renew a trademark in Pakistan, step by step?
- Confirm the record. Check the registration number, class, owner name and expiry date on the IPO-Pakistan record.
- Update ownership first if it has changed. If the business was incorporated, sold or renamed, record the assignment or change of name before or with the renewal, so the renewed registration is in the right name.
- File the renewal request and pay the fee for each registration and class within the renewal window.
- Keep the acknowledgement and follow up until the renewal is entered in the register.
Each class is a separate registration. A brand registered for clothing in Class 25 and for retail services in Class 35 needs two renewals.
Can a registered trademark be cancelled for non-use?
Yes. Renewing on time is not the only risk. A registered mark that has not been used for a continuous period of five years can be challenged and removed for non-use. Keep dated evidence of use: invoices, packaging, advertisements, website pages and catalogues showing the mark with the goods or services it is registered for. Our intellectual property audit guide explains how to organise this evidence alongside your other IP.
Common trademark renewal mistakes
- Renewing in the name of a founder when the company now owns and uses the brand
- Renewing one class and forgetting the others
- Relying on an agent who has since closed, with the registry address still pointing to them
- Renewing a logo that has since been redesigned, without registering the new version
- Assuming that a company name registered with SECP protects the brand; it does not replace trademark registration
Creative works such as logos, packaging artwork and software can also be protected by copyright; see our copyright registration guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a trademark registration last in Pakistan?
A trademark registered under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001 is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for further 10-year periods.
When can I renew my trademark?
The renewal fee can be paid during the last six months before the registration expires.
What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
The registry publishes the mark as unrenewed, and for a limited period afterwards you can still renew by paying an additional fee. After that, the mark can be removed from the register.
Can my trademark be cancelled even if it is renewed?
Yes. A registered mark that has not been used for a continuous period of five years can be challenged and removed for non-use, so keep evidence of use.
Do I need to renew each class separately?
Yes. Each class is a separate registration, so a brand registered in several classes needs a renewal for each one.
How CEC can help protect your brand
Connect Engineers & Consultants handles trademark searches, applications, renewals, assignments and portfolio reviews with IPO-Pakistan. See our intellectual property services.
Not sure when your trademark expires? Send us the registration number and we will check its status and renewal date.
Renewal periods, late-renewal rules and fees are set by the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001 and IPO-Pakistan rules, which may change. Confirm current requirements with IPO-Pakistan before filing. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
