A trademark application in Pakistan can take well over a year to reach registration. Finding out halfway through that someone already owns a similar mark, or receiving an opposition after you have printed packaging, is expensive. A proper trademark search before filing is the cheapest insurance a brand owner can buy. This guide explains how to search the IPO-Pakistan records, when to order an official search, how to read the results and what to do if you find a conflict.
Quick answer: To check whether a brand name is available in Pakistan, search the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) trademark records online in the classes that cover your goods or services, then confirm with an official search by filing Form TM-55 with the Trade Marks Registry for each class. Look for identical marks and for marks that look, sound or mean the same, including Urdu transliterations and logos. A clear search reduces the risk of objection and opposition, but it cannot guarantee registration, because the Registrar also examines distinctiveness.
Why a search matters in Pakistan
Pakistan follows a first-to-file system under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001. The Registrar examines new applications against earlier marks, and any third party can oppose your application after it is advertised in the Trademarks Journal. A search before filing helps you:
- Avoid paying filing fees for a mark that will be refused.
- Reduce the chance of an opposition, which can add months or years. Our guide to trademark objections and oppositions explains what happens if one arrives.
- Spot a competitor’s mark before you invest in signage, packaging and online marketing.
- Choose classes and wording for your application more accurately.
Step 1: Identify the right classes
Trademarks are registered by class under the Nice Classification, which has 45 classes: 1 to 34 for goods and 35 to 45 for services. A search is only meaningful in the classes you will use, plus closely related ones. A few examples:
| Business | Likely classes |
|---|---|
| Clothing brand | 25 (clothing), 35 (retail and online store services) |
| Cosmetics manufacturer | 3 (cosmetics), sometimes 5 for medicated products |
| Restaurant or cafe | 43 (food and drink services), 30 or 29 for packaged food |
| Software house | 9 (downloadable software), 42 (software development and SaaS) |
| Consultancy firm | 35 (business consultancy), 45 (legal services) or 42 as relevant |
Related classes matter because the Registrar and opponents look at whether consumers could be confused. A juice brand and a bottled water brand in different classes can still clash.
Step 2: Run a preliminary online search
IPO-Pakistan provides an online trademark search through its website. Use it to search:
- The exact word. Then common misspellings and spacing variations.
- Phonetic equivalents. Words that sound the same in Urdu or English, such as different spellings of the same Urdu word.
- Meaning. Translations between English and Urdu, which can be treated as similar.
- Distinctive parts. If your mark is two words, search each distinctive word on its own.
Record each hit with its application or registration number, owner, class, status and goods or services. Online records can lag behind recent filings, so treat a clear online result as a first screen, not a final answer.
Step 3: Order an official search (TM-55)
For a more reliable check, file a search request on Form TM-55 with the Trade Marks Registry, with a clear representation of the mark and the class to be searched. The Registry searches its records and reports marks it considers identical or similar. The official fee is charged per class, so list only the classes you need. Check the current fee on IPO-Pakistan’s fee schedule before filing.
Logos and device marks need special care. Word searches will not catch a similar symbol, so describe the device elements clearly and include the image with the request.
Step 4: Read the results like an examiner
When you find an earlier mark, ask:
- Is it identical or similar? Compare the look, sound and idea of the marks, not just the spelling.
- Are the goods or services the same or related? Same class is a warning sign; related goods in another class can still be a problem.
- What is its status? A registered mark is a stronger barrier than an abandoned application. A registration that was not renewed may have lapsed. See our trademark renewal guide.
- Is the earlier mark actually used? Marks not used for a long period may be open to removal, but that is a separate legal action.
Step 5: Check beyond the register
The register is not the only risk. Unregistered marks with genuine use can still be protected through passing off. Before you commit, also check:
- Marketplaces, social media and Google for businesses already trading under the name.
- SECP company names and domain names. These do not give trademark rights, but they show who else is using the name.
- Export markets, if you plan to sell abroad. Search there too before building the brand.
What to do with the results
| Search result | Practical next step |
|---|---|
| No identical or similar marks | File promptly, since rights depend on filing date |
| Similar mark in an unrelated class | Usually file, with a carefully worded specification |
| Similar mark in the same or related class | Modify the mark, narrow the goods, or seek consent or a coexistence agreement |
| Identical mark registered for the same goods | Choose a different brand, or investigate non-use before proceeding |
Once you decide to file, our trademark registration guide walks through the application, examination, advertisement and registration stages.
Common trademark search mistakes
- Searching only the exact spelling and missing phonetic or Urdu equivalents.
- Searching one class when the business will expand into others.
- Relying on domain or company name availability as proof the brand is free.
- Choosing a descriptive name, such as “Best Cement”, that is clear on the register but weak on distinctiveness.
- Waiting months after a clear search, while someone else files first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a trademark is registered in Pakistan?
Search IPO-Pakistan’s online trademark records in the relevant classes, then confirm with an official search on Form TM-55 filed with the Trade Marks Registry.
Is a trademark search mandatory before filing?
No, but it is strongly advisable. It reduces the risk of refusal and opposition and helps you draft the application correctly.
What is Form TM-55?
TM-55 is the form used to request an official search of the Trade Marks Registry records for a mark in a particular class.
Does a clear search guarantee registration?
No. The Registrar also examines distinctiveness and may raise objections, and third parties can still oppose after advertisement.
Should I search Urdu versions of my brand name?
Yes. Marks that sound alike or share the same meaning in Urdu and English can be treated as similar.
How CEC can help
Connect Engineers & Consultants runs online and official trademark searches, advises on classes and risk, and files and follows up trademark applications with IPO-Pakistan. See our intellectual property services, or start with an IP audit if you have several brands.
Choosing a new brand name? Send us your shortlist and we will check it before you file.
Trademark procedures and fees are set by IPO-Pakistan and may change. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
