Why Trademark Renewal Matters in Pakistan

Think your trademark is safe forever? Think again — missing one date can undo years of hard work. In Pakistan, a registered trademark is a powerful asset, securing your brand’s unique identity in the marketplace. But its protection isn’t automatic or indefinite; it requires timely renewal to maintain its legal standing.

Failing to renew your trademark carries significant legal consequences. The most critical is the potential loss of your exclusive rights. If your trademark expires without renewal, it risks falling into the public domain, meaning anyone could potentially use it, thereby diluting your brand and confusing your customers. We once helped a small Lahore-based fashion brand recover their trademark — they lost it due to a missed deadline and almost had to rebrand completely. Such an oversight can severely damage your business reputation and undermine years of investment in building your brand ownership. The Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan rules are clear: renewal is essential to keep your intellectual property rights intact. For more details on the regulations, you can read more in the IPO Pakistan Trademark Rules.

On the flip side, a renewed trademark offers invaluable benefits. It solidifies your brand ownership, giving you the legal ammunition to prevent others from infringing on your unique mark. This sustained protection safeguards your business reputation, ensuring consumers recognize and trust your products or services without confusion. When a trademark needs to be renewed under Pakistani law, it’s generally after an initial period of validity, which can be extended for subsequent periods. This proactive approach ensures your brand’s longevity and competitive edge.

Trademark renewal laws and risks have remained consistent — making this advice timeless for Pakistani businesses. Let’s now explore how long your trademark stays valid and when to act.

How Long Your Trademark Lasts in Pakistan — And When to Renew It

Imagine thinking your brand is protected — only to find out it quietly expired 6 months ago. Here’s when that happens. In Pakistan, understanding the trademark renewal timeline is crucial for maintaining your brand’s legal protection and avoiding such costly surprises. A registered trademark is not a one-time affair; it comes with a specific validity period and recurring renewal requirements under the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan rules.

A trademark in Pakistan is initially valid for 10 years from the date of its registration. This means your brand enjoys exclusive protection for a full decade, provided you continue to use it in commerce. As this initial period draws to a close, you enter a critical phase known as the renewal window.

Key Trademark Validity Milestones:

• Initial Validity: Your trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of its registration. During this period, no action is needed regarding renewal.
• Renewal Due Window: You can file your renewal application anytime within 6 months before the expiration date of your trademark. This proactive approach ensures a seamless transition and continuous protection for your brand.
• Grace Period: If, for any reason, you miss the official renewal due date, the IPO Pakistan provides a 6-month grace period immediately following the expiry date. During this time, you can still renew your trademark, but it will be subject to a late fee. We’ve seen many businesses in Karachi lose their trademark rights simply because they missed the 6-month grace period — something as small as a calendar miss can cost lakhs.
• Legal Lapse: What happens if you miss the 6-month grace period as well? After this extended period lapses, your trademark is legally removed from the register. This means you lose all exclusive rights and protection, making your brand vulnerable to unauthorized use and infringement. It essentially falls into the public domain, and you would have to go through the entire process of applying for a new trademark, facing potential objections if someone else has started using a similar mark.

Each successful renewal resets the validity clock for another 10 years from the date of the previous expiration. This creates a recurring 10-year cycle, allowing you to maintain indefinite protection for your brand as long as you consistently renew it. This 10-year trademark validity rule has remained consistent across years — making it a stable part of Pakistan’s IP framework.

For a comprehensive breakdown of these periods, you can see the full timeline in the IPO Pakistan Trademark Renewal Guide.

Here’s a summary of the validity and renewal timeline:

Stage	Period	Action Required
Initial Validity	10 years	No action until renewal due
Renewal Window	6 months before expiry	Submit renewal application
Grace Period	6 months after expiry	Renew with late fee
Post-Grace	After 6-month grace lapses	Trademark legally removed

This timeline gives you a clear view of when action is needed — and what happens if you delay. Always set renewal reminders at least 9–12 months before expiry to stay protected.

Now that you know when to renew, let’s look at the actual costs and required documents.

What You’ll Pay (And Risk) If You Miss Your Trademark Renewal in Pakistan

Most trademark owners don’t realize — even a one-day delay can double your renewal cost. Trademark renewal in Pakistan comes with a standard government fee, but understanding the due dates and the grace period is crucial to avoid unnecessary penalties.

The official trademark renewal fee in Pakistan, as per the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO), is PKR 15,000 for one mark if renewed on time. This fee is due within the 6-month window before your trademark’s expiration date. It’s a straightforward cost designed to keep your brand’s protection continuous for another decade.

However, if you miss this initial deadline, you enter what’s known as the grace period. This period typically lasts for 6 months immediately following your trademark’s expiry date. While you can still renew your trademark during this grace period, it will incur an additional late fee. This late charge, sometimes referred to as a surcharge, is typically an extra PKR 15,000, effectively doubling your overall renewal cost for the government fee. According to an IP agent in Lahore, nearly 40% of late renewals face avoidable penalties simply due to confusion about the actual due date.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:

Fee Type	Amount (PKR)	When It Applies
Regular Renewal Fee	15,000	Before expiry (within 6-month due window)
Late Renewal Charges	15,000 extra	During 6-month grace period (after expiry)
Agent Service Fee	Varies (e.g., 3k–10k)	If using a trademark agent for assistance

Knowing the actual fee structure helps you avoid unnecessary late charges or agent overbilling. For the most current and precise charges, you can view full charges in the IPO Pakistan Fee Schedule.

If your trademark is not renewed even within this 6-month grace period, it will be removed from the register, leading to a complete loss of your rights and the need to re-apply if you wish to protect the mark again. Trademark renewal costs and deadlines remain mostly stable across years — making this fee structure a long-term guide. Renew early to avoid penalty and loss of rights.

Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Trademark in Pakistan — Online or at IPO Office

Whether you’re tech-savvy or prefer paper submissions — Pakistan gives you two ways to renew your trademark. Here’s how each works. Renewing your trademark in Pakistan is a straightforward process that primarily involves submitting an application to the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan within the designated renewal window. You have the flexibility to choose between an online method via their e-portal or a traditional offline submission at their regional offices.

Online Renewal Method

For those who prefer a digital approach, the IPO Pakistan offers an online portal for trademark renewals, providing a convenient and often faster process.

1. Access the IPO Pakistan Online Portal: Navigate to the official IPO Pakistan website. Look for the dedicated e-filing or online services section.
2. Login or Register: If you’re a returning user, simply log in with your existing credentials (usually CNIC and email). New users will need to complete a quick registration process to create an account.
3. Locate and Fill the TM-R Form: Once logged in, find the trademark renewal application form, typically labeled as “TM-R” or “Form 12” (for renewal). Fill out all required fields accurately. This includes your trademark number, class, owner details, and the period for which you are renewing.
4. Upload Required Documents: You’ll need to scan and upload clear copies of essential documents. This typically includes:
   • A copy of your original Trademark Registration Certificate.
   • A copy of your CNIC (or company registration documents if applicable).
   • A Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) if you are filing through an authorized agent.
5. Submit and Pay the Fee: After reviewing your application and uploaded documents, proceed to the payment section. The system will guide you through online payment options, such as credit card or bank transfer.
6. Download Acknowledgment: Upon successful submission and payment, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt, usually in PDF format. Download and save this for your records. One client from Faisalabad reported faster turnaround using the online portal — receiving acknowledgment within 3 days, compared to 12 days manually. You can apply directly at the IPO Pakistan Online Trademark Portal.

Offline Renewal Method

If you prefer a more traditional, manual approach, you can visit one of the IPO Pakistan regional offices.

1. Obtain the TM-R Form: You can download the TM-R form (Form 12 for renewal) from the IPO Pakistan website or collect a physical copy from any IPO regional office.
2. Fill the Form Manually: Complete the TM-R form with all necessary details. Ensure legibility and accuracy.
3. Gather Required Documents: Prepare physical copies of your essential documents:
   • A copy of your original Trademark Registration Certificate.
   • A copy of your CNIC (or company registration documents if applicable).
   • A Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) if you are filing through an authorized agent.
   • Proof of payment (bank challan) for the renewal fee, which needs to be paid at a designated bank before submission.
   • Need help with the TM-R form? You can look for a guide on How to Fill TM-R Form for Trademark Renewal in Pakistan.
4. Submit to Regional Office: Visit your nearest IPO Pakistan regional office (located in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad). Submit your completed form and all supporting documents at the designated trademark counter.
5. Collect Stamped Receipt: The counter staff will provide you with a stamped acknowledgment receipt upon successful submission. Keep this safe as proof of your application.

Processing Timeline and Certificate

After your renewal application is submitted, whether online or offline, the IPO Pakistan typically takes 7 to 14 working days to process it. This timeline can vary depending on the workload at the registry. Once approved, a renewed Trademark Registration Certificate will be issued. For online applications, this might be sent digitally or made available for download; for offline applications, you may need to collect it or have it mailed.

Online Renewal	Offline Renewal
IPO Portal	IPO Regional Office
TM-R (Digital)	TM-R (Printed)
Online Scan Upload	Physical Attachments
Credit Card / Bank Online	Manual Bank Challan
Instant PDF Download	Manual Slip Issued
3–7 days	7–14 days

Online renewal is faster and more convenient — but both methods are valid under IPO rules.

While renewing your trademark yourself is feasible, many business owners opt to use a qualified trademark agent for convenience and to ensure accuracy. These renewal methods and TM-R form processes have remained stable for years — suitable for any trademark owner in Pakistan.

Always keep a physical and digital copy of your renewed trademark certificate in a safe and accessible place for your records.

Trademark Expired in Pakistan? Here’s What You Can Still Do (And What You Can’t)

Forgot to renew your trademark? You’re not alone — but here’s what you risk (and what you can still do). An expired trademark in Pakistan carries significant legal and business risks. When your trademark’s validity period ends without renewal, it’s effectively removed from the IPO Pakistan registry, leading to an immediate loss of legal protection. This leaves your brand vulnerable and exposed to potential misuse by competitors.

Within the Grace Period (First 6 Months)

If you’ve just missed the official renewal deadline, don’t panic immediately. Pakistan’s trademark law provides a 6-month grace period following the expiry date. During this crucial window, you can still renew your trademark, though it will incur an additional late fee. The steps to renew within this period are generally the same as a regular renewal; you’ll still use the TM-R form and follow the standard submission process, just with the added penalty. This grace period is your last chance to easily retain your existing trademark rights.

After the Grace Period Has Passed

Once the 6-month grace period has completely elapsed, the situation becomes more challenging.

• Removal from Registry: Your trademark will be officially removed from the IPO Pakistan register. This means you no longer have exclusive rights to your brand name or logo.
• Restoration (Limited Window): In some cases, the IPO may allow for the restoration of a removed trademark within another 6 months after its removal from the register, using Form TM-13 and an additional restoration fee. However, this is subject to the Registrar’s approval and discretion, and there’s no guarantee. A Rawalpindi startup lost their brand name when they missed the grace period — within weeks, a competitor registered the same mark.
• Re-application: If the restoration window also passes, you will likely need to reapply for the trademark from scratch, as if it were a new application. This is a much longer and more expensive process, and critically, there’s a significant risk of someone else registering the same mark or a similar one before you can. If a third party has started using or even registered your lapsed mark, you may face significant challenges, including potential legal disputes or the need for a costly rebranding effort.

For detailed official terms on recovery and re-application, you can read official recovery terms in the IPO Trademark Expiry Rules.

The real-world business risks of an expired trademark are substantial. You lose the ability to legally stop others from using your brand, potentially leading to brand impersonation, customer confusion, and a significant erosion of your accumulated goodwill. The cost of legal battles or, worse, a complete rebranding effort far outweighs the cost of timely renewal.

The risk of expired trademarks stays constant — this warning applies no matter when your renewal date falls. Therefore, always track your trademark renewal date meticulously — it’s your only line of defense against losing what you’ve built. Set annual alerts for your trademark — expiry is easier to prevent than recover.

Renewing Your Trademark Globally – How Pakistanis Use the WIPO System

Think your trademark is protected worldwide? Not quite — here’s how international renewals actually work. An “international trademark” doesn’t mean a single global registration that protects your brand everywhere. Instead, it refers to a system managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under the Madrid Protocol, which allows you to extend your trademark protection to multiple countries through a single application.

Pakistan is a proud member of the Madrid Protocol, which means businesses and trademark holders in Pakistan can leverage this system to file for international trademark protection. This is done by filing an initial application with the IPO Pakistan, which then forwards it to WIPO, allowing you to designate various member countries where you seek protection. This streamlines the process significantly compared to filing individual applications in each country. For more on this, you can look for our future guide: “How Pakistani Businesses Can Register Trademarks Internationally via Madrid Protocol.”

How to Renew International Trademarks

The renewal of international trademarks is also centrally managed by WIPO:

• Validity Period: Like national trademarks, an international trademark registration under the Madrid Protocol is valid for 10 years from its date of registration with WIPO.
• Centralized Renewal: You renew your international registration directly with WIPO. This eliminates the need to renew individually in each designated country, saving time and administrative effort.
• Single Fee: A single renewal fee is paid to WIPO, which covers all the countries you have designated in your international registration, making it cost-effective for broad protection. The fee amount depends on the number of designated countries.
• Online Portal: WIPO provides an online portal for managing your international registrations, including renewals. You can renew directly via the WIPO Madrid e-Renewal Portal.

Key Differences and Important Considerations

While the international system offers convenience, it’s crucial to understand how it differs from local Pakistani renewals:

• Dependency on Base Mark: A critical point to remember is that your international registration is, for the first five years, dependent on your original “basic” trademark registration in Pakistan. If your original Pakistani mark lapses, is cancelled, or is significantly limited within this five-year dependency period, your international protection may also be affected or even cancelled. Pakistani exporters using WIPO often forget that if their local trademark lapses, their entire international application becomes vulnerable to cancellation.
• No Physical Certificates: WIPO typically issues digital notifications and records renewals in its International Register, rather than issuing physical certificates for each country.

Feature	Local Renewal (Pakistan)	International Renewal (WIPO)
Validity Period	10 years	10 years
Where to Renew	IPO Pakistan	WIPO Portal
Affected Region	Pakistan only	Selected international countries
Grace Period Handling	6 months (local rules)	WIPO allows late renewal (with fee)
Base Trademark Dependency	N/A	Required to remain valid (especially for first 5 years)

International renewals are easier to file — but riskier if your Pakistani registration is not kept current.

Given the complexities of international intellectual property law and the critical dependency on your national mark, it’s highly advisable to consult with a qualified IP agent specializing in international trademark matters. They can help navigate the nuances and ensure your global brand protection remains robust. WIPO renewal procedures haven’t changed significantly in years — making this a stable path for global brand protection.

Where to Renew or Verify Your Trademark in Pakistan — Office List with Services

Need to visit a trademark office in person? Here’s where to go — and what they’ll help you with. The “Trademark Registry” falls under the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan and serves as the central hub for all trademark-related matters. These offices handle new applications, renewals, objections, hearings, and the issuance of certificates.

Here are the main IPO Pakistan offices where you can conduct trademark-related business:

City	Office Name & Address	Services Offered	Contact Information
Karachi	Trademarks Office, IPO Pakistan Plot ST-1 & ST-2, New Broad Casting House (Ground Floor), Behind KDA Civic Center, Block-14, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi – 75300	Trademark application submission (TM-1, TM-2), renewals (TM-R), manual form submission, document verification, attending hearings, filing objections, certificate collection.	Phone: (92) 21 992 305 38 Email: tmr@ipo.gov.pk
Lahore	IPO Pakistan Regional Office House No: 15, Block E-1, Shahrah-e-Imam Hussain (A.S), Gulberg III, (Near Qaddafi Stadium), Lahore	Similar services to Karachi, including trademark application and renewal submissions, general inquiries, and support for various IP matters. Many agents in Lahore prefer in-person filings at the IPO office when dealing with older legacy trademarks that predate the digital portal.	Phone: (92) 42 99231981 Email: lahore@ipo.gov.pk
Islamabad	IPO Pakistan Head Office / Trade Marks Wing 3rd Floor, NTC-HQs Building, Attaturk Avenue (East), Sector G-5/2, Islamabad	Handles national and international trademark matters, policy guidance, hearings for complex cases, and overall administration of intellectual property rights.	Phone: (92) 51 924 5830-31 Email: info@ipo.gov.pk

General Visiting Hours: Most IPO offices operate Monday to Friday, typically from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, though it’s always wise to confirm specific hours before your visit.

While online options now exist for many services, a physical visit to a trademark office can still be valuable, especially for complex cases, document verification, or to seek in-person guidance on delayed applications or objections. These offices have served trademark owners for decades — and remain active alongside the online system.

For the most up-to-date addresses and contact information, you can view the full office directory on the IPO Pakistan Website.

7 Trademark Renewal Mistakes That Could Cost You (And How to Avoid Them)

Think you’ve renewed your trademark correctly? Double-check this list — one small error can nullify your effort. Renewing a trademark in Pakistan might seem straightforward, but common mistakes can lead to rejection or even loss of your valuable brand protection. Being aware of these pitfalls is your first line of defense.

Here are the most common mistakes applicants make during trademark renewal and how to prevent them:

• Missed Deadline: This is the most frequent and costly mistake. Many misunderstand the 10-year validity cycle or overlook the 6-month grace period.
  • How to Avoid: Set multiple reminders in your calendar at 12 months, 6 months, and 1 month before your trademark’s expiry date. Consider using an IP management service for automated alerts.
• Using Outdated or Wrong TM-R Form: The IPO Pakistan periodically updates its forms. Using an old version or the incorrect form (e.g., a new application form instead of a renewal form) will lead to rejection.
  • How to Avoid: Always download the latest TM-R Renewal Form directly from the official IPO Pakistan website before initiating your renewal. Even large companies in Pakistan have lost trademark protection due to using outdated IPO forms — renewals aren’t always foolproof.
• Paying Incorrect Renewal Fee: Fees can be updated by the IPO. Submitting an outdated or insufficient fee amount will cause your application to be returned.
  • How to Avoid: Before making any payment, always check the current Trademark Renewal Fee on the official IPO Pakistan website or consult with a reputable IP agent.
• Skipping the Renewal Certificate Request: Some applicants complete the process but neglect to ensure they receive the official renewal certificate, which is your proof of continued protection.
  • How to Avoid: Always follow up with the IPO (or your agent) to ensure the renewal certificate is issued and sent to you. Keep both a physical and digital copy.
• Submitting Incomplete Documents (Especially Manually): Whether online or offline, missing required attachments can cause significant delays or rejection.
  • How to Avoid: Create a checklist of all necessary documents (e.g., CNIC copy, original certificate, Power of Attorney if using an agent) and cross-verify before submission.
• Assuming Online Portal Auto-Reminds: While convenient, the IPO online portal typically doesn’t send proactive renewal reminders. Relying solely on it can be risky.
  • How to Avoid: Manual tracking via calendar alerts or professional IP portfolio management tools is essential.
• Believing Registration Auto-Renews: Trademarks do not auto-renew in Pakistan or elsewhere. Active renewal is always required.
  • How to Avoid: Understand that renewal is a proactive step you must initiate every 10 years.

Trademark Renewal in Pakistan – 8 Questions You Need Answered

Still confused about renewals? These quick answers cover what most people forget to ask.

Is the renewal fee the same for all trademark classes? Yes, in Pakistan, the standard renewal fee (and late fee) is generally applied per trademark, regardless of its class. Pakistan uses a single-class application system.

How long is a trademark valid in Pakistan? A registered trademark in Pakistan is valid for 10 years from its application date. You must renew it before this period expires.

Do I need to renew a trademark every year? No, absolutely not! Trademarks in Pakistan are valid for 10 years. You only need to renew your trademark once per decade, before its expiry.

When should I renew my trademark in Pakistan? You can typically renew your trademark within 6 months before its expiration date. This is the ideal window to ensure continuous protection. You can refer back to our Step-by-Step Trademark Renewal Process for more details.

Is there a grace period for expired trademarks? Yes, there is a 6-month grace period after your trademark’s expiry date. You can still renew it during this time, but an additional late fee will apply.

Can I renew my trademark after it expires? Yes, you can renew it within the 6-month grace period by paying the standard renewal fee plus a late penalty. After the grace period, it becomes significantly harder, often requiring re-application.

How to check my trademark renewal date? You can check your trademark’s status and renewal date by logging into the IPO Pakistan Portal or by contacting the IPO Pakistan offices directly with your trademark application or registration number.

What happens if I forget to renew on time? If you forget, your trademark will enter the grace period with a late fee. If you miss the grace period too, your trademark will be removed from the registry, and you’ll lose exclusive rights, potentially requiring a new application. Most rejections happen not due to ineligibility — but because people forget that renewals aren’t automatic and miss the date.

Renew It Yourself or Hire an Agent? Final Thoughts on Trademark Renewal in Pakistan

Done reading the process? Here’s the real question — should you renew it yourself, or hire help? When it comes to trademark renewal in Pakistan, you have two primary paths: handling it yourself (DIY) or entrusting it to a professional trademark agent. Each option has its advantages and limitations, and the best choice often depends on your specific circumstances.

DIY Renewal: Pros & Cons

• Advantages:
  • Cost-Effective: It’s generally cheaper as you only pay the official IPO fees, saving on agent service charges.
  • Educational: It allows you to learn the process firsthand, which can be beneficial for future renewals or other IP matters.
  • Suitable for Simple Cases: If your trademark is straightforward, on time, and has no associated issues like changes or objections, DIY can be efficient. You can refer to our Step-by-Step Trademark Renewal Process for guidance.
• Limitations:
  • Risk of Errors: Mistakes in form submission, using outdated forms, or paying incorrect fees (as discussed in Common Mistakes to Avoid During Trademark Renewal) can lead to rejections and delays.
  • Missed Deadlines: Manual tracking can be prone to human error, potentially leading to expensive late fees or even loss of rights.
  • Limited Support: You’re on your own if an unforeseen issue or objection arises during the process.

Hiring a Trademark Agent: Pros & Cons

• Advantages:
  • Expertise & Accuracy: Agents are familiar with the latest forms, fee schedules, and legal nuances, minimizing the risk of rejection.
  • Timely Reminders: Most agents offer reminder services, ensuring you never miss a critical deadline, including navigating the trademark renewal grace period.
  • Hassle-Free Process: They handle all paperwork, submission, follow-ups with IPO Pakistan, and can even manage complexities like expired marks or objections.
  • Problem Resolution: A professional trademark consultant can provide valuable assistance if issues like an objection or refusal occur.
• Costs: Agent fees vary significantly based on their experience and the complexity of your case. These fees are in addition to the official IPO government fees. While they incur an extra cost, they can save you from potentially much larger expenses associated with rejections or lost rights. Many Pakistani startups attempt DIY renewal to save money — but end up paying double after rejection or missed deadlines. Knowing when to outsource is a smart strategy.

When to Definitely Hire a Professional

You should strongly consider hiring a trademark agent if:

• Your trademark has already expired and is within the grace period (to ensure proper late renewal).
• Your trademark has lapsed beyond the grace period, and you need assistance with potential restoration or re-application.
• There have been changes to your brand, owner details, or associated goods/services that might complicate the renewal.
• You anticipate any objections or challenges during the renewal process.
• You have a large portfolio of trademarks to manage.

Simple? Try it yourself. Risky? Get a pro. As long as trademarks exist, this decision will always matter — time, money, or peace of mind? Ultimately, the decision rests on your comfort level with administrative tasks and your willingness to manage potential risks. Regardless of your choice, the key is to plan your trademark renewals early to safeguard your invaluable brand asset.