Trademark Registration in Nepal
Registering a trademark in Nepal gives you exclusive legal rights to use your brand name, logo, or symbol for your business. Trademarks are protected for 7 years and can be renewed indefinitely. The registration authority is the Department of Industry.
What Is a Trademark?
According to Section 2(c) of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 BS (1965 AD), a trademark means: "any word, symbol, picture, or a combination thereof used by any firm, company, or individual in its products or services to distinguish them from the products or services of others."
In simple terms, a trademark is any unique identifier — a name, logo, slogan, or design — that sets your business apart from competitors. Examples of trademarks include company names, product names, logos, and distinctive packaging colors.
Why Register Your Trademark?
Exclusive Rights
You get the sole legal right to use your trademark for your registered class of goods or services in Nepal. No one else can legally use the same or confusingly similar mark.
Legal Protection
If someone copies your trademark, you can take legal action — including filing a court case and claiming damages.
Brand Value
A registered trademark is a business asset that can increase the value of your company, especially during investment rounds or acquisitions.
Can Be Licensed
You can license your trademark to other businesses and earn royalties, or sell the trademark as a business asset.
Deters Copying
The ® symbol (used after registration) signals that your brand is legally protected, discouraging competitors from copying it.
Consumer Trust
A registered trademark builds customer confidence by assuring them they are buying from the genuine, original brand.
Trademark Classes — What Do You Need to Register?
Nepal follows the Nice Classification System for trademarks, which divides all goods and services into 45 classes (Classes 1–34 for goods, Classes 35–45 for services). You must register your trademark under the specific class(es) that cover your products or services.
The above are just examples. You should register under all classes relevant to your business. Each class requires a separate application and fee.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing an application, search the Department of Industry's trademark database to check if your proposed mark is already registered or if a similar mark exists. Registering a mark that is too similar to an existing trademark will result in rejection. A professional trademark search reduces this risk.
- 2
Prepare the Trademark Application
Prepare your application with: a clear representation of your trademark (high-resolution image of the logo/wordmark), a description of the goods or services it will cover, and the class(es) under the Nice Classification that apply to your business.
- 3
Submit to the Department of Industry
Submit your trademark application at the Department of Industry (doind.gov.np) along with all required documents and the government application fee. If filing through a representative or agent, include a power of attorney.
- 4
Examination and Publication
The Department of Industry examines your application for compliance. If the application is in order and no similar trademarks are found, your mark is published in the Nepal Gazette (Rajpatra) for a public opposition period. During this period, any third party can file an objection.
- 5
Registration and Certificate
If no opposition is filed within the prescribed opposition period (or if any opposition is resolved in your favor), the Department of Industry registers your trademark and issues the Trademark Registration Certificate.
Required Documents
- Trademark application form (from Department of Industry)
- Clear representation of the trademark — logo, wordmark, or symbol (high resolution)
- List of goods and services the trademark will cover
- Company Registration Certificate (if filed by a company)
- Citizenship document of the applicant (for individuals)
- Power of attorney (if filed through an agent or representative)
- Government application fee (varies by class)
- Trademark search results showing no similar existing marks
Trademark Renewal
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Trademark validity period | 7 years from date of registration |
| Renewal period | Every 7 years (renewable indefinitely) |
| Renewal application timing | Apply before the trademark expires |
| Late renewal | Possible with additional late fee within grace period |
| Consequences of not renewing | Trademark lapses — no longer protected |
Need help with this process? Chartered Corporate Business Consulting handles it all for you — from start to finish.