Trademark Registration & Opposition Lawyers in Nepal | Vidhijnya Lawyers 

Protect your brand identity with expert trademark filing, registration, and opposition services in Nepal. Contact Vidhijnya Lawyers. 

Trademark Filing, Registration, and Opposition 

Your brand is your market identity, and protecting it is critical. Vidhijnya Lawyers provides comprehensive trademark services governed by the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965). We handle the entire lifecycle—from conducting initial clearance searches and filing applications with the Department of Industry (DoI), to managing complex opposition proceedings, renewals, and litigating trademark infringement. Secure your brand monopoly in Nepal today. 

Foreign Trademark Registration in Nepal

Foreign businesses planning to enter the Nepalese market should consider registering their trademarks before commencing business operations. Trademark registration grants the owner exclusive rights to use the mark in Nepal and provides legal remedies against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use.

In Nepal, foreign trademarks are governed by the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965) and administered by the Department of Industry (DOI) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.

Can a Foreign Company Register a Trademark in Nepal?

Yes. Foreign companies, corporations, and individuals are eligible to register trademarks in Nepal. However, because Nepal is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, international trademark registrations do not automatically receive protection in Nepal. Foreign applicants must file a separate national trademark application with the Department of Industry, usually through a locally authorized lawyer or trademark agent.

Documents Required

A foreign applicant generally needs to submit:

• Completed trademark application form.

• A clear representation of the trademark (word mark, logo, label, or device mark).

• Power of Attorney (POA) authorizing a local attorney or trademark agent.

• Certified copy of the applicant's Company Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation.

• Home Registration Certificate (if the trademark is already registered in the applicant's home country, where applicable).

• Details of the goods or services under the appropriate Nice Classification.

• Government filing fee receipt.

• Any additional documents requested by the Department of Industry.

Registration Process

The registration procedure generally includes the following steps:

1. Trademark Search – Conduct a preliminary search to identify any identical or confusingly similar registered trademarks.

2. File the Application – Submit the application and supporting documents to the Department of Industry.

3. Examination – The Department reviews the application to ensure compliance with the Patent, Design and Trademark Act and checks for conflicts with existing trademarks.

4. Publication – If accepted, the application is published in the Industrial Property Bulletin.

5. Opposition Period – Any interested party may file an opposition within 90 days of publication.

6. Registration – If no opposition is filed, or if the opposition is resolved in favor of the applicant, the Department issues the Trademark Registration Certificate.

Time Required

Where no opposition or objection is raised, the registration process generally takes 6 to 9 months from the date of filing, although the timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the application and the department's workload.

Validity and Renewal

A registered trademark remains valid for seven (7) years from the date of registration. It may be renewed for successive seven-year periods by paying the prescribed renewal fee before expiry. Failure to renew within the prescribed period may result in cancellation of the trademark registration.

Why Should Foreign Businesses Register Their Trademarks?

Registering a trademark in Nepal allows foreign businesses to:

• Obtain exclusive legal rights to their brand.

• Prevent unauthorized use or imitation by competitors.

• Enforce trademark rights against infringement.

• Build consumer trust and brand recognition.

• Support licensing, franchising, and business expansion in Nepal.

Obtaining trademark protection before launching products or services in Nepal is a prudent business strategy and helps safeguard valuable intellectual property rights.