Trademark Registration in Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Why Register Your Brand?

In Nepal, simply registering a company name does not give you ownership of the brand name. To legally own your logo and brand name, you must register it as a Trademark under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965). Without this, anyone can copy your brand, and you will have little legal recourse.

The Registration Process (4 Steps)

The Department of Industry (DOI) handles all intellectual property registrations. The process is lengthy but necessary.

Step 1: Filing the Application

Submit the application at the DOI (Tripureshwor) with:

• Application Form (Anusuchi 1).
• 4 copies of the Logo/Wordmark (Black & White + Color).
• Copy of Company Registration & Tax Certificate (PAN/VAT).
• Power of Attorney (if using a lawyer).
• Time: Immediate (you get a receipt/darta number).

Step 2: Preliminary Examination

The DOI officers check if your mark conflicts with existing trademarks (phonetically or visually).

• Time: This creates the biggest bottleneck, often taking 6 to 9 months.

Step 3: Publication in IP Bulletin

If approved, your trademark is published in the Industrial Property Bulletin (IP Journal).

• Opposition Period: This opens a 90-day window for the public. Any third party can file an opposition if they claim your mark infringes on theirs.

Step 4: Registration Certificate

If no opposition is filed within 90 days, the DOI grants the Trademark Registration Certificate.

• Total Time: Realistically, 12 to 18 months.

Costs Involved (Estimated)

• Application Fee: ~NPR 1,000 to 2,000 per class.
• Publication Fee: ~NPR 5,000 (if approved).
• Registration Fee: ~NPR 5,000.
• Lawyer Fees: Varies (NPR 15,000 to 30,000) for handling the entire year-long execution.

Important Facts

• Validity: The trademark is valid for 7 years from the date of registration and can be renewed indefinitely every 7 years.
• First-to-File: Nepal follows the “First-to-File” rule. Even if you have been using a name for 10 years, if someone else registers it first, they legally own it.

Conclusion

Waiting until you are “big enough” to register a trademark is a mistake. The cost of registration is tiny compared to the cost of rebranding your entire business later because someone “stole” your name legally.