Overview
Who needs this?
- Businesses launching a brand, product name or logo in Nepal
- Foreign companies extending an existing mark to the Nepali market
- Restaurants, schools and clinics whose name is their main asset
- Startups preparing for investment who need to show ownership of their brand
Requirements
You should be able to say yes to each of these before you start.
- The applicant is a registered business or an individual with a valid citizenship or passport
- The mark is distinctive and not descriptive of the goods themselves
- The mark does not copy or closely resemble a mark already on the register
- The mark does not use national symbols, offensive words or misleading claims
Where are you now?
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Stage 1 of 5 · Search
- 1Search
- 2Filing
- 3Examination
- 4Publication
- 5Certificate
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What typically comes next: Filing — usually the step “Prepare and file the application” below.Jump to the steps
Step-by-step procedure
- 1
Step 1
1–3 daysSearch the trademark register
Before filing, search the Department of Industry records for identical or similar marks in your class. A search avoids paying fees for a mark that will be refused or opposed.
Department of Industry
Tip: Search for similar spellings and Devanagari versions too, not just the exact word.
- 2
Step 2
1 dayPrepare and file the application
Complete the form, attach the specimens and identity documents, and pay the filing fee at the department. You receive an application number and filing date, which fixes your priority.
Department of Industry, Tripureshwor
- 3
Step 3
2–4 monthsExamination by the department
An examiner checks the mark for distinctiveness and conflicts with existing registrations. If there is an objection you are given a chance to respond or amend the application.
Department of Industry
- 4
Step 4
90 daysPublication in the Industrial Property Bulletin
Accepted marks are published so that anyone with an earlier right can object. The opposition period runs for 90 days from publication.
Department of Industry (IP Bulletin)
Tip: Keep an eye on the bulletin yourself; you may want to oppose marks that copy yours.
- 5
Step 5
1–3 monthsDeal with any opposition
If a third party files an opposition, both sides submit written arguments and the department decides. Most applications pass without any opposition at all.
Department of Industry
- 6
Step 6
1–2 weeksPay the registration fee and collect the certificate
After the opposition period closes, pay the registration fee and collect your trademark certificate. Mark your calendar for renewal every seven years.
Department of Industry
Documents required
Tick items off as you gather them.
0 of 6 ready · 4 required
Estimated cost
| Item | Typical range (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | Rs. 1,000 – 6,000 | Filing plus registration fee per mark and class. |
| Professional fee | Rs. 12,000 – 30,000 | Search, drafting and follow-up through publication. |
| Other expenses | Rs. 1,000 – 5,000 | Printing specimens, notarisation and translations for foreign marks. |
| Indicative total | Rs. 14,000 – 41,000 | Sum of the ranges above. |
Estimated timeline
6–12 months
Typical end-to-end duration once your documents are ready. Most of the time is spent waiting for examination and the 90-day publication period.
Relevant laws
The provisions each stage of this procedure rests on.
Frequently asked questions
Related services
Need a hand?
Talk to a Legal Advisor about trademark registration
A 30-minute consultation is usually enough to confirm your documents, spot the step most likely to delay you and agree a plan.