Nexus Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. | Updated April 2026
A trademark is any word, logo, symbol, design, or combination that distinguishes your goods or services from those of others. In Nepal, a trademark does not receive legal protection until it is officially registered with the Department of Industry (DOI).
Once registered, you gain the exclusive right to use your mark across Nepal — no competitor can legally use an identical or confusingly similar mark for the same class of goods or services. Registration also allows you to take legal action against infringers, license or sell your mark, and build long-term brand equity with customers and investors.
Quick facts:
- Validity period: 7 years, renewable indefinitely
- Processing time: 6–9 months (if no opposition is filed); often 12–14 months in practice
- Application fee: NPR 1,000 per class (domestic applicants)
- Registration fee: NPR 5,000 per class, paid upon approval
Legal Framework
Trademark protection in Nepal is governed by the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 1965 (2022 B.S.), commonly known as the PDTA. This law sets out the rights, obligations, procedures, and penalties relating to trademark ownership and infringement.
Nepal is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a signatory to the Paris Convention and the TRIPS Agreement, which allow foreign trademark owners to claim priority and seek enforcement in Nepal based on prior registration abroad.
Note for foreign applicants: Nepal is not a signatory to the Madrid Protocol. This means international trademark registrations through WIPO do not automatically extend to Nepal — a separate local application is required, and foreign applicants must file through a licensed Nepali trademark agent.
The Department of Industry (DOI), under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, is the sole authority responsible for registering and administering trademarks in Nepal.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
1. Trademark Search & Clearance Before filing, it’s wise to search the DOI’s trademark database to confirm no identical or confusingly similar mark already exists in your intended class. This step is recommended, not mandatory, but it helps avoid refusal and wasted fees.
2. Prepare & Submit Application Complete the official application form, attach the required documents, and include four specimens of the trademark. Each application covers only one class — multi-class filings aren’t permitted. Applications are filed in person at the DOI office in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, with a fee of NPR 1,000 per class for domestic applicants (NPR 2,000 for foreign applicants).
3. Preliminary Examination The DOI’s Intellectual Property Section reviews the application for completeness, legal compliance, distinctiveness, and potential conflicts with existing marks. This typically takes 2–4 months; prompt responses to any queries help avoid delays.
4. Publication in the Industrial Property Bulletin Marks that clear examination are published in the DOI’s quarterly bulletin, giving public notice of the pending registration.
5. Opposition Period (90 Days) After publication, third parties have 90 days to formally oppose the registration. If an opposition is filed, the DOI holds a hearing, which can significantly extend the timeline.
6. Final Registration & Certificate If no opposition arises (or it’s resolved in the applicant’s favor), the DOI issues an official Certificate of Trademark Registration once the registration fee (NPR 5,000 per class, domestic) is paid.
Required Documents
- Completed application form — one original set, including applicant details and a description of goods/services (mandatory)
- Four specimens of the trademark (mandatory)
- Company registration certificate — or business registration for sole proprietors (mandatory for companies)
- Citizenship certificate or passport copy (mandatory for individuals)
- PAN certificate (mandatory)
- Power of Attorney — required if filing through an agent, signed, sealed, and witnessed
- Home country registration certificate — required for foreign applicants
- Priority documents — required only if claiming priority under the Paris Convention
Fee Schedule
| Fee Type | Domestic | Foreign | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application (Rajaswa) | NPR 1,000 | NPR 2,000 | Per class, at filing |
| Registration | NPR 5,000 | NPR 10,000 | Per class, upon approval |
| Renewal | NPR 500 | NPR 1,000 | Per 7-year cycle |
| Late renewal penalty | NPR 1,000 | NPR 1,000 | Within 6 months of grace period |
| Minimum total (1 class) | ≈ NPR 6,000 | ≈ NPR 12,000 | Government fees only |
Professional service fees for document preparation and DOI liaison vary by scope — contact Nexus Advisory for a tailored quote.
Trademark Classification
Nepal follows the Nice Classification (12th Edition), with 45 total classes — Classes 1–34 for goods, and 35–45 for services. A separate application and fee applies to each class. Common classes for Nepali businesses include Class 25 (clothing), Class 30 (food & beverages), Class 35 (retail/business services), Class 36 (financial services), Class 42 (technology/software), and Class 43 (hospitality).
Grounds for Refusal
Under Section 18(1) of the PDTA, the DOI may reject an application if the mark:
- Damages the reputation of a person or institution
- Contradicts public conduct, morality, or national interest
- Damages the goodwill of an existing registered trademark
- Is identical or confusingly similar to an already registered mark in the same class
- Lacks distinctiveness (purely generic or descriptive)
- Fails to meet filing requirements
Multi-class applications are not permitted — businesses needing protection across categories (e.g., clothing and restaurants) must file separately for each class.
Renewal & Enforcement
Renewal: Registration is valid for 7 years and must be renewed within 35 days before expiry. Missing this window allows a late renewal (with a NPR 1,000 penalty) within the next 6 months, after which the DOI cancels the registration automatically.
Non-use cancellation: A mark can be cancelled if unused for 1 year after registration.
Infringement: Unauthorized use of a registered trademark violates Section 16(2) of the PDTA, with penalties up to NPR 100,000 and confiscation of infringing goods.
Transfer & licensing: Marks can be sold or licensed, but agreements should be recorded with the DOI for legal enforceability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an individual register a trademark, without a business? Yes — any natural person, company, trust, or society can apply, with no requirement for a formally registered business.
Can I use ™ before registration is complete? Yes, as soon as you’ve filed your application. The ® symbol is reserved for marks that have completed registration.
How long does the process take? Typically 12–14 months without opposition; 2–3 years if opposed.
Can one application cover multiple classes? No — Nepal requires a separate application and fee for each class.
What if someone opposes my trademark? They have 90 days from publication to file. The DOI holds a hearing where both sides present evidence; the application proceeds or is rejected based on the outcome.
Does a trademark registered abroad protect me in Nepal? No — since Nepal isn’t part of the Madrid Protocol, a separate local filing is required. Foreign applicants may claim a 6-month priority window under the Paris Convention if they hold a valid home-country registration.
Can Nexus handle the entire process? Yes — Nexus Advisory provides end-to-end trademark registration services, from search and document preparation through DOI filing, follow-up, opposition response, and certificate collection.
This article is prepared by Nexus Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information is based on the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 1965 (2022 B.S.) and prevailing DOI procedures as of April 2026. Fees and timelines are subject to change. Please consult a qualified trademark professional before initiating registration.
Contact us: Thapagaun, Baneshwor, Kathmandu | nexusadvisory.np@gmail.com | 9866818040 / 9840349183
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