Posted by One of the most common reasons trademark applications get delayed or rejected in Pakistan is incomplete or incorrect documentation.
This guide lists every document you need for trademark registration with IPO-Pakistan, explains the TM-1 form in detail, and covers variations for individuals, companies, and foreign applicants so you file right the first time.
Quick answer: At minimum, you need:
(1) a completed Form TM-1,
(2) your CNIC or passport,
(3) six clear representations of your trademark on durable paper,
(4) a list of goods/services with the correct NICE class,
(5) a pay order/bank draft of Rs 3,000 per class, and
(6) a Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) if filing through an agent or attorney.
Complete Document Checklist
This table covers all documents required for trademark registration under the Trade Marks Ordinance 2001 and Trade Marks Rules 2004:
| Document | Details |
| Form TM-1 (Application) | Filed in duplicate. One mark, one class per form. |
| Trademark representations | 6 additional copies on durable paper (13” × 8”). Plus 1 affixed on the TM-1 form itself. |
| Applicant’s CNIC | For Pakistani individuals. Both sides, clear copy. |
| Passport (foreign applicants) | Instead of CNIC. Notarised copy recommended. |
| Business registration document | Certificate of Incorporation (company), Partnership Deed (firm), or Sole Proprietorship registration. |
| NTN certificate | National Tax Number certificate of the applicant or business. |
| List of goods/services | Specific goods or services the mark will cover, with the correct NICE class number. |
| Power of Attorney (TM-48) | Required if filing through an agent or attorney. Duly stamped and notarised. |
| User affidavit (if claiming prior use) | Sworn affidavit confirming the date of first use and continuous use of the mark. |
| Translation affidavit | Required if the mark contains text in a language other than English or Urdu. |
| Pay order / bank draft | Rs 3,000 per class, in the name of Director General, IPO-Pakistan. |
Form TM-1: The Application Form Explained
The TM-1 form is the official application form for registering a trademark for goods, services, or a domain name in Pakistan. It is filed with the Trade Marks Registry (headquartered in Karachi, with offices in Islamabad and Lahore) or online through the IPO-Pakistan eServices portal.
What TM-1 Requires You to Fill In
- Full name, address, and nationality of the applicant
- Description of the trademark – word mark, device mark (logo), or combination
- NICE class number and specific list of goods or services. See our trademark classes guide for the full 45-class list.
- Statement of use – whether the mark is currently in use, or whether the applicant has a bona fide intention to use it
- Agent details (name, address, contact) if filing through an advocate or agent
- Priority claim (if applicable – claiming convention priority from an earlier filing in another Paris Convention country)
Single-class filing: each TM-1 covers one mark in one class only. If your brand needs protection in multiple classes (e.g. Class 25 for clothing + Class 35 for retail), you file a separate TM-1 and pay separately for each class. See trademark fees breakdown.
Trademark Representations (Logo Copies)
You must provide 6 additional clear representations of your trademark, each affixed on separate sheets of durable paper (13” × 8” size), plus 1 representation affixed directly on the TM-1 form. That is 7 copies total.
- The representation must be exactly how you want the mark registered including colours, font, layout.
- For a word mark (text only, no stylisation), you still need to show the text clearly on each sheet.
- For a device/logo mark, use high-resolution colour prints.
- For online filing through the IPO portal, upload a digital image (JPG or PDF, check file size limits).
Documents by Applicant Type
Individual (Pakistani Citizen)
- CNIC (both sides, clear copy)
- NTN certificate
- Sole proprietorship registration (if operating as a sole proprietor)
- User affidavit (if claiming prior use)
Pakistani Company / Partnership / AOP
- Certificate of Incorporation (from SECP) or Partnership Deed (registered)
- NTN certificate of the company/firm
- CNIC of the authorised signatory (director/partner filing the application)
- Board resolution or authorisation letter authorising the signatory to file the application on behalf of the entity
- User affidavit (if claiming prior use)
Foreign Applicant
Foreign nationals or companies must file through a duly authorised attorney or advocate in Pakistan. Additional documents:
- Passport (notarised copy) or certificate of incorporation of the foreign company
- Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) – duly stamped, notarised, and (in some cases) apostilled or consularised
- Pakistan address for service (your attorney’s address is acceptable)
- Translation affidavit (if the mark is in a language other than English or Urdu)
Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
If you are filing through a trademark agent, attorney, or consultancy (like JZARR Filers), you must execute a Power of Attorney on Form TM-48. This authorises the agent to act on your behalf in all trademark proceedings with IPO-Pakistan.
- Must be on the applicant’s letterhead (for companies) or signed by the individual applicant
- Duly stamped (stamp duty varies by province typically Rs 20–100)
- Notarised by a notary public
- For foreign applicants, the PoA may also need to be apostilled or consularised depending on the country of origin
Tip: prepare the TM-48 early. It’s one of the most common missing documents that delays filing.
Pre-Filing: Trademark Search Documents
Before filing TM-1, it’s strongly recommended to run a trademark search to check if a similar or identical mark already exists. For a formal search through IPO-Pakistan, you need:
- Form TM-55 (search application form)
- Pay order / bank draft of Rs 1,000 per class per mark
- Representation of the mark being searched
Read the full process: how to do a trademark search in Pakistan.
Common Documentation Mistakes
- Wrong class: choosing the wrong NICE class is the #1 cause of objections. A clothing brand must file in Class 25 not Class 35 (retail services). Use our class guide to get it right.
- Low-quality logo copies: blurry, pixelated, or inconsistently sized trademark representations lead to rejections. Use high-resolution prints.
- Missing TM-48: if filing through an agent and the Power of Attorney is not submitted, IPO will not process the application.
- Incorrect payment: the pay order must be in the name of “Director General, IPO-Pakistan.” A personal cheque or cash is not accepted.
- Incomplete TM-1: missing fields (especially goods/services specification or applicant address) cause the application to be returned.
- No user affidavit when claiming use: if you claim the mark is already in use, you must provide a sworn affidavit with the date of first use. Failing to do so triggers an objection.
How to File: Online vs Manual
Online Filing (IPO eServices Portal)
- Create an account on the IPO-Pakistan eServices portal (requires CNIC and email)
- Fill in the TM-1 form online and upload digital copies of all documents
- Pay online or upload pay order/bank draft receipt
- Faster processing and easier tracking
Manual Filing (In Person)
- Submit physical TM-1 in duplicate + all original documents at the Trade Marks Registry in Karachi, IPO-HQ Islamabad, or Regional Office Lahore
- Attach original pay order / bank draf
- Acknowledgement receipt issued within 10–15 days
Quick Reference: Fees for Each Form
| Form | Purpose | Fee (per class) |
| TM-55 | Trademark search | Rs 1,000 |
| TM-1 | Application for registration | Rs 3,000 |
| TM-48 | Power of Attorney | No IPO fee (stamp duty only) |
| TM-11 | Registration certificate | Rs 9,000 |
For the full fee breakdown, see our trademark registration fees guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main form for trademark registration in Pakistan?
Form TM-1, filed with the Trade Marks Registry (IPO-Pakistan). It covers one mark in one class per application. See our full trademark registration guide for the step-by-step process.
Q: How many copies of the logo do I need?
Seven total one affixed on the TM-1 form and six additional copies on separate sheets of durable paper (13” × 8”). For online filing, upload a high-resolution digital image.
Q: Do I need a Power of Attorney?
Only if you are filing through an agent, attorney, or consultancy. The Power of Attorney is filed on Form TM-48 stamped and notarised. If you file personally, TM-48 is not required.
Q: Can a foreign company register a trademark in Pakistan?
Yes, but foreign applicants must file through a duly authorised attorney or advocate in Pakistan. A notarised passport, PoA (TM-48), and a Pakistan address for service are required.
Q: What happens if my documents are incomplete?
IPO-Pakistan will return the application or issue an objection. This causes delays of weeks or months. Preparing all documents correctly before filing is far cheaper and faster than fixing mistakes later.
Q: Do I need a trademark search before filing?
It’s not legally mandatory, but strongly recommended. A TM-55 search costs Rs 1,000 per class and tells you whether a similar mark already exists saving you from wasting your filing fee on an application that would be refused.
Get Your Documents Right – We Handle the Rest
Missing or incorrect documents are the fastest way to delay your trademark. JZARR Filers (Karachi) prepares your complete trademark application package TM-1, logo representations, TM-48, NICE classification, and filing so your application goes through clean the first time.
Book your free consultation today and protect your brand with zero paperwork stress.