Trademark Registration in Nepal for Singapore Companies

Singapore companies expanding into Nepal must register their trademark with the Department of Industry (DoI) under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965 to secure legal protection. The process typically takes 12–14 months, follows a first-to-file system, and requires a local agent to file the application.

Key Takeaways

• Nepal operates on a first-to-file basis—rights go to the first valid application, not the first user.
• Foreign applicants, including Singapore companies, must file through a Nepal-based agent with a notarised Power of Attorney.
• The Department of Industry examines applications, publishes them in the Industrial Property Bulletin, and allows a 90-day opposition window.
• Registration is valid for 7 years and renewable indefinitely in 7-year terms.
• Required documents include a board resolution, home registration certificate, and notarised Power of Attorney.

Why Singapore companies need trademark registration in Nepal

Singapore companies expanding into Nepal must register their trademark with the Department of Industry to secure legal protection under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965. Without registration, your brand name, logo, or slogan is vulnerable to copying or misuse—Nepal’s first-to-file system grants rights to the first valid applicant, not the first user.

For example, if a Singapore-based tech startup launches in Kathmandu without registering its brand, a local competitor could file first and block the original owner from using the name. Registration also prevents counterfeit goods from entering the market under your brand, which can damage reputation and revenue. The Act explicitly prohibits unauthorised use of registered marks (Sec. 16), making registration the only way to enforce your rights in Nepal.

Who can file a trademark in Nepal for a Singapore company?

Any Singapore company, partnership, or individual can file a trademark application in Nepal, but foreign applicants must appoint a local agent or representative. The Department of Industry requires a notarised Power of Attorney signed by the applicant and attested by two witnesses. The agent handles all communication with the DoI, including filing, responding to objections, and receiving the registration certificate.

Singapore companies often work with IP firms or law offices in Kathmandu to act as their local agent. The agent’s address is used for official correspondence, so choosing a reliable partner is critical. Without a local agent, the DoI will reject the application outright—Nepal does not allow direct filings from foreign entities, even under the Paris Convention (Sec. 21B).

Which NICE classes apply to Singapore companies in Nepal?

Singapore companies must file their trademark in the correct NICE class(es) based on their goods or services. Nepal uses the international NICE Classification, which divides trademarks into 45 classes—Classes 1–34 for goods and 35–45 for services. Each application covers only one class, so a brand spanning multiple categories needs separate filings.

For instance, a Singapore-based fintech company offering digital payments (Class 36) and mobile apps (Class 9) must file two applications. The Department of Industry examines each class independently, so a conflict in one class does not affect the others. Misclassifying your mark can lead to rejection or weak protection, so verifying the correct class is essential before filing.

How to register a trademark in Nepal for a Singapore company

Singapore companies register trademarks in Nepal by following these five steps with the Department of Industry. The process includes filing, examination, publication, opposition, and registration. Each step requires careful preparation to avoid delays or rejection.

1. Conduct a trademark search: Before filing, search the DoI’s database to check if your mark is already registered or pending. This helps avoid conflicts and objections later. You can use our trademark conflict checker to verify availability.
2. Prepare and file the application: Submit the application form (Schedule 1(c)) along with four specimens of the mark, a notarised Power of Attorney, a board resolution, and a certified copy of your home registration certificate. The DoI requires all foreign documents to be notarised and translated into English if necessary.
3. DoI examination: The Department of Industry reviews the application for distinctiveness, conflicts, and compliance with the Act. If the examiner raises objections, you’ll have a chance to respond. This stage typically takes 3–6 months.
4. Publication and opposition: If approved, the mark is published in the Industrial Property Bulletin. Third parties have 90 days to file an opposition. If no opposition is filed, the process moves to registration.
5. Registration and certificate: Pay the registration fee and receive your certificate. The trademark is now protected for 7 years from the registration date and can be renewed indefinitely.

Documents required for Singapore companies

Singapore companies must submit specific documents to register a trademark in Nepal. The Department of Industry requires all foreign applicants to provide a notarised Power of Attorney, a board resolution, and proof of home registration. Missing or incorrect documents lead to delays or rejection.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Application form (Schedule 1(c)): The official form, filled out and signed by your local agent.
• Notarised Power of Attorney: Signed by the applicant, sealed, and attested by two witnesses. This authorises your local agent to act on your behalf.
• Board resolution: A certified copy of the resolution authorising the trademark filing, signed by the company’s directors.
• Label of the trademark: Four clear specimens of the mark (e.g., logo, wordmark, or combination).
• Home registration certificate: A notarised and certified copy of your trademark registration in Singapore (or your home country). This establishes priority if applicable.
• Translation (if applicable): Any non-English documents must be translated and notarised.

A common mistake we see is submitting an unsigned or improperly notarised Power of Attorney. The DoI will reject the application if the document isn’t properly attested. Our team can help you prepare and verify all documents before filing to avoid these issues.

Timeline for trademark registration in Nepal

Trademark registration in Nepal typically takes 12–14 months for Singapore companies when unopposed. The Department of Industry’s examination stage is the longest, often lasting 6–8 months. If the application faces objections or opposition, the process can extend beyond 18 months.

Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:

In the smoothest cases, registration can be completed in 6–8 months, but this is rare. Most applications take closer to 12–14 months due to examination delays or minor objections. Planning ahead and responding promptly to DoI requests can help keep the process on track.

Cost factors for Singapore companies

The cost of trademark registration in Nepal for Singapore companies depends on the number of classes filed and professional fees. Government fees are charged per class, and foreign applicants often incur higher costs for notarisation, translation, and local agent services. The total cost is driven by the complexity of the application and the number of classes.

Key cost factors include:

• Government fees: The Department of Industry charges a fee per class for filing and registration. Each additional class requires a separate application and fee.
• Professional fees: Local agents or law firms charge for preparing and filing the application, responding to objections, and handling oppositions.
• Notarisation and translation: Foreign documents must be notarised and translated into English, adding to the cost.
• Opposition costs: If a third party opposes your application, legal fees for responding can increase the total cost.

For a current estimate, use our trademark fee calculator. It accounts for the number of classes and provides a breakdown of government and professional fees. Keep in mind that costs can vary based on the complexity of your mark and the agent you choose.

Legal basis for trademark registration in Nepal

Trademark registration in Nepal is governed by the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965, which establishes the legal framework for protecting brands. The Act defines a trademark as a word, symbol, or combination used to distinguish goods or services (Sec. 2(c)). Registration with the Department of Industry grants exclusive rights to use the mark in Nepal.

The Act outlines the registration process, including examination, publication, and opposition (Sec. 18–24). It also specifies grounds for refusal, such as conflicts with existing marks or harm to public morality (Sec. 18(1)). Foreign applicants, including Singapore companies, must comply with the same rules as domestic applicants but must file through a local agent (Sec. 21B).

Nepal is a signatory to the Paris Convention, which allows foreign applicants to claim priority based on their home registration. However, the Act does not automatically recognise foreign registrations—you must still file in Nepal to secure protection. The Industrial Property Bulletin publishes all registered marks, providing public notice and a 90-day opposition window (Sec. 21A).

Common mistakes Singapore companies make

Singapore companies often make avoidable mistakes when registering trademarks in Nepal, leading to delays or rejection. The most common errors include filing in the wrong NICE class, submitting incomplete documents, and missing deadlines. Understanding these pitfalls can help you navigate the process smoothly.

Here are the mistakes we see most often:

• Filing in the wrong class: Misclassifying your goods or services can result in weak protection or rejection. For example, filing a software mark in Class 35 (advertising) instead of Class 9 (software) leaves it unprotected.
• Incomplete or incorrect documents: Missing a notarised Power of Attorney, unsigned board resolution, or untranslated documents can lead to rejection. The DoI is strict about document requirements.
• Ignoring the opposition period: Failing to monitor the Industrial Property Bulletin for oppositions can result in losing your mark. The 90-day window is critical.
• Assuming home registration covers Nepal: A trademark registered in Singapore does not automatically protect you in Nepal. You must file separately under Nepal’s first-to-file system.
• Not responding to DoI objections: If the examiner raises objections, you must respond promptly. Ignoring them can lead to abandonment of the application.

Our team can help you avoid these mistakes by reviewing your application before filing and guiding you through each step. For example, we once worked with a Singapore-based e-commerce company that filed in the wrong class. We corrected the application before publication, saving them time and money.

A realistic example: Singapore tech company registering in Nepal

Imagine "NexaTech," a Singapore-based software company expanding into Nepal. NexaTech wants to protect its brand name, logo, and mobile app under its trademark. Here’s how the process would work for them:

First, NexaTech conducts a trademark search using our conflict checker to ensure its brand name isn’t already registered. It finds no conflicts and decides to file in Class 9 (software) and Class 42 (IT services). NexaTech appoints a local agent in Kathmandu and prepares the required documents: a notarised Power of Attorney, board resolution, home registration certificate, and four specimens of the mark.

The agent files the application with the Department of Industry, which examines it for distinctiveness and conflicts. After 6 months, the DoI approves the application, and the mark is published in the Industrial Property Bulletin. During the 90-day opposition period, no third parties object. NexaTech pays the registration fee and receives its certificate, securing protection for 7 years. The entire process takes 13 months.

Alternatives and edge cases for Singapore companies

Singapore companies may encounter unique situations when registering trademarks in Nepal, such as priority claims, well-known marks, or disputes over similar marks. Understanding these edge cases can help you navigate the process more effectively.

Here are some scenarios to consider:

• Priority claims: If you’ve already registered your trademark in Singapore, you can claim priority under the Paris Convention. This gives you a 6-month window to file in Nepal with the same filing date as your home application. However, you must still submit a certified copy of your home registration certificate.
• Well-known marks: Nepal recognises wellknown marks under the Trademark Directives, but proving this status requires evidence of reputation in Nepal. If your brand is globally recognised, you may qualify for stronger protection.
• Disputes over similar marks: If the Department of Industry rejects your application due to a similar existing mark, you can appeal or negotiate with the owner. In one case, a Singapore logistics company successfully argued that its mark was distinct enough to coexist with a local brand in Class 39.
• Non-use cancellation: If you don’t use your trademark in Nepal within 1 year of registration, the DoI can cancel it (Sec. 18C). This rule prevents "trademark squatting," where companies register marks they don’t intend to use.
• Renewal grace period: If you miss the 35-day renewal window, you have a 6-month grace period to renew with a late fee. After that, the registration is automatically cancelled, and you’ll need to file a new application.

For edge cases like oppositions or disputes, our team can help you respond strategically. We’ve assisted Singapore companies in negotiating coexistence agreements and appealing DoI decisions. If you’re unsure how your situation fits into Nepal’s system, contact us for guidance.

In short

• Singapore companies must register trademarks in Nepal through the Department of Industry to secure legal protection under the first-to-file system.
• Foreign applicants need a local agent, notarised Power of Attorney, board resolution, and home registration certificate.
• The process takes 12–14 months and includes examination, publication, and a 90-day opposition window.
• Registration is valid for 7 years and renewable indefinitely in 7-year terms.
• Common mistakes include filing in the wrong NICE class, incomplete documents, and ignoring opposition deadlines.
• Edge cases like priority claims, well-known marks, and disputes require careful handling to avoid rejection.

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Ready to protect your brand in Nepal? Start by searching existing trademarks with our trademark conflict checker, or contact our team for help with filing, documents, or renewals. For a cost estimate, use our trademark fee calculator.