Trademark Registration in the UAE, Explained

Trademark registration in Nepal is handled by the Department of Industry (DoI) under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965. The process takes 12–14 months, grants 7-year protection, and follows a first-to-file rule—not first use.

Key Takeaways

• Nepal uses a first-to-file system: rights go to the first valid application, not the first user.
• The Department of Industry (DoI) examines, publishes, and registers trademarks under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965.
• One application covers one NICE class; businesses spanning multiple classes need separate filings.
• After filing, the DoI publishes the mark in the Industrial Property Bulletin, opening a 90-day opposition window.
• Registration lasts 7 years and is renewable indefinitely in 7-year terms.
• Foreign applicants must file through a Nepal-based agent with a notarised Power of Attorney.
• Common mistakes include filing in the wrong NICE class or missing the 90-day opposition deadline.

What is trademark registration in Nepal?

Trademark registration in Nepal is the legal process of securing exclusive rights to a brand name, logo, or slogan under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965. The Department of Industry (DoI) grants a 7-year renewable certificate that lets you stop others from using an identical or confusingly similar mark in the same NICE class.

A registered trademark in Nepal protects your brand identity—whether it’s a wordmark like “Himalayan Brew” for coffee, a logo for a trekking agency, or a tagline for a clothing line. Without registration, you have no legal claim to stop copycats, even if you’ve used the mark for years. Nepal follows a first-to-file rule: the first person to file a valid application gets the rights, not the first to use the mark.

Why register a trademark in Nepal?

Registering a trademark in Nepal gives you the legal right to stop others from using your brand without permission. Under Sec. 16 of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965, only the registered owner can use the mark on goods or services in the registered NICE class, and can sue for damages or an injunction in court.

Without registration, you rely on the common-law doctrine of “passing off,” which is harder to prove. You’d need to show that the public associates your unregistered mark with your business and that the copycat is causing confusion. In practice, courts favour registered marks, so registration is the strongest protection you can get. It also lets you use the ® symbol, which deters competitors and builds customer trust.

Who can file a trademark in Nepal?

Any individual, company, or organisation can file a trademark in Nepal, whether Nepali or foreign. The Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965 does not restrict applicants by nationality, but foreign applicants must file through a Nepal-based agent or representative with a notarised Power of Attorney.

Domestic applicants can file directly with the Department of Industry, but most use an agent to handle the paperwork and deadlines. The DoI treats all applicants equally—Nepali or foreign—under the first-to-file rule. If two parties file for the same mark, the DoI grants the rights to the first valid application, not the first user.

Which NICE classes apply to my business?

Nepal uses the international NICE Classification, which splits goods and services into 45 classes. Each trademark application covers one class only; if your business spans several classes, you need separate applications for each. The Department of Industry examines each class independently, so a mark registered in Class 25 (clothing) won’t block someone from registering the same name in Class 30 (coffee).

A clothing brand, for example, files in Class 25 for apparel, Class 35 for retail services, and Class 40 for textile manufacturing. A restaurant files in Class 43 for dining services and Class 30 for packaged snacks. Choosing the right class is critical—file in the wrong one, and your registration won’t protect your actual business. Our NICE class finder tool can help you pick the correct classes for your goods or services.

How do I register a trademark in Nepal?

To register a trademark in Nepal, you file an application with the Department of Industry, which examines it, publishes it in the Industrial Property Bulletin, and issues a certificate if no one opposes it within 90 days. The process follows five clear steps under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965.

1. Conduct a trademark search. Before filing, search the DoI’s database to check if your mark is already registered or pending. You can use our trademark conflict checker tool to run a quick search by name or NICE class. If the mark is already taken, you’ll need to choose a different one or risk rejection.
2. Prepare and file the application. Fill out the DoI’s Schedule 1(c) form, attach four specimens of the mark, and submit it to the Department of Industry. Domestic applicants must include a notarised Power of Attorney, a board resolution (if a company), and a tax clearance letter. Foreign applicants need a notarised Power of Attorney and a certified copy of their home registration certificate in English.
3. DoI examination. The DoI reviews your application for distinctiveness and conflicts with existing marks. If they find an issue, they’ll issue an objection letter, and you’ll have a chance to respond. This step typically takes 3–4 months, but delays can push it to 6 months or longer.
4. Publication in the Industrial Property Bulletin. If the DoI approves your mark, they publish it in the Bulletin, opening a 90-day opposition window. Anyone can file an objection during this period, and the DoI will hold a hearing if needed. If no one opposes, or if you successfully defend against an objection, the DoI moves to registration.
5. Registration and certificate. Pay the registration fee, and the DoI issues your certificate. The registration is valid for 7 years from the date of registration and is renewable indefinitely in 7-year terms. Once registered, you can use the ® symbol and enforce your rights in court.

What documents do I need for trademark registration in Nepal?

To register a trademark in Nepal, you need a completed Schedule 1(c) application form, four specimens of the mark, and supporting documents that vary for domestic and foreign applicants. The Department of Industry requires all documents to be in Nepali or English; if in another language, you must provide a notarised Nepali translation.

Domestic applicants must submit a notarised Power of Attorney (signed, sealed, and attested by two witnesses), a board resolution (if the applicant is a company), a certificate of industry registration, and a latest tax clearance letter. Foreign applicants need a notarised Power of Attorney, a board resolution, and a notarised or certified copy of their home trademark registration certificate in English. All applicants must also include a label or specimen of the mark, showing exactly how it will appear on goods or services.

How long does trademark registration take in Nepal?

Trademark registration in Nepal typically takes 12–14 months from filing to certificate when unopposed. The Department of Industry’s examination phase alone can take 6–8 months in straightforward cases, and publication in the Industrial Property Bulletin adds another 3 months for the 90-day opposition window.

If the DoI raises an objection or a third party files an opposition, the timeline extends. Objections usually add 2–3 months if you respond quickly, while oppositions can take 6 months or longer to resolve through hearings. The smoothest cases—no objections, no oppositions—can finish in 6–8 months, but this is rare. Most businesses should plan for 12–14 months to account for potential delays.

What are the costs of trademark registration in Nepal?

The cost of trademark registration in Nepal depends on the number of NICE classes you file in and whether you use a professional agent. The Department of Industry charges a government fee per class, and professional fees cover the agent’s time for preparing and filing the application, responding to objections, and handling renewals.

Each trademark application covers one NICE class. If your business spans multiple classes—like a clothing brand that also sells retail services—you’ll pay separate government and professional fees for each. Foreign applicants often face higher professional fees because they must file through a Nepal-based agent with a notarised Power of Attorney. For a current estimate tailored to your business, use our trademark fee calculator or contact our team for a detailed quote.

What is the legal basis for trademark registration in Nepal?

The legal basis for trademark registration in Nepal is the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965, which sets out the rules for filing, examination, opposition, and enforcement. The Act defines a trademark as a word, symbol, or picture—or a combination—that distinguishes your goods or services from others (Sec. 2(c)).

The Department of Industry administers the Act and acts as a quasi-judicial body for trademark disputes. Nepal is also a member of the Paris Convention and TRIPS, which means foreign applicants can claim priority from their home filings if they file in Nepal within 6 months. However, Nepal is not part of the Madrid System, so foreign applicants must file directly through a local agent, not through WIPO.

What are common mistakes in trademark registration?

The most common mistake in trademark registration in Nepal is filing in the wrong NICE class. Each application covers one class only, so if you register your clothing brand in Class 25 but later expand into retail services (Class 35), your registration won’t protect your new business line. Always use the NICE class finder tool to pick the right classes before filing.

Other frequent mistakes include missing the 90-day opposition deadline after publication in the Industrial Property Bulletin, submitting incomplete documents (like a Power of Attorney without two witness signatures), or choosing a mark that’s too descriptive or generic. The DoI will reject marks that are merely descriptive of the goods or services—like “Fresh Bread” for a bakery—because they don’t distinguish your business from others. A strong mark is distinctive, like “Everest Bakes” for a bakery, not “Kathmandu Bread.”

A realistic Nepal example: registering a trekking agency’s brand

Imagine “Annapurna Trails,” a trekking agency in Pokhara. The owner wants to register the brand name and logo to stop competitors from using similar names. First, they search the DoI’s database and find no identical marks. They file in NICE Class 39 (travel and transport services) and Class 43 (restaurant and lodging services), since the agency also runs a small café for trekkers.

The DoI examines the applications, approves them, and publishes both marks in the Industrial Property Bulletin. A competitor files an opposition in Class 43, arguing that “Annapurna Trails” is too similar to their existing café mark. The DoI holds a hearing, and the owner presents evidence that their café is part of the trekking experience, not a standalone restaurant. The DoI dismisses the opposition, and the owner pays the registration fee. Twelve months after filing, they receive two certificates—one for Class 39 and one for Class 43—valid for 7 years each.

What are the alternatives if my trademark is already registered?

If your trademark is already registered in Nepal, you have a few alternatives. First, you can choose a different mark—either a variation of your original idea or a completely new name. Use our AI brand name generator to brainstorm fresh options that are still distinctive and available.

If you believe the existing registration is invalid—perhaps because the owner isn’t using the mark or registered it in bad faith—you can file a cancellation action with the Department of Industry. Under Sec. 18C of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965, the DoI can cancel a registration if the mark hasn’t been used for 1 year. You’ll need evidence, like proof that the owner hasn’t sold goods or services under the mark, and the process can take 6–12 months. If you’re unsure whether to challenge or rebrand, our team can help you weigh the options.

In short, trademark registration in Nepal gives you 7-year renewable protection for your brand name, logo, or slogan. The process takes 12–14 months, requires one application per NICE class, and follows a first-to-file rule. Avoid common mistakes like filing in the wrong class or missing the 90-day opposition window, and always conduct a trademark search before filing.

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Ready to protect your brand? Start with a trademark search to check if your mark is available, or contact our team for help with filing, NICE classes, or renewals. Use our fee calculator to estimate your costs.