Filing IP across South Asia.
Detailed reference guides on patent, trademark and industrial design filing, prosecution and protection across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka — from one of the region's most experienced IP firms.
India — Intellectual Property
India offers robust IP protection through the Patents Act 1970, Trade Marks Act 1999, Designs Act 2000, and Copyright Act 1957. India is a member of the Paris Convention, PCT, and a signatory to TRIPs. The Trade Marks Registry, Patent Office and Designs Office operate across multiple locations including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. India joined the Madrid Protocol, enabling International Trademark Applications designating India.
- Ordinary Application — filed with provisional or complete specification; no priority claim
- Convention Application — claims Paris Convention priority; must be filed within 12 months of the priority date
- PCT National Phase — filed within 31 months from earliest priority date
New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Foreign applicants file before the office where their Indian agent/attorney is located.
Mandatory requirements for an ordinary patent application:
DAS code or certified copy of priority document + English translation with certificate of translation — within 3 months (Convention) or 31 months (PCT).
Pre-grant opposition is available from date of publication until grant. Post-grant opposition may be filed by any interested person within 12 months from publication of the grant notice.
| Application Type | Patent Term | Annuity Begins |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary / Convention | 20 years from Indian filing date | 3rd year onwards |
| PCT National Phase | 20 years from PCT filing date | 3rd year onwards |
Every 3 years from the date of grant, a statement of working must be filed by 30 September for the preceding 3 calendar years. 80% fee reduction is available for natural persons, start-ups, small entities and educational institutions.
India follows the Nice Classification (all 45 classes). Multi-class applications are permitted. India is a member of the Madrid Protocol, allowing International Applications designating India.
- Registrable: words, devices, shapes of goods, packaging, colour combinations, certification and collective marks
- Two application types: Ordinary (no priority) and Conventional (within 6 months of priority)
- Express examination available on payment of additional fee
- Five Trademark Registries: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata
Under Indian law, greater significance is given to use of a mark than to its registration. Unregistered marks are protectable via passing off actions.
- Applicant name, address, nationality and legal status
- Specimen: 6 copies (B&W print) or 12 copies (colour print), or single soft copy by email
- International Class(es) and description of goods/services
- Date of first use in India (or "proposed to be used")
- Priority details if claiming convention priority (certified copy within 2 months of Indian filing)
- Translation/transliteration if mark is not in English or Indian script
- Power of Authority (stamped; notarisation not mandatory; can be filed before responding to official letters)
| Item | Period |
|---|---|
| Initial registration term | 10 years from filing date |
| Renewal | Every 10 years thereafter (unlimited) |
| Opposition window | 4 months from date of publication |
Under the Designs Act 2000, a "design" means features of shape, configuration, pattern, ornament or composition of lines or colours applied to an article by industrial process, judged solely by the eye.
- Must be new or original and not previously disclosed
- Copyright in design does not vest if more than 50 copies manufactured commercially
- Two types: Ordinary and Conventional (within 6 months of priority)
- E-filing available for most forms
New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Head office in Kolkata handles post-filing prosecution. E-filing is available.
DAS code or certified copy of priority document + English translation — provided with the application or within 3 months (extendable on payment of monthly fee).
| Period | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial term | 10 years from date of registration |
| Renewal | One further term of 5 years (total: 15 years) |
Pakistan — Intellectual Property
Pakistan's IP regime is governed by the Patents Ordinance 2000 (amended 2010), the Trade Marks Ordinance 2001 (in force from April 2004), and the Patents and Designs Act 1911 for legacy matters. Pakistan joined the Madrid Protocol in February 2021. Further reform is proposed under the Patent Amendment Bill 2024 to align with PCT and international best practices.
Pakistan is not a contracting state to the PCT. PCT national phase applications cannot be filed in Pakistan, though it is expected to join in the near future.
- Ordinary Application — filed by the true and first inventor or their assignee; inventor must endorse in presence of two witnesses
- Conventional Application — priority from Paris Convention or WTO member country; must be filed within 12 months of the priority application
Specification must be on A4 paper with margins of at least 2 cm (top, right, bottom) and 2.5 cm (left). Drawings on smooth/durable white A4 paper (2.5 cm top & left, 1.5 cm right, 1 cm bottom).
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Patent term | 20 years from accorded filing date |
| Annuity commencement | 5th year from filing date |
| Grace period for renewal | 6 months with surcharge |
Pakistan follows the Nice Classification (9th Edition). Service marks are registrable. Multi-class filing is not permitted. Pakistan has been a Madrid Protocol member since February 24, 2021 (effective for designations from May 24, 2021).
The Trade Marks Act 1940 applies to applications filed before 12 April 2004; the Trade Marks Ordinance 2001 applies to applications filed on or after that date.
- Trademark representation
- Full name, address, status and nationality of applicant(s)
- International Class
- Description of goods or services
- Date of use in Pakistan (if any)
- Whether applicant is trader, manufacturer, merchant or service provider
- Translation/transliteration if mark is not in English
- Priority details (application no., country, date) — certified copy within 3 months of filing
- Power of Authority — signed (with company seal if available) and notarised
| Filing Date | Initial Term | Renewal Term |
|---|---|---|
| Before 12 April 2004 | 7 years | 15 years each |
| On/after 12 April 2004 | 10 years | 10 years each |
Conventional priority is available for industrial design applications in Pakistan. The application must be made within six months of first filing in a Paris Convention member country. The design must be absolutely novel and original and must not have been published anywhere in the world before the priority or filing date.
- Name, address and nationality of applicant(s)
- Title of article
- Multiple views of the article (front, back, top, side, bottom, perspective) — 6 photographic sets, or drawings/sketches by email
- Priority details (application no., date, country) where applicable — application must be within 6 months
- Power of Attorney — signed with company seal and notarised
Certified copy of priority document within 3 months of filing. If not in English: notarised English translation + certificate of translation, or plain translation with two separate notarised affidavits (by translator and by applicant).
| Period | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial term | 10 years |
| Renewal | One further term of 10 years |
| Maximum total term | 20 years |
Bangladesh — Intellectual Property
Bangladesh is a member of the Paris Convention, enabling conventional priority claims for patents, trademarks and designs. Bangladesh is not a contracting state to the PCT. Substantive patent examination was introduced with effect from February 27, 2025. The country follows Nice Classification (9th Edition) for trademarks; multi-class filing is not permitted.
Effective from February 27, 2025, a formal request for examination must be filed within 36 months from the filing date (3-month extension available if requested before expiry).
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Patent term | 20 years from filing date |
| Annuity commencement | 6th year onwards (paid before expiry of 5th year) |
Bangladesh follows Nice Classification (9th Edition). Multi-class filing is not permitted. Conventional priority trademark applications may be filed within 6 months from the date of filing of the priority application.
- Trademark representation
- Full name, address, status and nationality of applicant(s) (all partners if partnership firm)
- Trade description (manufacturer, merchant, trader or service provider)
- International Class and description of goods/services
- Date of use in Bangladesh (if any)
- Translation/transliteration if not in English
- Priority details — certified copy within 3 months of filing
- Duly executed Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) — notarisation not mandatory; scanned PDF copy sufficient
| Period | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initial term | 7 years from filing date |
| Renewal | 10 years each time (unlimited) |
Bangladesh is a member of the Paris Convention, permitting conventional priority design applications. The application must be made within 6 months of the priority filing date.
- Name, address and nationality of applicant(s)
- Title of article
- Multiple views of the article (front, back, top, side, bottom, perspective) — 6 photographic sets, or drawings/sketches by email
- Priority details (application no., date, country) where applicable
- Power of Attorney — signed with company seal (POA used for patent may also be used for design purposes)
Certified copy of priority document must be supplied within 3 months of filing.
| Period | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initial term | 5 years |
| Renewal | Two further terms of 5 years each |
| Maximum total term | 15 years |
Nepal — Intellectual Property
Nepal ratified the Paris Convention in 2001, enabling conventional patent and trademark applications. Nepal is governed by the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965 A.D.), as amended. Nepal is not a member of the Madrid Protocol; trademark applications must be filed directly before the Nepalese Trademark Registry. Multi-class filing is not permitted. Nepal's patent term of 7 years (renewable twice) is distinctive in the region.
Application must be filed within 12 months from the earliest priority date.
Registered patents are published unless kept secret for national interest. Any person may oppose within 35 days from the date on which the registered patent is seen or a copy is obtained.
| Period | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initial term | 7 years from grant |
| Renewal | Two further terms of 7 years each |
| Maximum total term | 21 years |
Nepal follows Nice Classification. All 45 classes may be filed. Multi-class filing is not permitted. Nepal is not a member of the Madrid Protocol — applications must be filed directly before the Nepalese Trademark Registry. Conventional applications must be filed within 6 months of the priority filing.
Under Section 18(C) of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965 A.D.), trademark owners must use their registered trademarks within one year from the date of registration, otherwise the registration may be cancelled.
- Trademark representation
- Full name, address, status and nationality of applicant(s)
- International Class and description of goods/services
- Date of use in Nepal (if any)
- Notarised translation/transliteration if mark is not in English
- Priority details if applicable (application no., country, date)
- Power of Attorney — executed in presence of two witnesses (with seal if available; notarisation mandatory where seal unavailable)
- For conventional priority — certified copy + notarised English translation within 2 months
- Notarised/certified copy of Home country Registration Certificate + notarised English translation (mandatory for processing to registration)
| Period | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initial term | 7 years from registration |
| Renewal | 7 years each time (unlimited) |
| Extension without cost | 35 days available |
| Renewal endorsement | Original certificate required |
Conventional priority is available for industrial design applications in Nepal. The application must be filed within six months of the first filing in a Paris Convention member country. The design must be absolutely novel and original and must not have been published anywhere before the priority or filing date.
- Application form executed in presence of two witnesses
- Name, address and nationality of applicant(s)
- Title of article
- Multiple views of the article (front, back, top, side, bottom, perspective) — 6 photographic sets, or drawings/sketches by email
- Priority details (application no., date, country) where applicable
- Power of Attorney — executed in presence of two witnesses (with company seal if available; notarisation mandatory where seal unavailable)
Certified copy of priority document with English translation must be supplied within 3 months of filing. A 35-day extension is available without cost; original certificate required for renewal endorsement.
| Period | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initial term | 5 years |
| Renewal | Two further terms of 5 years each |
| Maximum total term | 15 years |
Sri Lanka — Intellectual Property
Sri Lanka is a member of both the Paris Convention and the PCT, enabling both conventional priority applications and PCT national phase filings. It is, however, not a member of the Madrid Protocol, meaning trademark applications must be filed directly before the Sri Lanka Intellectual Property Office (SLIPO). Sri Lanka follows the Nice Classification for trademarks, though multi-class filing is not permitted — a separate application is required for each class.
- Ordinary Application — filed with complete specification; no priority claim
- Conventional Application — claims Paris Convention priority; must be filed within 12 months of the earliest priority date
- PCT National Phase — must be filed within 30 months from the earliest priority date
Sri Lanka is a PCT Contracting State, making it accessible via the international filing route. Typical registration takes approximately 3–4 years to complete.
Mandatory documents for a patent application in Sri Lanka:
The first annual fee falls due within 2 years after the grant certificate is issued. From the second year onward, renewal fees are due annually before the anniversary of the filing date. Late payment is permitted within a 6-month grace period with a surcharge.
| Application Type | Patent Term | First Annual Fee Due |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary / Conventional | 20 years from filing date | Within 2 years of grant certificate |
| PCT National Phase | 20 years from PCT filing date | Within 2 years of grant certificate |
Sri Lanka follows the Nice Classification for all 45 classes of goods and services. Multi-class filing is not permitted — a separate application must be filed for each class. Sri Lanka is not a member of the Madrid Protocol; all trademark protection must be secured by direct filing before the Sri Lanka Intellectual Property Office (SLIPO).
- Conventional priority applications must be filed within 6 months of the priority filing date
- Certified copy of priority document required within 3 months of filing (scanned copy sufficient)
- Certified English translation required if priority document is not in English
- Opposition window is 3 months from date of publication in the Trade Marks Journal
A straightforward trademark registration in Sri Lanka takes approximately 2 years from the date of application. Early clearance searches are strongly recommended.
- Full name, address, status and nationality of the applicant(s); names of all partners if applicant is a partnership firm
- Trademark representation
- International class and full description of goods or services
- Date of first use of the trademark in Sri Lanka (if any)
- Translation/transliteration if mark is in a language other than English
- Priority details (application number, country and date), if claiming conventional priority
- Certified copy of priority document — within 3 months of filing (scanned copy sufficient)
- Certified English translation of priority document (if not in English)
- Power of Attorney — within 3 months of filing (scanned copy sufficient; two witnesses required; notarisation required only if no company seal or witnesses unavailable)
| Item | Period |
|---|---|
| Initial registration term | 10 years from filing date |
| Renewal | Every 10 years thereafter (unlimited) |
| Advance renewal window | Up to 6 months before expiry |
| Late renewal (with surcharge) | Up to 6 months after expiry |
If the registration certificate is issued after 10 years from the filing date, renewal fees are payable within 1 year of issuance of the certificate.
Sri Lanka is a member of the Paris Convention, allowing applicants to claim conventional priority when filing industrial design applications. The priority application must be filed within 6 months of the first filing date — restoration of the term is not possible.
- Design must be absolutely novel and original
- Locarno Classification applies for class and subclass
- All views (front, back, top, side, bottom, perspective) must be clearly provided
- Statement as to novelty and any disclaimer required
Where the applicant is not the author/creator of the design, a brief explanation of how the applicant acquired the right to registration must be provided along with the author's details.
If the applicant is the author, the application must include a statement confirming authorship. If not, the author's name and address must be provided along with an explanation of how the applicant acquired the right to registration.
| Period | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial term | 5 years from date of registration |
| Renewal | Two further terms of 5 years each |
| Maximum total term | 15 years |
| Late renewal (with surcharge) | 6-month grace period available |
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Every jurisdiction has its quirks. Our team has decades of combined experience navigating all five — and 45 more beyond South Asia.