Trademark Registration in Nepal: Process, Cost, Documents & Complete Guide

Trademark registration in Nepal is handled by the Department of Industry (DOI) under the Patent, Design and Trade Mark Act, 2022 (1965), as amended. Registering a company with the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) does not automatically register or protect that company name as a trademark. Under section 16 of the trademark law, title to a trademark is acquired through registration with DOI. (WIPO Lex)

In practical terms, the process is:

Choose the owner → search for conflicting marks → select the correct class → prepare documents → file with DOI → examination → Industrial Property Bulletin → opposition stage → registration → certificate

This guide explains each step, the current government fees, document requirements, trademark classes, foreign applications, renewal rules and several areas where Nepal's legislation and DOI administrative materials do not use identical wording.

Trademark Registration in Nepal: Key Facts

Table

Item	Current position
Responsible authority	Department of Industry, Industrial Property Section
Governing legislation	Patent, Design and Trade Mark Act, 2022 (1965), as amended
Current DOI application fee	NPR 1,000
Current DOI registration fee	NPR 5,000
Basic government cost for one successful one-class filing	NPR 6,000, excluding amendments, objections and professional fees
Trademark validity	Seven years under section 18D
Renewal	Renewable repeatedly for further seven-year periods
Current DOI renewal fee	NPR 3,500 within 35 days after expiry; NPR 4,500 from day 36 up to six months after expiry
Classification	Nice Classification-style system: Classes 1–34 for goods and 35–45 for services
Multiple classes	Separate applications are required for goods/services falling in different categories
Domestic specimens	Four copies, maximum 8 × 8 cm under DOI's current checklist
Foreign applicants	DOI provides a separate foreign-trademark document route
Paris Convention	In force for Nepal since 22 June 2001
Madrid Protocol	Nepal is not listed by WIPO as a contracting party as of 21 September 2026
Overall processing time	DOI's current Citizen Charter gives no fixed end-to-end registration timeframe

Current fees and domestic/foreign filing requirements are based on DOI's current Citizen Charter and Industrial Property Section. The classification structure follows WIPO's current Nice Classification.

Why do some official sources show different trademark fees?

The consolidated Act available through WIPO Lex still reproduces older Schedule 3 figures, including an NPR 2,000 trademark application fee, while DOI's current Citizen Charter lists NPR 1,000.

Section 26A of the Act allows the Government of Nepal to alter Schedule 3 fees through Gazette notification. For an application being filed now, the current DOI Citizen Charter is the more relevant administrative source for the amount DOI is presently charging, although applicants should confirm the payable amount immediately before filing. (WIPO Lex)

What Is a Trademark in Nepal?

A trademark is a sign used to distinguish one person's or business's goods or services from those of others.

Section 2(c) of the Patent, Design and Trade Mark Act defines a trademark as a word, symbol, picture or combination of them used by a firm, company or individual to distinguish its products or services. (WIPO Lex)

For example, a business might seek registration for:

• HIMAL BREW as a word mark;

• a distinctive mountain-shaped logo as a device or label mark; or

• the name and logo together as a combined mark.

A trademark is different from several other registrations:

Table

Registration or right	What it mainly does
Company name	Identifies a legal company registered with the Office of the Company Registrar
Trademark	Identifies and distinguishes specified goods or services and is registered through DOI
Domain name	Reserves an internet address
Business/industry registration	Records or authorises the relevant business or industrial activity
Copyright	Protects qualifying original works and does not replace trademark registration

Owning a domain, incorporating a company and registering a trademark are therefore separate legal and administrative steps.

Current legal framework note

An Industrial Property Bill, 2082 was introduced in Parliament, but Parliament's official record states that it became inactive when the House of Representatives was dissolved on 2082/05/27. This guide therefore relies on the existing Patent, Design and Trade Mark Act and current DOI materials. (Federal Parliament)

Does Registering a Company Name Protect the Trademark?

No. Company registration and trademark registration are separate processes.

The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) handles company incorporation and company-name approval. Trademark registration is handled by the Department of Industry (DOI). Section 16 of the Patent, Design and Trade Mark Act links trademark title to registration with DOI. (OCR user manual) (WIPO Lex) For a detailed comparison of how company-name approval at OCR differs from trademark registration at DOI, see our dedicated guide to company name vs trademark in Nepal.

For example, incorporating Everest Pixel Pvt. Ltd. does not automatically mean DOI has cleared EVEREST PIXEL for use as a trademark for your goods or services.

Before investing heavily in a new brand, a sensible sequence is:

1. check the proposed company name;

2. separately investigate trademark availability;

3. identify the relevant trademark class or classes;

4. then commit substantial money to branding, packaging, signage and advertising.

Who Can Register a Trademark in Nepal?

Nepal's statutory framework contemplates trademark ownership by individuals, firms, companies and other institutions, while DOI's current domestic filing requirements are structured around a registered or authorised business activity.

The Act's definition refers to a mark used by a firm, company or individual. DOI's application form also identifies the proprietor as an individual, company or other institution. (WIPO Lex)

DOI's current domestic checklist asks for the applicable industry/business registration or operating permission and VAT/PAN evidence. (DOI Industrial Property Section)

In practice:

• a company can apply;

• an eligible registered firm or business can apply;

• the legal framework contemplates an individual proprietor;

• foreign applicants follow additional DOI requirements.

An applicant should not assume that citizenship or personal identification alone replaces DOI's current business-document requirements.

Who should own the trademark: the founder or the company?

The mark should normally be filed in the name of the person or entity intended to own the brand as an asset.

This is a practical ownership decision, not a rule that every trademark must belong to a company.

If a founder personally owns the mark while a company operates the business, a later licence or transfer may be required to align legal ownership with commercial use. The Act permits transfer of trademark ownership and allows authorised use subject to DOI's recording procedure. (WIPO Lex)

A useful question before filing is:

Who should own this brand if the shareholders, investors or business structure change later?

What Can Be Registered as a Trademark?

Nepal's statutory definition expressly covers a word, symbol, picture or combination used to distinguish goods or services. DOI bulletins also use categories including "Word Only," "Label Only" and "Word & Label." (WIPO Lex)

Word mark

A word mark covers the wording as filed.

Example: KANCHAN CLOUD

This may be useful where the name itself is commercially important regardless of the logo design.

Logo or device mark

A visual symbol, picture or label can be filed as a trademark.

Example: a distinctive yak-shaped symbol used for packaged coffee.

Combined word-and-logo mark

The business may file the wording and graphic design together as one mark.

Example: KANCHAN CLOUD displayed together with a particular symbol and stylised lettering.

Other recognised forms

DOI's Trademark Guideline also deals separately with collective marks. These follow a specialist framework and should not be confused with the ordinary single-business trademark application. (DOI Trademark Guideline, 2072)

Businesses should not assume that every non-traditional mark accepted in jurisdictions such as the United States, EU or India is automatically registrable in Nepal. Nepal's Act expressly refers to words, symbols, pictures and combinations.

What Cannot Be Registered as a Trademark?

DOI may refuse a trademark that conflicts with the Act or an earlier right.

Section 18 provides that registration should not be granted where, among other things, a mark:

• harms the prestige of a person or institution;

• adversely affects public conduct or morality;

• undermines national interest;

• damages another trademark's reputation; or

• has already been registered by another person. (WIPO Lex)

DOI's comparative-examination materials also instruct examiners to consider issues including:

• confusing similarity with registered or pending marks;

• similarity to well-known marks;

• state or international-organisation flags, emblems, names or abbreviations;

• government seals;

• the Olympic symbol;

• certain generic pharmaceutical names;

• public-body or public-office names;

• misleading geographical indications;

• descriptive wording for the relevant goods or services;

• prohibited signs;

• marks created merely by adding a prefix or suffix to an existing mark;

• marks that could adversely affect international relations. (DOI Trademark Guideline)

The exact result depends on the complete mark, the relevant goods/services and earlier rights.

How to Check Whether a Trademark Is Available in Nepal

A meaningful trademark search should look beyond an identical spelling. The full clearance method — covering exact matches, spelling variations, phonetic similarity and related classes — is explained step by step in our dedicated guide to trademark search in Nepal.

At the time of this review, DOI's public materials did not identify a comprehensive live public registry-search system comparable to databases offered by some foreign trademark offices. DOI does publish its Industrial Property Bulletin, and the Act requires DOI to maintain a trademark register, but the bulletin should not be treated as a complete replacement for a registry-level clearance search.

A useful search should examine:

1. exact matches;

2. close spelling variations;

3. phonetic similarity;

4. Nepali/English transliterations where relevant;

5. visually similar logos or dominant design elements;

6. the proposed class;

7. related goods or services;

8. pending as well as registered marks where records permit;

9. well-known or reputed marks;

10. marks created by simply adding a prefix or suffix to an existing mark.

DOI's examination guideline expressly considers several of these conflict types. (DOI Trademark Guideline)

A search reduces risk but does not guarantee registration. DOI conducts its own examination, and third parties may also challenge the application.

Trademark Classes in Nepal

Trademark applications are organised by classes of goods and services. For a detailed breakdown of all 45 classes and how to select the right one for your goods or services, see our complete guide to trademark classes in Nepal.

Under the current Nice Classification:

• Classes 1–34 cover goods

• Classes 35–45 cover services

WIPO's current Nice Classification confirms this 45-class structure. (WIPO Nice Classification)

DOI's trademark materials and bulletins use international/Nice-style class headings. Section 18A(2) of the Act also requires separate applications where goods or services fall into different categories. (WIPO Lex)

Practical class examples

Table

Business or activity	Potential class	Important note
Clothing brand	25	Clothing, footwear and headwear
Restaurant	43	Services for providing food and drink
Non-medicated cosmetics	3	Exact products should still be specified
Education/training centre	41	Education and training services
Downloadable software	9	Software products may differ from online software services
SaaS/software development	42	Technology and software-development services
Advertising agency	35	Advertising and business services
Packaged foods	Often 29 or 30	Exact food determines the class
Business consultancy	35	Other forms of consulting may fall elsewhere

These examples are illustrative. Classification should follow the actual goods or services offered.

Why class selection matters

Trademark registration does not automatically reserve a word for every commercial activity.

A clothing company, restaurant and SaaS provider using similar wording may require different classes and may raise different conflict questions.

What if you need more than one class?

Section 18A(2) requires separate applications for goods or services falling in different categories. That generally means additional classes create additional filings and fees. (WIPO Lex)

For two successful class applications at current DOI rates:

• application fees: 2 × NPR 1,000 = NPR 2,000;

• registration fees: 2 × NPR 5,000 = NPR 10,000;

• basic government total: NPR 12,000.

Always confirm the payable amount with DOI at filing.

Trademark Registration Process in Nepal

The practical process is:

Owner → Search → Class → Documents → File → Examination → Bulletin → Opposition → Registration → Certificate

Step 1: Decide the trademark owner

Confirm who will legally own the application.

Use the exact legal name of the individual, firm, company or other eligible applicant. Avoid filing casually in a founder's name if the company is intended to own the brand long-term.

Ownership can be transferred later, but transfer requires a separate DOI process. (WIPO Lex)

Step 2: Search for conflicting trademarks

Check the proposed name, close spellings, sound-alikes, related marks and relevant classes before filing.

The aim is to identify avoidable conflicts before major spending on branding, packaging or advertising.

Step 3: Select the correct class and goods/services

Identify what the business actually sells or provides.

Do not choose a class merely because a competitor uses it. Classification should follow your own goods and services.

Step 4: Finalise the word, logo or specimen

Decide whether the application covers:

• a word mark;

• a logo/label;

• or words and a logo together.

For a domestic application, DOI currently asks for four specimens not exceeding 8 × 8 cm. Its Citizen Charter states that the specimen should clearly identify the relevant business name, address and goods/services. (DOI Citizen Charter)

Step 5: Prepare the application and supporting documents

The official DOI application form asks for information including:

• proprietor's full name and address;

• description of the mark;

• international class;

• priority details, if claimed;

• first-use date, if applicable;

• relevant goods/services;

• origin, selection or meaning of words, symbols or pictures;

• aspects over which exclusivity is or is not claimed. (DOI Trademark Guideline)

Official trademark application form: DOI's official trademark application form is reproduced in the Trademark Guideline, 2072. View the DOI Trademark Guideline and official application form

Applicants should use the most current DOI-issued form available at the time of filing.

Step 6: File with the Department of Industry

The responsible authority is the Department of Industry, Industrial Property Section, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. (DOI contact page)

Can trademark registration be filed online?

DOI operates the Industry Management Information System (IMIS), and several DOI services use it. However, DOI's current trademark-specific Citizen Charter and Industrial Property Section do not clearly describe a complete end-to-end public IMIS workflow for filing a new trademark application. (DOI Citizen Charter)

DOI also issued a specific trademark-application intake notice in 2082 Chaitra, showing that administrative filing arrangements may change. (DOI notice)

Before filing, confirm with the Industrial Property Section whether the current route is physical, online or hybrid.

Step 7: DOI examination

DOI's Trademark Guideline describes two stages: preliminary examination and comparative examination. (DOI Trademark Guideline)

Preliminary examination

DOI checks matters such as:

• proper filing;

• class;

• applicant and address details;

• signatures;

• supporting documents;

• payment receipt;

• representative and Power of Attorney, if applicable;

• foreign-priority information where relevant.

Comparative examination

DOI then reviews substantive issues such as:

• similarity with registered or pending marks;

• descriptiveness;

• misleading geographical indications;

• protected emblems;

• well-known marks;

• public-interest and statutory refusal grounds.

Passing the initial document review therefore does not mean the trademark has been approved.

Step 8: Publication in the Industrial Property Bulletin

After examination, proposed trademarks are published in the Industrial Property Bulletin so interested parties can raise objections before registration.

DOI's Trademark Guideline describes the bulletin as the publication used for public claims and opposition, and DOI maintains an online Industrial Property Bulletin archive.

As of 21 September 2026, the archive listed issues through Year 20, Issue 7, published 2083/05/31.

Applicants should monitor the bulletin rather than assuming filing is the final step.

Step 9: Opposition or complaint stage

This is one area where the official sources require careful reading because they do not all state the same period. For a dedicated explanation of how the opposition stage works — who may oppose, on what grounds, and how an applicant can respond — see our guide to trademark opposition in Nepal.

What the Act says

Section 21A(1) concerns publication of registered trademarks and details of renewal or cancellation. Section 21A(2) then allows a complaint concerning published particulars within 35 days. (WIPO Lex)

What DOI's Trademark Guideline says

Section 12 of DOI's Trademark Guideline deals specifically with pre-registration publication and provides a 90-day opposition period after publication. It also provides for the applicant to respond before DOI decides the matter. (DOI Trademark Guideline)

What DOI bulletins have used in practice

Actual bulletin notices have not used one consistent period.

For example:

• an April 2024 bulletin stated 90 days;

• a September 2025 bulletin stated 20 days;

• a December 2025 bulletin stated 10 days. (April 2024 bulletin) (September 2025 bulletin) (December 2025 bulletin)

The safest practical rule is therefore:

For a specific trademark, follow the deadline printed in the Industrial Property Bulletin in which that mark appears and confirm the deadline with DOI if an opposition or defence depends on it.

It would be misleading to state that every Nepal trademark opposition deadline is always 35 or 90 days.

Step 10: Pay the registration fee and obtain the certificate

If the application completes examination and the applicable opposition stage successfully, DOI records the mark and issues the certificate after payment of the prescribed registration fee. (DOI Trademark Guideline)

The current Citizen Charter lists the registration fee as NPR 5,000. (DOI Citizen Charter)

Section 16 links trademark title to registration, not merely to submitting an application. (WIPO Lex)

Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Nepal

The checklist depends on the applicant. Domestic companies, proprietors, representatives and foreign applicants should not all be given the same document list.

Nepalese company or registered business

DOI's current Industrial Property Section lists:

• completed trademark application form;

• copy of the applicable industry/business operating permission or registration certificate;

• VAT/PAN registration evidence;

• four trademark specimens, maximum 8 × 8 cm;

• application-fee receipt;

• Power of Attorney if a representative is appointed. (DOI Industrial Property Section)

The Citizen Charter additionally states that specimens should identify the industry/business name, address and relevant goods or services. (DOI Citizen Charter)

Individual or proprietor

The Act and official application form contemplate an individual proprietor. DOI's current domestic checklist nevertheless still asks for the applicable business/industry registration and VAT/PAN evidence.

An individual proprietor should therefore prepare the documents applicable to the registered business rather than assuming personal identification alone will satisfy DOI's current checklist.

Filing through a representative

Where a representative is appointed, DOI currently asks for:

• Power of Attorney or authority document; and

• identification of the authorised representative. (DOI Citizen Charter)

Section 20 of the Act permits an attorney or legal practitioner to act for an applicant. (WIPO Lex)

Foreign applicant

DOI's current foreign-trademark checklist requires the applicable filing documents plus:

• certified copy of a valid foreign trademark registration;

• priority documentation where priority is claimed;

• Power of Attorney;

• correspondence address in Nepal;

• identification of the authorised representative. (DOI Citizen Charter)

DOI's guideline includes a foreign-trademark Power of Attorney form and states that the form is to be notarised/legalised. It also allows the representative's address to function as the Nepal correspondence address. (DOI Trademark Guideline)

The guideline permits foreign applicants to file in English and contemplates notarised English translations where relevant documents are in another language.

Because document formalities can depend on the issuing country, foreign applicants should confirm the current notarisation/legalisation requirements with DOI before sending originals.

Trademark Registration Cost in Nepal

Government fees

DOI's current Citizen Charter lists the following government fees:

Table

Stage	Current government fee	Notes
Application	NPR 1,000	Current DOI Citizen Charter
Registration	NPR 5,000	Payable when the mark proceeds to registration
Renewal within 35 days after expiry	NPR 3,500	Current DOI Citizen Charter
Late renewal: day 36 through six months after expiry	NPR 4,500	Current DOI Citizen Charter
Trademark transfer	NPR 2,000	Current DOI Citizen Charter
Amendment of trademark record	NPR 1,000	Current DOI Citizen Charter
Application amendment	NPR 500	Current DOI Citizen Charter
Duplicate certificate	NPR 2,000	Current DOI Citizen Charter

Source: DOI Citizen Charter

Example: one class

For one application that successfully proceeds to registration:

NPR 1,000 application + NPR 5,000 registration = NPR 6,000

This is the basic government amount only.

Example: two classes

Because separate applications are required for different categories under section 18A:

2 × NPR 1,000 application fees + 2 × NPR 5,000 registration fees = NPR 12,000

This excludes amendment, objection, document-certification and professional costs.

Professional or service fees

Professional fees charged by a lawyer, trademark practitioner, consultant or filing service are separate from DOI government fees.

They may cover work such as:

• trademark searching;

• classification;

• application preparation;

• representation;

• DOI follow-up;

• responding to objections;

• handling opposition;

• renewal or portfolio management.

If you want professional help with the search, class selection and filing, see our Trademark & IP Protection service.

How Long Does Trademark Registration Take in Nepal?

DOI's current Citizen Charter does not provide a fixed end-to-end trademark-registration timeframe. It states the processing period as "as prescribed." (DOI Citizen Charter)

The total time depends on:

Table

Stage	Main timing factors
Filing/document check	Missing or inconsistent documents
Preliminary examination	Completeness and classification
Comparative examination	Earlier marks, objections and legal issues
Bulletin publication	DOI publication cycle
Opposition	Whether a third party challenges the application
Applicant response	How quickly defects or objections are answered
Final registration	Fee payment and certificate processing

DOI publishes Industrial Property Bulletins periodically rather than continuously, so publication scheduling can itself affect the overall process.

A guaranteed registration period should therefore be treated cautiously unless DOI has issued a specific current commitment for the application concerned.

Why Can a Trademark Application Be Rejected?

A trademark may fail because of a legal prohibition, conflict with an earlier mark or a procedural defect. How DOI examination objections work, how an applicant can respond to them, and what options remain after a rejection are covered in detail in our guide to trademark objection and rejection in Nepal.

Conflict with an earlier mark

DOI's comparative examination checks confusing similarity with trademarks that are already registered or pending.

Damage to another mark's reputation

Section 18 expressly addresses marks that would damage another trademark's reputation. (WIPO Lex)

Descriptive wording

DOI's examination materials include descriptiveness among the issues considered.

For example, a purely descriptive term such as PREMIUM RICE for ordinary rice raises different issues from a distinctive invented name.

Misleading geographical indications

DOI also examines marks that resemble geographical names or could mislead consumers about geographical origin.

Protected symbols or public identifiers

Government seals, state or international-organisation emblems, the Olympic symbol and certain public-body identifiers appear in DOI's examination criteria.

Public morality or national interest

Section 18 includes public conduct, morality, national interest and institutional prestige among the statutory considerations.

Filing defects

Missing documents, inconsistent owner details, incorrect classifications, inadequate specimens or defective authority documents can also delay or derail an application.

Should You Register the Brand Name, Logo, or Both?

The right strategy depends on which part of the brand has lasting commercial value. For a full comparison of word marks, logo (device) marks and combined marks — and how to decide which to file — see our guide to word mark vs logo trademark protection.

Table

Option	What is filed	Potential advantage	Limitation
Word mark	Brand wording	Useful where the name itself is the main brand asset	Does not reproduce a particular logo presentation
Logo/device mark	Visual symbol or label	Protects the submitted visual identity	A later redesign may reduce the relevance of the old version
Combined mark	Words and visual design together	Useful where the combined presentation is consistently used	Registration relates to that combined presentation

If the business name is likely to remain stable while the logo may change, a separate word-mark filing may be commercially valuable.

If both the wording and a distinctive logo matter independently, separate applications may be worth considering, subject to additional filing costs.

This is practical filing strategy, not a legal requirement that every business register both.

Trademark Registration for Foreign Applicants in Nepal

Foreign trademark owners can seek protection in Nepal, but foreign registration does not automatically create trademark rights in Nepal.

Section 21B states that title to a trademark registered abroad is not valid in Nepal unless the mark is registered in Nepal. Section 21C addresses foreign-registered industrial property and refers to facilities under the Paris Convention. (WIPO Lex)

For the full foreign-applicant process, including the power of authority, foreign registration documents and priority issues, see our detailed guide to trademark registration in Nepal for foreign companies and individuals.

Current DOI requirements for foreign applicants

DOI's current checklist asks for:

• the applicable ordinary filing materials;

• certified copy of the valid foreign trademark registration;

• priority evidence where priority is claimed;

• Power of Attorney;

• correspondence address in Nepal. (DOI Citizen Charter)

Paris Convention priority

Nepal deposited its accession to the Paris Convention on 22 March 2001, and the Convention entered into force for Nepal on 22 June 2001. (WIPO notification)

DOI's Trademark Guideline provides that an applicant claiming Paris Convention priority should file the Nepal application within six months of the first application in a Paris Convention member country. (DOI Trademark Guideline)

Is Nepal a member of the Madrid Protocol?

No. As of 21 September 2026, Nepal is not listed by WIPO as a contracting party to the Madrid Protocol.

WIPO's Nepal treaty profile lists Nepal's participation in treaties including the Paris Convention, Berne Convention and WIPO Convention, but not the Madrid Protocol. (WIPO Nepal treaty profile)

A Madrid international registration therefore cannot simply designate Nepal. Protection must be pursued through Nepal's national DOI route.

What if the foreign mark is still pending abroad?

DOI's current foreign checklist asks for a valid foreign registration certificate, while its Trademark Guideline separately recognises Paris priority based on an earlier foreign application.

A foreign applicant whose home-country mark is still pending should therefore confirm the correct filing basis with DOI or Nepal IP counsel rather than assuming these two procedures are identical.

What Happens After Trademark Registration?

Registration creates an ongoing trademark asset that may require use, renewal and administrative updates.

Trademark use

Section 18C provides that if a registered trademark is not brought into use within one year from registration, DOI is to conduct the necessary inquiry and cancel the registration. (WIPO Lex) The grounds and procedure for cancelling a registered mark, including non-use cancellation, are covered in our guide to trademark cancellation in Nepal.

DOI's guideline provides additional examples of use, including authorised/licensed use in certain circumstances. (DOI Trademark Guideline)

Businesses should keep practical evidence of trademark use.

Renewal

A trademark can be renewed repeatedly for further seven-year periods.

Assignment or transfer

Section 21D allows trademark ownership to be transferred through a DOI-recorded process. DOI's current Citizen Charter lists a transfer fee of NPR 2,000. (WIPO Lex) The step-by-step trademark assignment process — including the documents and fees involved — is explained in our dedicated transfer guide.

Licensing

Section 21D also allows the owner to give written approval for another person to use the registered mark, subject to DOI's recording process.

Changes to registered details

DOI provides procedures for amendments. Its current Citizen Charter lists:

• NPR 1,000 for amendment of a trademark record;

• NPR 500 for amendment of an application. (DOI Citizen Charter)

Monitoring conflicting applications

Trademark owners should periodically monitor the Industrial Property Bulletin for potentially conflicting marks.

DOI registration does not mean the government will commercially monitor the market on the owner's behalf.

Enforcement

DOI's current FAQ states that industrial-property complaints concerning patents, designs or trademarks are handled through the Department's relevant law/judgment-implementation function. (DOI FAQ)

For an actual infringement dispute, preserve evidence such as registration records, advertisements, invoices, packaging, screenshots and proof of use before taking formal action.

Trademark Renewal in Nepal

A trademark is renewable for further seven-year periods, and the Act allows repeated renewals. For a detailed walkthrough of the renewal procedure, deadlines and document checklist, see our dedicated guide to trademark renewal in Nepal.

Section 18D states that the proprietor's title remains valid for seven years. Section 23B provides:

• a 35-day renewal period after expiry; and

• an additional six-month late-renewal period.

If renewal is not completed within that additional period, the registration is automatically cancelled. (WIPO Lex)

DOI's current Citizen Charter lists:

• NPR 3,500 for renewal within 35 days after expiry;

• NPR 4,500 from day 36 through six months after expiry. (DOI Citizen Charter)

When does the seven-year period begin?

There is a genuine inconsistency between official sources.

The Act: Section 18D says seven years from the date of registration. (WIPO Lex)

DOI's Trademark Guideline: Section 17 describes protection as seven years from the application filing date. (DOI Trademark Guideline)

The guideline itself states in section 30 that if it conflicts with the Act, the Act prevails to the extent of the conflict.

For portfolio management, use the expiry information recorded by DOI on the actual certificate/register and confirm the deadline well before renewal.

What documents are required for renewal?

DOI's current webpages are not completely identical.

The Citizen Charter lists:

• renewal application;

• original trademark certificate;

• fee receipt;

• proof of business/industry renewal;

• tax-clearance certificate. (DOI Citizen Charter)

The Industrial Property Section page instead lists:

• original certificate;

• renewal-fee receipt;

• proof of renewal of the industry/trade/business;

• evidence that the trademark is in use. (DOI Industrial Property Section)

Because these current DOI pages are not fully synchronised, confirm the live checklist before filing the renewal and be prepared with both tax-clearance and trademark-use evidence where applicable.

Common Trademark Registration Mistakes in Nepal

Assuming company registration protects the brand

OCR company-name approval and DOI trademark registration are separate.

Spending heavily before conducting a trademark search

Rebranding becomes much more expensive after packaging, domains, signage and advertising are already in use.

Searching only the exact spelling

DOI examination considers confusing similarity, not just exact duplicates.

Choosing the wrong class

The class should correspond to the actual goods or services. Different categories require separate applications under section 18A.

Using a vague goods/services description

Terms such as "technology" can describe very different activities—software products, SaaS, development, repairs or consulting.

Filing under the wrong owner

Decide at the outset whether the brand belongs to the founder, company or another entity.

Registering only a changing logo

If the wording itself is the durable part of the brand, consider whether a separate word-mark application is commercially appropriate.

Treating filing as registration

Submitting an application does not itself create a registered trademark. Section 16 links title to registration.

Ignoring the Industrial Property Bulletin

Publication forms part of DOI's process and can trigger an opposition.

Assuming every opposition deadline is the same

Official materials have used different periods. Follow the deadline in the bulletin covering the specific mark.

Ignoring the use requirement

Section 18C addresses trademarks not brought into use within one year after registration.

Missing renewal

Failure to renew within the statutory late-renewal period results in automatic cancellation under the Act.

Trademark Filing Checklist

Before filing, confirm that:

• the intended owner has been identified;

• the brand wording is final;

• the logo/specimen is final if one is being filed;

• a reasonable conflict search has been completed;

• the correct class or classes have been selected;

• the goods/services description is accurate;

• relevant business/industry registration documents are ready;

• VAT/PAN evidence is available where applicable;

• four compliant specimens have been prepared;

• specimens comply with DOI's current 8 × 8 cm maximum;

• the Power of Attorney is ready if using a representative;

• foreign-registration and priority documents are ready where applicable;

• the current DOI government fee has been confirmed;

• names, addresses, class, goods/services and specimens are consistent throughout the application.

Official Sources and Further Reading

Applicants should check the primary sources again before filing because DOI procedures and administrative requirements can change.

• Department of Industry – Industrial Property Section, current trademark filing and document checklists.

• Department of Industry – Citizen Charter, current administrative requirements, fees and renewal information.

• Department of Industry – Industrial Property Bulletin, publication and opposition notices.

• DOI Trademark Guideline, 2072 and official application form, application form, examination, publication, opposition, priority and representative procedure.

• Patent, Design and Trade Mark Act on WIPO Lex, governing legislation used in this guide.

• WIPO Nice Classification, classification of goods and services.

• WIPO Nepal Treaty Profile, Nepal's current participation in WIPO-administered treaties.