Protecting your brand is crucial for the success of your business. In Pakistan, trademarks are registered with the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) and it is important to regularly check the status of your trademark to ensure it is still valid and protected. In this article, we will discuss how to check the trademark status in Pakistan and the steps you can take to protect your brand.
Understanding Trademark Status
Before we dive into the process of checking the trademark status, it is important to understand what it means. The trademark status refers to the current state of your trademark registration. It can be one of the following:
- Registered: This means that your trademark has been successfully registered with the IPO and is valid for 10 years from the date of registration.
- Pending: This means that your trademark application is still being processed by the IPO and a decision has not yet been made.
- Expired: This means that your trademark registration has expired and you need to renew it to maintain its protection.
- Rejected: This means that your trademark application has been rejected by the IPO and you will need to reapply if you wish to register your trademark.
Checking Trademark Status
To check the status of your trademark in Pakistan, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the IPO website (http://ipo.gov.pk/).
- Click on the “Online Services” tab.
- Select “Trademark Search” from the drop-down menu.
- Enter your trademark number or application number in the search bar.
- Click on “Search” to view the status of your trademark.
If your trademark is registered, you will be able to see the registration date, expiry date, and the status as “Registered”. If your trademark is pending, you will see the status as “Pending” and the date of filing. If your trademark has expired, the status will show as “Expired” and the date of expiry. If your trademark application has been rejected, the status will show as “Rejected” and the date of rejection.
Protecting Your Brand
To ensure the continued protection of your brand, it is important to renew your trademark registration before it expires. You can do this by submitting a renewal application to the IPO along with the required fees. It is recommended to start the renewal process at least 6 months before the expiry date to avoid any delays or issues.
In addition to renewing your trademark, you can also take steps to protect your brand from infringement. This includes monitoring the market for any unauthorized use of your trademark and taking legal action if necessary. You can also consider registering your trademark in other countries to expand your brand’s protection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, regularly checking the status of your trademark in Pakistan is crucial for protecting your brand. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily check the status of your trademark and take the necessary steps to maintain its protection. Remember to also take proactive measures to protect your brand from infringement to ensure its continued success.
