The Lawyers | Professional Legal Counsel & Advisory

Introduction

For business owners, corporate entities, startups, and domain holders in Pakistan, securing statutory intellectual property protection starts with Form TM-1. Form TM-1 is the primary application form prescribed under the Trade Marks Rules, 2004 to register a trade mark for goods, services, or domain names with the Trade Marks Registry (TMR) under the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan).

Filling out Form TM-1 accurately is essential. Errors in specifying goods/services, selecting Nice classes, or establishing user dates can lead to Registry show-cause notices or rejection under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001.

This guide breaks down the structure of Form TM-1, mandatory supporting documents, step-by-step completion requirements, and common legal FAQs.

💡 Filing Form TM-1 with IPO-Pakistan?

Drafting precise specifications of goods/services and conducting a pre-filing clearance search is crucial to preventing Registry objections.

💬 Chat with Our IP Team on WhatsApp to prepare and file your TM-1 application.

What Is Form TM-1?

Form TM-1 is the statutory application form submitted to the Registrar of Trade Marks to seek exclusive ownership rights over a brand identifier in Pakistan.

Key Technical Rules for Form TM-1

Single-Class Limit: Form TM-1 covers one class per application as per the international Nice Classification system (Schedule IV of the Trade Marks Rules, 2004).
Representation Sheets: One logo is affixed directly to the form, accompanied by six additional separate representations printed on durable paper (13" x 8").
Duplicate Submission: Applications submitted physically must be filed in duplicate with the Trade Marks Registry.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Form TM-1

1. Representation of the Mark

Affix one clear print of the trade mark (logo, wordmark, or device) in the designated box on the form. Attach six extra copies printed on 13" x 8" paper.

2. Class Selection

Indicate the appropriate class number (Classes 1–34 for goods; Classes 35–45 for services).

3. Specification of Goods or Services

List the exact products or services to be covered. Avoid overly vague terms like "all goods" to prevent Registry rejections.

4. Applicant Information & Trading Style

Provide full legal details:

Individuals/Sole Proprietors: Full name, nationality, and residence address.
Partnerships/Firms: Names of all partners trading under the firm name.
Companies/Corporations: Exact registered corporate name, jurisdiction/country of incorporation, and registered office address.

5. Claim of Use (User Date vs. Proposed to be Used)

Proposed to be Used: Selected if the mark has not yet launched commercially in Pakistan.
In Use Since [Date]: If claiming prior use, state the exact date of first commercial use in Pakistan. Supporting evidence (invoices, marketing materials, tax records) should be maintained.

6. Color & Limitation Claims

If exclusive rights are claimed for specific colors, state the color combination explicitly on the form.

7. Address for Service in Pakistan

All foreign and local applicants must provide an official address for service within Pakistan for legal notices and correspondence.

⚖️ Filing through an IP Advocate?

Submitting Form TM-1 through legal counsel requires executing Form TM-48 (Power of Attorney) on appropriate stamp paper.

Contact The Lawyers Today or Chat with Our IP Team on WhatsApp

Mandatory Supporting Documents Checklist

Document	Statutory Requirement
Form TM-1 (Duplicate)	Completed application form signed by applicant or legal advocate.
Representation Sheets	6 additional representations of the mark (13" x 8" size).
CNIC / Passport / NTN	Copy of applicant's CNIC (for individuals) or Incorporation Certificate/NTN (for companies).
Form TM-48 (Power of Attorney)	Duly stamped and executed authorization if filed via an IP Advocate.
User Evidence / Affidavit	Invoices, advertisements, or tax records if claiming prior use date in Pakistan.
Translation/Transliteration	Notarized affidavit if the mark contains non-English or non-Urdu text/script.
Statutory Payment	Pay Order / Bank Draft for official government filing fee.

Official Filing Fees & Submission Details

Official IPO Government Application Fee (Form TM-1): PKR 3,000 to PKR 4,500 per class (subject to statutory fee updates by IPO-Pakistan).
Final Certificate Fee (Form TM-11): PKR 9,000 payable upon issuance of the Demand Notice after successful journal publication.
Primary Submission Registry:
- Trade Marks Registry (Head Office): Plot No. ST-1 & 2, Sector 12, Sub-Sector B, Korangi Industrial Area, Karachi.
- Regional IPO Offices: Lahore and Islamabad (or via the official IPO e-filing portal).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I include multiple Nice classes in a single Form TM-1?

No. Pakistan operates a single-class application system. A separate Form TM-1 application and filing fee are required for each individual class.

Q2: Is a domain name registrable via Form TM-1?

Yes. Domain names (e.g., yourbrand.pk) can be registered as trade marks using Form TM-1 provided they meet the distinctiveness criteria under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001.

Q3: What happens if IPO-Pakistan issues an objection after filing TM-1?

If the Examiner raises objections regarding distinctiveness (Section 14) or similarity to prior marks (Section 17), IPO will issue a Show-Cause Notice. The applicant must submit a formal legal response and attend an official hearing before the Registrar within 2 months.

Q4: How long does a trade mark remain valid after TM-1 approval?

Once granted, registration is valid for 10 years from the initial filing date on Form TM-1. It can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years by filing Form TM-12.

🏛️ End-to-End Trade Mark Filings with "The Lawyers"

Filing Form TM-1 correctly ensures your brand avoids years of administrative delays or opposition proceedings. The Lawyers handles complete intellectual property management—from Form TM-55 clearance searches and TM-1 filings to opposition hearings (Form TM-5) and High Court IP litigation.

✉️ Email: info@thelawyers.pk

📞 Direct Line / WhatsApp: +92 307 3685421