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Jurisdiction Guides

Detailed reference on patent, trademark and industrial design filing, prosecution and protection across key South Asian jurisdictions. Select a country below to explore.

Jurisdiction

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.

Key Facts
Paris Convention✓ Member
PCT✓ Contracting State
Madrid Protocol✓ Member
TRIPs✓ Signatory
Patent Term20 years
TM Term10 years (renewable)
Design Term10 + 5 years
Patents in India
📋 Types of Patent Applications
  • 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
Four Patent Offices: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Foreign applicants file before the office where their Indian agent/attorney is located.
📝 Filing Requirements

Mandatory requirements for an ordinary patent application:

01
Applicant name, address, nationality, status & gender
02
Inventor name, address, nationality & gender
03
Provisional or complete specification (description, claims, abstract, drawings)
04
Power of Authority (stamped per Indian Stamps Act; notarisation not mandatory)
05
Declaration as to inventorship — within 1 month of filing
06
Proof of Right from inventor (Form 1, assignment deed or employment agreement) — within 6 months
Convention / PCT Additional Requirements: DAS code or certified copy of priority document + English translation with certificate of translation — within 3 months (Convention) or 31 months (PCT).
🔄 Patent Prosecution Stages
Step 1
Filing of Application
Step 2
Publication (18 months or on request)
Step 3
Request for Examination (within 31 months — non-extendible)
Step 4
First Examination Report — respond within 6 months (+3 months extension)
Step 5
Hearing (if objections contested)
Step 6
Grant of Letter Patent

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.

📅 Term, Renewal & Working Statement
Application TypePatent TermAnnuity Begins
Ordinary / Convention20 years from Indian filing date3rd year onwards
PCT National Phase20 years from PCT filing date3rd year onwards
Working Statement: Every 3 years from the date of grant, a statement of working must be filed by 30 September for the preceding 3 calendar years. Fee Discount: 80% reduction available for natural persons, start-ups, small entities and educational institutions.
Trademarks in India
™ Overview

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.
📝 Filing Requirements
  • 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)
🔄 Registration Process
Step 1
Filing & issuance of application number
Step 2
Official letter with objections (if any) — reply within 1 month
Step 3
Hearing (if required)
Step 4
Provisional acceptance
Step 5
Publication in Indian TM Journal — Opposition open for 4 months
Step 6
Registration Certificate
ItemPeriod
Initial registration term10 years from filing date
RenewalEvery 10 years thereafter (unlimited)
Opposition window4 months from date of publication
Industrial Designs in India
🎨 Overview & Registrability

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
Four Design Offices: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Head office in Kolkata handles post-filing prosecution. E-filing is available.
📝 Filing Requirements
01
Applicant name, address, nationality & status (natural person, small entity, start-up)
02
Locarno Class & Subclass; title of design
03
3 sets of photographs/drawings (front, rear, top, bottom, left, right, perspective) ~13×10 cm
04
Statement as to novelty
05
Representations showing views where originality resides
06
Power of Authority (stamped; filed later if necessary)
Conventional applications: DAS code or certified copy of priority document + English translation — provided with the application or within 3 months (extendable on payment of monthly fee).
📅 Prosecution & Term
Step 1
Filing & receipt of application number
Step 2
Examination Report (within 1–4 months) — respond within 6 months of filing (+3 months extendable)
Step 3
Hearing (if required)
Step 4
Acceptance & Registration Certificate
PeriodDetails
Initial term10 years from date of registration
RenewalOne further term of 5 years (total: 15 years)
Jurisdiction

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.

Key Facts
Paris Convention✓ Member
PCT✗ Not Contracting State
Madrid Protocol✓ Member (Feb 2021)
WTO / TRIPs✓ Member
Patent Term20 years
TM Term10 years (renewable)
Design Term10 + 10 years (20 yrs)
Patents in Pakistan
Note: 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.
📋 Types of Patent Applications
  • 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).
📝 Filing Requirements
01
Applicant name, nationality, full address
02
Inventor name, nationality, full address
03
Complete specification on A4 (Form P-3A) with abstract, drawings and claims
04
Power of Authority in favour of attorney — duly notarised (with company seal)
05
Proof of Right: Form P-1A (ordinary) or P-2A (conventional) — notarised, signed before two witnesses, printed back-to-back
06
Certified copy of priority document (where priority claimed) — at filing or within 3 months
07
Notarised English translation of priority document (if not in English)
🔄 Prosecution Stages
Step 1
Filing with specification
Step 2
Complete specification (if provisional filed earlier)
Step 3
Formality completion (POA, priority docs)
Step 4
Examination & Office Action
Step 5
Acceptance & Publication in Official Gazette
Step 6
Sealing (if no opposition within 4 months of publication)
ItemDetail
Patent term20 years from accorded filing date
Annuity commencement5th year from filing date
Grace period for renewal6 months with surcharge
Trademarks in Pakistan
™ Overview

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).

Two trademark regimes run in parallel: 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.
📝 Filing Requirements
  • 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
🔄 Registration Process & Term
Step 1
Filing of Application
Step 2
Examination Report (if objections)
Step 3
Reply & Hearing (if required)
Step 4
Acceptance & Publication in TM Journal
Step 5
Opposition window: 2 months from publication
Step 6
Registration Certificate
Filing DateInitial TermRenewal Term
Before 12 April 20047 years15 years each
On/after 12 April 200410 years10 years each
Industrial Designs in Pakistan
🎨 Overview

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.

📝 Filing Requirements
  • 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
Conventional Applications: 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).
📅 Term of Registration
PeriodDetails
Initial term10 years
RenewalOne further term of 10 years
Maximum total term20 years
Jurisdiction

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.

Key Facts
Paris Convention✓ Member
PCT✗ Not Contracting State
Madrid Protocol✗ Not a Member
Patent Term20 years
TM Term7 yrs initial, 10 yrs renewal
Design Term5 + 5 + 5 years (15 yrs)
Patents in Bangladesh
Substantive Examination: 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).
📝 Filing Requirements
01
Applicant & inventor name, address, nationality
02
Complete specification in English (description, claims, abstract, drawings)
03
Original POA — within 1 month of filing (late fee applies)
04
Proof of Right — signed declaration before 2 witnesses or notarised assignment deed — within 3 months
05
Priority details & certified copy of priority document — within 3 months (late fee applies)
06
Notarised English translation of priority document (if not in English) — within 3 months
🔄 Prosecution Stages
Step 1
Filing
Step 2
Formality Check
Step 3
Publication (18 months or early request)
Step 4
Pre-grant Opposition (within 90 days of publication)
Step 5
Request for Examination (within 36 months from filing)
Step 6
Substantive Examination — reply & hearing
Step 7
Publication & Post-publication Opposition (90 days)
Step 8
Sealing fee payment & Grant
ItemDetail
Patent term20 years from filing date
Annuity commencement6th year onwards (paid before expiry of 5th year)
Trademarks in Bangladesh
™ Overview

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.

📝 Filing Requirements
  • 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
🔄 Registration Process
Step 1
Filing — application no. & acknowledgement within a week
Step 2
Examination (approx. 4–8 months)
Step 3
Reply to Examination Report within 2 months
Step 4
Acceptance
Step 5
Publication in TM Journal — Opposition: 2 months + 1 month extension
Step 6
Registration Certificate (on payment of registration fee)
PeriodDetail
Initial term7 years from filing date
Renewal10 years each time (unlimited)
Industrial Designs in Bangladesh
🎨 Overview

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.

📝 Filing Requirements
  • 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)
Conventional Applications: Certified copy of priority document must be supplied within 3 months of filing.
📅 Term of Registration
PeriodDetail
Initial term5 years
RenewalTwo further terms of 5 years each
Maximum total term15 years
Jurisdiction

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.

Key Facts
Paris Convention✓ Member (since 2001)
PCT✗ Not Contracting State
Madrid Protocol✗ Not a Member
Patent Term7+7+7 years (21 yrs total)
TM Term7 years (renewable)
Design Term5+5+5 years (15 yrs)
Patents in Nepal
📝 Filing Requirements
01
Application form executed in presence of two witnesses
02
Power of Attorney executed in presence of two witnesses (with company seal if available; notarisation mandatory where seal unavailable)
03
Notarised copy of complete specification including claims (in English)
04
Notarised/certified copy of Filing Receipt or priority application in English (for priority claims)
05
Notarised/certified copy of Home Registration Certificate of patent in English
Conventional Priority: Application must be filed within 12 months from the earliest priority date.
🔄 Prosecution Stages
Step 1
Filing of Application
Step 2
Formal Examination — correction invited if deficient
Step 3
Substantive Examination (novelty, inventive step, industrial applicability)
Step 4
Notification of Refusal (if applicable) — Response filed
Step 5
Acceptance & Payment of Registration Fee
Step 6
Issuance of Certificate of Patent
Publication: Registered patents are published unless kept secret for national interest. Opposition: Any person may oppose within 35 days from the date on which the registered patent is seen or a copy is obtained.
PeriodDetail
Initial term7 years from grant
RenewalTwo further terms of 7 years each
Maximum total term21 years
Trademarks in Nepal
™ Overview

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.

Mandatory Use: 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.
📝 Filing Requirements
  • 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)
🔄 Registration Process & Term
Step 1
Filing
Step 2
Examination — report if objections
Step 3
Reply & Hearing (if required)
Step 4
Acceptance
Step 5
Publication in TM Journal — Opposition: 90 days
Step 6
Registration Certificate
PeriodDetail
Initial term7 years from registration
Renewal7 years each time (unlimited)
Extension without cost35 days available
Renewal endorsementOriginal certificate required
Industrial Designs in Nepal
🎨 Overview

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.

📝 Filing Requirements
  • 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)
Conventional Applications: 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.
📅 Term of Registration
PeriodDetail
Initial term5 years
RenewalTwo further terms of 5 years each
Maximum total term15 years