Trademark registration in Nepal provides legal protection to business owners for their brand names, logos, and other distinctive marks. The Department of Industry (DOI) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies administers trademark registration in accordance with the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965). Understanding the complete cost structure helps businesses plan their intellectual property protection strategy effectively.
Government Fees for Trademark Registration
The Department of Industry charges statutory fees for trademark registration in Nepal. These fees are prescribed under the Patent, Design and Trademark Rules, 2024 (1968) and subsequent amendments. The government fee structure consists of two main components that applicants must pay at different stages of the registration process.
Application Fee Structure
The initial application fee for trademark registration at the Department of Industry is NPR 1,000. This fee must be paid when submitting the trademark application form along with required documents. The application fee covers the preliminary examination of the trademark application by the DOI officials. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the trademark application is approved or rejected. Applicants must pay this fee through designated government revenue collection channels or banking partners authorized by the Department of Industry.
Registration Fee Requirements
Upon approval of the trademark application, applicants must pay a registration fee of NPR 5,000 to the Department of Industry. This fee is required before the trademark certificate is issued. The registration fee covers the administrative costs of recording the trademark in the official register maintained by the DOI. According to Section 9 of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965), the trademark registration becomes effective only after payment of the prescribed registration fee. The certificate of registration serves as legal proof of trademark ownership for a period of seven years from the date of registration.
| Fee Type | Amount (NPR) | Payment Stage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | 1,000 | At time of filing | Initial processing and examination |
| Registration Fee | 5,000 | After approval | Certificate issuance and registration |
| Total Government Fees | 6,000 | – | Complete registration process |
Professional Service Charges
Professional service providers and law firms in Nepal offer trademark registration services to assist applicants throughout the registration process. Service charges vary based on the scope of work, complexity of the trademark, and whether the trademark is for national or international protection. These fees are separate from government fees and cover professional expertise in trademark matters.
National Trademark Service Fees
For national trademark registration within Nepal, professional service providers typically charge NPR 8,000 as service fees. This fee covers comprehensive assistance in the trademark registration process including document preparation, application drafting, and filing procedures. The service fee for national trademarks includes consultation on trademark selection, preliminary search to check availability, preparation of all required documents, and representation before the Department of Industry. Professional service providers ensure compliance with all requirements under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965) and related rules.
International Trademark Service Fees
For international trademark registration or trademarks requiring protection beyond Nepal’s borders, professional service providers charge NPR 15,000 as service fees. International trademark registration involves additional complexities including compliance with international treaties such as the Madrid Protocol or Paris Convention. The higher service fee reflects the additional work required for international trademark applications including coordination with foreign trademark offices, preparation of documents meeting international standards, and ensuring compliance with both Nepali and international trademark laws. Nepal is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and applicants can seek international trademark protection through proper channels.
| Service Type | Service Fee (NPR) | Coverage | Complexity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Trademark | 8,000 | Nepal only | Standard |
| International Trademark | 15,000 | Multiple jurisdictions | Complex |
Complete Cost Breakdown
Understanding the total cost of trademark registration helps businesses budget appropriately for intellectual property protection. The complete cost includes both government fees and professional service charges.
Total Cost for National Trademark
For a national trademark registration in Nepal, the total cost breakdown is as follows:
- Government Application Fee: NPR 1,000
- Government Registration Fee: NPR 5,000
- Professional Service Fee: NPR 8,000
- Total Cost: NPR 14,000
This total cost covers the entire process from initial application to receipt of the trademark registration certificate. The cost does not include potential additional expenses such as trademark renewal fees after seven years or costs associated with trademark opposition proceedings if third parties challenge the application.
Total Cost for International Trademark
For international trademark registration involving Nepal, the total cost breakdown is:
- Government Application Fee: NPR 1,000
- Government Registration Fee: NPR 5,000
- Professional Service Fee: NPR 15,000
- Total Cost: NPR 21,000
This cost covers the Nepal-based registration process and professional assistance for international trademark matters. Additional fees may apply for filing in foreign jurisdictions through international trademark systems. Applicants seeking protection in multiple countries should budget for additional costs associated with each jurisdiction.
| Cost Component | National (NPR) | International (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Registration Fee | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Service Fee | 8,000 | 15,000 |
| Total | 14,000 | 21,000 |
Scope of Professional Services
Professional trademark service providers offer comprehensive assistance throughout the trademark registration process. The scope of work included in the service fees covers multiple aspects of trademark registration to ensure successful application and registration.
Document Preparation and Drafting
Professional service providers prepare and draft all required documents for trademark registration. This includes preparation of the trademark application form as prescribed under Rule 3 of the Patent, Design and Trademark Rules, 2024 (1968). The document preparation process involves:
- Drafting detailed description of the trademark
- Preparing specimen or representation of the trademark
- Compiling business registration documents
- Preparing power of attorney if required
- Drafting supporting affidavits and declarations
- Preparing citizenship or incorporation documents
- Compiling evidence of trademark use if applicable
The document preparation ensures compliance with all legal requirements and increases the likelihood of application approval. Professional service providers verify that all documents meet the standards set by the Department of Industry.
Application Preparation for Filing
The preparation of the trademark application for filing at the Department of Industry involves several technical and legal considerations. Service providers prepare the application in the prescribed format ensuring all mandatory fields are completed accurately. The application preparation includes:
- Selection of appropriate trademark class under the Nice Classification system
- Accurate description of goods or services covered by the trademark
- Proper representation of the trademark in required format and size
- Completion of applicant information including legal status
- Declaration of trademark ownership and rights
- Statement of distinctiveness and non-descriptiveness
- Compliance with Section 8 of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act regarding registrability
Professional service providers ensure the application meets all substantive and procedural requirements to avoid rejection or objections from the Department of Industry.
Filing and Revenue Payment
The final stage of professional service involves actual filing of the trademark application at the Department of Industry along with payment of government fees. Service providers handle:
- Physical or electronic submission of application at DOI
- Payment of NPR 1,000 application fee through proper channels
- Obtaining official receipt and acknowledgment
- Recording of application number and filing date
- Follow-up with DOI for examination status
- Response to any objections or queries from DOI
- Payment of NPR 5,000 registration fee upon approval
- Collection of trademark registration certificate
The service provider acts as the representative of the applicant throughout the process, ensuring timely completion of all procedural requirements. According to Section 7 of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, the application must be filed in the prescribed manner with the prescribed fee.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond the basic registration costs, trademark owners should consider additional expenses that may arise during the trademark lifecycle.
Trademark Search Fees
Before filing a trademark application, conducting a preliminary trademark search is advisable to check if similar or identical trademarks already exist. While not mandatory, trademark searches reduce the risk of application rejection. Professional trademark search services may cost between NPR 2,000 to NPR 5,000 depending on the comprehensiveness of the search. The Department of Industry maintains a register of all registered trademarks which can be searched to identify potential conflicts.
Trademark Renewal Costs
Trademark registration in Nepal is valid for seven years from the date of registration as per Section 9 of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act. Trademark owners must renew their registration before expiry to maintain protection. Renewal fees are prescribed by the Department of Industry and typically include both government fees and professional service charges if using a service provider. Failure to renew results in loss of trademark protection.
Opposition and Legal Proceedings
If third parties file opposition against a trademark application under Section 10 of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, additional legal costs may arise. Opposition proceedings require legal representation and may involve hearing fees, documentation costs, and professional legal fees. Similarly, if trademark infringement occurs, enforcement costs including legal fees for civil or criminal proceedings must be considered.
Multi-Class Application Costs
If a trademark needs protection across multiple classes of goods or services, separate applications may be required for each class. The Nice Classification system divides goods and services into 45 classes. Each class application requires separate government fees, potentially multiplying the total registration cost. Businesses with diverse product lines should budget accordingly.
Payment Methods and Procedures
The Department of Industry accepts trademark registration fees through specific payment channels. Understanding the payment procedures ensures smooth processing of applications.
Government Fee Payment
Government fees for trademark registration must be paid through designated government revenue collection systems. The Department of Industry typically accepts payments through:
- Direct payment at DOI cashier counter
- Bank deposits at authorized government revenue collection banks
- Online payment through government payment portals where available
- Revenue stamps for certain fee components
Applicants must obtain official receipts for all payments as proof of fee payment. The application number should be referenced in all payment transactions to ensure proper crediting.
Service Fee Payment
Professional service fees are paid directly to the service provider according to their payment terms. Most service providers require:
- Advance payment before commencing work
- Payment through bank transfer or cash
- Official invoice and receipt for tax purposes
- Clear payment terms in the service agreement
Service providers should provide detailed invoices breaking down the services rendered and fees charged.
Legal Framework Governing Trademark Fees
The cost structure for trademark registration in Nepal is established under specific legal provisions.
Statutory Provisions
The Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965) provides the primary legal framework for trademark registration in Nepal. Section 7 of the Act empowers the Department of Industry to prescribe fees for trademark applications and registration. The Patent, Design and Trademark Rules, 2024 (1968) contain detailed provisions regarding fee amounts and payment procedures. Rule 3 specifies the application requirements and associated fees.
Fee Revision Authority
The Government of Nepal, through the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, has the authority to revise trademark registration fees through amendments to the Patent, Design and Trademark Rules. Fee revisions are published in the Nepal Gazette and become effective from the specified date. Applicants should verify current fee schedules with the Department of Industry before filing applications.
Comparison with Regional Trademark Costs
Understanding how Nepal’s trademark registration costs compare with neighboring countries provides context for businesses operating regionally.
Regional Cost Analysis
Trademark registration costs in Nepal are relatively affordable compared to other South Asian countries. India charges approximately INR 4,500 to INR 9,000 (approximately NPR 7,200 to NPR 14,400) for trademark application fees depending on the applicant type. Bangladesh charges approximately BDT 3,000 to BDT 6,000 (approximately NPR 3,600 to NPR 7,200) for trademark registration. Sri Lanka charges approximately LKR 5,000 to LKR 10,000 (approximately NPR 2,000 to NPR 4,000) for trademark fees.
Nepal’s total government fee of NPR 6,000 positions it competitively within the region. However, professional service fees vary significantly across countries based on market conditions and complexity of procedures.
Value of Trademark Registration
Despite the costs involved, trademark registration provides substantial value to businesses through legal protection and commercial benefits.
Legal Protection Benefits
Registered trademarks receive legal protection under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965). Section 9 grants exclusive rights to use the trademark for the registered goods or services. Trademark owners can take legal action against infringement under Section 23 of the Act, which provides for both civil and criminal remedies. The registration certificate serves as prima facie evidence of ownership in legal proceedings.
Commercial Advantages
Trademark registration enhances business value by creating brand recognition and customer loyalty. Registered trademarks can be licensed to third parties for revenue generation. Trademarks are intangible assets that increase business valuation for investment or sale purposes. Registration also facilitates expansion into new markets with protected brand identity.
What is the total government fee for trademark registration in Nepal?
The total government fee is NPR 6,000, consisting of NPR 1,000 application fee and NPR 5,000 registration fee payable to the Department of Industry.
How much do professional services cost for trademark registration?
Professional service fees are NPR 8,000 for national trademarks and NPR 15,000 for international trademarks, covering document preparation, application filing, and DOI representation.
Are trademark registration fees refundable if the application is rejected?
No, the application fee of NPR 1,000 is non-refundable regardless of application outcome. The registration fee is only paid after approval.
How long is trademark registration valid in Nepal?
Trademark registration is valid for seven years from the registration date under Section 9 of the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 2022 (1965).
Can I file a trademark application without professional assistance?
Yes, applicants can file directly with the Department of Industry, paying only the government fees of NPR 6,000, though professional assistance improves success rates.
What additional costs should I budget for trademark registration?
Additional costs may include trademark search fees (NPR 2,000-5,000), multi-class application fees, renewal fees after seven years, and potential opposition proceeding costs.
Do I need to pay separate fees for each class of goods or services?
Yes, separate applications and fees are typically required for each class under the Nice Classification system, multiplying the total registration cost.
What payment methods does the Department of Industry accept?
The DOI accepts payments through direct counter payment, authorized bank deposits, government payment portals, and revenue stamps depending on the fee component.
How do Nepal’s trademark costs compare with neighboring countries?
Nepal’s government fees of NPR 6,000 are competitive with regional costs, though total costs including professional services vary based on complexity and jurisdiction.
What is included in the professional service fee?
The service fee covers document preparation, application drafting, DOI filing, revenue payment, follow-up, objection responses, and certificate collection as detailed in the scope of work.
