Protect your brand with KIPLAN’s expert guide to trademark registration in Nepal. Explore 2026 digital updates, fees, and step-by-step notary procedures.
In the competitive global marketplace of 2026, a brand is more than a name—it is a company’s most valuable intangible asset. In Nepal, as the digital economy matures and cross-border trade via the “Single Window System” expands, securing your Intellectual Property (IP) through formal trademark registration is no longer optional; it is a foundational legal necessity.
Why Trademark Registration is Vital
Trademark registration in Nepal provides the proprietor with the exclusive right to use a brand name, logo, or slogan, preventing third-party infringement and consumer confusion. Governed by the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 1965 (2022 BS), registration creates a legal monopoly that enhances business valuation, facilitates licensing/franchising, and serves as the primary evidence in IP litigation. Without formal registration at the Department of Industry (DOI), a brand lacks statutory protection, leaving it vulnerable to “squatting” or imitation. In 2026, with the DOI’s move toward the Industrial Property Automation System (IPAS), registration also ensures your brand is searchable and protected in national and international digital databases.
Governing Laws & the 2026 Regulatory Landscape
The primary legislative framework remains the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 1965. However, 2025 and 2026 have seen significant shifts in the administrative landscape:
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Digitization of Records: The DOI has successfully migrated over 90% of legacy records into the digital IPAS portal, allowing for more accurate “Prior Search” results.
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OCR Verification Portals: The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) has launched a new online verification API. This allows the DOI to instantly verify the legal standing of a company applying for a trademark, drastically reducing the “Documentary Evidence” phase.
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Strict Compliance: Following the 2025 DOI Directive, all pending applications must now meet strict “Evidence of Use” requirements to avoid automatic dismissal.
Trademark Registration Overview: 2026 Requirements
| Step | Process Phase | Estimated Time | Essential Documents |
| 1 | Pre-filing Search | 1–3 Days | Proposed Logo/Name |
| 2 | Application Filing | 1–7 Days | POA, Application Form, Reg. Cert |
| 3 | Examination | 2–4 Months | Technical Specifications |
| 4 | Publication (IP Bulletin) | 90 Days | DOI Approval Notice |
| 5 | Registration | 1–2 Months | Receipt of Final Fee |
Step-by-Step Procedure: The Practical Workflow
Navigating the registration process requires a blend of digital submission and traditional notarial authentication.
1. Document Preparation and Notarization
Before submission, key documents such as the Power of Attorney (POA) and copies of the Company Registration Certificate must be notarized.
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The Notary Process: In Nepal, the principal or authorized representative must present original identification to a licensed Notary Public. The Notary verifies the signature, stamps the document, and enters the transaction into the Notary Register as per the Notary Public Act, 2063.
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E-Notary Trends: While Nepal is transitioning toward a “Hybrid E-Notary” system—where documents can be uploaded for review via WhatsApp or Email—the final physical stamping and entry into the physical register remain mandatory for DOI acceptance in 2026.
2. Filing at the Department of Industry (DOI)
Applications are now increasingly processed through the Online IP Portal. Once the digital application is filed, a physical “Hard Copy” set, authenticated by a legal professional, must be submitted to the DOI in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu for final record-keeping.
3. Examination and the 90-Day Window
The DOI examiner reviews the mark for distinctiveness and similarity to existing marks. If cleared, the trademark is published in the Industrial Property Bulletin. This triggers a mandatory 90-day opposition period, allowing any third party to contest the registration.
Why Expert Notarial & Legal Support is Critical
A minor error in the Power of Attorney or an incorrect Class Selection (under the Nice Classification) can lead to the rejection of your application, resulting in lost fees and time.
The KIPLAN (kiplan.com.np) team assists by:
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Conducting exhaustive Trademark Availability Searches using advanced IPAS filters.
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Providing Notary Public services for seamless document authentication.
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Handling IP Litigation and filing “Oppositions” against infringing marks.
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Managing the Trademark Renewal cycle (every 7 years) to ensure continuous protection.
Conclusion: Securing Legal Certainty
Trademark registration in Nepal is the only definitive way to secure your brand’s future. In an era of digital fraud and brand imitation, a registered mark provides the legal “teeth” required to take enforcement action. By leveraging the expertise of KIPLAN, businesses can navigate the DOI’s evolving digital landscape with absolute legal certainty.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the process of trademark registration in Nepal?
It involves a pre-search, filing the application at the DOI, preliminary and substantive examination, publication in the IP Bulletin for 90 days, and finally, certificate issuance if no opposition is filed.
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Can a Power of Attorney (POA) be used to register a trademark?
Yes. Most businesses use a POA to authorize a legal firm like KIPLAN to handle the filing and DOI correspondence on their behalf. The POA must be notarized.
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What are the standard trademark fees in 2026?
For domestic entities: Application fee is NPR 1,000 and Registration fee is NPR 5,000 per class. Professional and notarization fees are additional.
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How long is a trademark valid in Nepal?
A trademark is valid for 7 years from the date of registration and can be renewed indefinitely for 7-year periods.
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Is “E-Notary” legally valid for trademark documents in Nepal?
Nepal uses a hybrid system. You can submit documents digitally for preparation, but the final document used for DOI filing requires a physical stamp and signature from a licensed Notary Public.
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Can I register a trademark as an individual?
Yes, trademarks can be registered under the name of an individual, a partnership firm, or a corporate entity.
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What happens if someone opposes my trademark?
If an opposition is filed during the 90-day window, the DOI will conduct a hearing where both parties present evidence. This is why having a specialized IP lawyer from kiplan.com.np is essential.