Trademark registration, copyright and brand protection
MSA Law Chamber advises and represents clients in intellectual property matters involving trademarks, copyrights, patents, designs and other proprietary rights in Karachi and across Sindh. The work covers registration, protection, enforcement, infringement disputes and related proceedings, so you understand your rights, the available remedies and the next step.
We assist businesses, professionals and rights holders with IP registration, infringement claims, cease-and-desist matters, licensing and ownership issues, and related civil proceedings. Where negotiation, settlement or another practical resolution can protect your interests without prolonged litigation, that option is considered first.
Trademark registration in Pakistan is handled by the Trade Marks Registry of the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) under the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001. The usual steps are a search, the application, examination, advertisement in the Trade Marks Journal for opposition, and registration; a registered mark is valid for ten years and can be renewed. Copyright is registered with the Copyright Office under the Copyright Ordinance, 1962. Brand disputes that need urgent court action are handled with our litigation lawyers in Karachi.
Who we act for
We act for start-ups and established businesses protecting a brand name or logo, software and content creators, designers and manufacturers, franchisors and licensees, and businesses that have received an infringement notice.
Our Intellectual Property services
- Trademark, copyright and patent matters
- Intellectual property registration and protection
- IP infringement disputes and enforcement
- Licensing, ownership and IP-related agreements
- Civil litigation and remedies for IP violations
- Trademark searches and clearance before launch
- Oppositions and replies to examination reports
- Cease-and-desist notices and replies
How we work
- Identify the rightWe confirm what you own: a trademark, copyright, design or patent, and whether it is registered.
- Search and assessBefore filing, we review existing marks or rights that could block registration or create a conflict.
- File and prosecuteWe prepare and file the application with IPO-Pakistan and respond to examination reports and oppositions.
- EnforceIf someone infringes, we send a notice, negotiate, or file proceedings before the IP Tribunal.
- CommercialiseWe draft licence, assignment and franchise agreements so your rights generate value.
Documents we usually need
- The mark, logo or work to be protected and a description of its use
- Date of first use and samples showing use
- Business registration documents of the owner
- Existing registration certificates or applications
- Evidence of infringement (photos, invoices, screenshots, test purchases)
- Any agreements with designers, developers or licensees
Courts, forums and authorities
- Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan), including the Trade Marks Registry in Karachi
- Intellectual Property Tribunals established under the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan Act, 2012
- International trademark filings through the Madrid System, which Pakistan joined in 2021
The main laws are the Trade Marks Ordinance, 2001, the Copyright Ordinance, 1962, the Patents Ordinance, 2000, the Registered Designs Ordinance, 2000 and the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan Act, 2012.
Why MSA Law Chamber
- We advise on clearance before you invest in a brand, not only after a dispute arises.
- We draft agreements so ownership of designs, software and content is clear from the start.
- Scope of work and fees are discussed and confirmed with you before work starts.
Frequently asked questions
MSA Law Chamber handles matters involving trademarks, copyrights, patents, industrial designs, infringement, ownership, licensing and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Depending on the circumstances, available options may include a cease-and-desist notice, negotiation, settlement, administrative action, or legal proceedings seeking appropriate remedies for the infringement.
Yes. The firm can provide legal assistance relating to the registration and protection of intellectual property rights, including reviewing ownership, documentation and potential legal issues before or during the registration process.
Trademark applications are filed with the Trade Marks Registry in Karachi, which forms part of IPO-Pakistan. The Registry is also Pakistan’s office for international applications under the Madrid System.
Copyright arises when an original work is created, but registration with IPO-Pakistan gives useful evidence of ownership if a dispute arises.
It varies with the Registry's workload and whether objections or oppositions arise. An unopposed application usually takes many months, and often more than a year, from filing to registration. The filing date matters for priority, so it is sensible to file early.
They can be filed as one combined mark or as separate applications. Separate filings for the word and the logo usually give broader protection, at additional cost, because the word mark is protected however it is styled.
Discuss your intellectual property matter
Call or WhatsApp us on +92 308 2254647 (Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 7:30 pm), or send an enquiry through our contact page.
This page is general information about our practice, not legal advice. Laws and procedures change; please take advice on your specific facts.