Trademark Registration Process

How can I apply for registration?

1. Obtain an application form – Form 4 (Application for Registration of a trademark). The form can be downloaded by clicking the link above or can be collected at the office.
2. Complete the application using the Form 4 Instruction Guide
3. Pay the prescribed filing fee of PG K250.00. Payment can be made via direct deposit or bank cheque. (Click fees to get more information).
4. Lodge the application together with the receipt of payment at the IPOPNG Office.

The forms can only be lodged at the IPA Head office or mailed to the office.

Registering a trade mark is a lengthy process and may take a minimum of 9 months to complete and obtain a Certificate of Registration. However, it takes 3 weeks to 1 month to receive the examination report on an application. The Office will inform you from time to time and throughout this entire process of the progress of your application.

The lengthy process is due to the examination (assessment) of the application and compulsory periods of publication and opposition and registration. Click here to obtain the full process from filing to registration.

What happens after my trade mark has been approved for registration?

Upon approval for registration, the applicant is granted exclusive right and ownership of the trade mark with a Trade Mark Certificate (legal document). This signifies and recognizes that the applicant is the legitimate owner/registered proprietor of the trade mark.

Registration of the mark is valid for a 10 year period starting from the filing date (registration date) of the application. The owner can renew the mark after every 10 years.

The owner’s (of the trade mark) basic attribute with regard to protection of the trade mark is the power to exercise control over the use of the mark. Included in that exclusive right, the owner can license the mark to others to use the trade mark or assign the trade mark rights to others.