Country: NEPAL
Strategic Hub:
Situated as a land-linked bridge between the two largest markets in the world (India and China), Nepal offers unique strategic access to the Himalayan trade corridor. It is an emerging market for hydropower, tourism, and a growing service sector, making it a key focus for regional brand expansion.
Regulatory Body:
Intellectual Property matters, including trademarks, patents, and designs, are governed by the Department of Industry (DoI) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies.
International Standing:
Nepal is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a signatory to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. While it is not yet a member of the Madrid Protocol, Markone manages protection here through direct national filings, ensuring local enforcement and compliance with the TRIPS Agreement.
Member of PCT ?
NO
Can Convention priority be claimed ?
Yes- within12 months from the date of first filing of the priority application.
Patent Search
YES
Novelty requirement
Worldwide
Deadline for filing supporting documents
Supporting documents are generally required at the time of filing prescribed by the Department of Industry.
Does the invention specification have to be translated for filing
Yes, a translation into Nepali is required.
Required Documents
• Application for Grant of Patent (prescribed form).
• Specification, including:
• Description
• Claims
• Abstract
• Drawings, if any.
• Power of Attorney.
• Deed of Assignment, if the applicant is not the inventor.
• Priority Document, if priority is claimed.
Examination
• Examination is primarily formal.
• Limited substantive review may be conducted.
• Focus is on:
• Novelty declaration
• Formal compliance under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 1965
Publication
Patent applications are published after acceptance by the authority.
Opposition
Pre-grant opposition is allowed. Any person may oppose the application before grant.
Duration
Seven (7) years starting from the filing date. Renewable twice for Seven (7) years
Compulsory Licensing
Compulsory license may be issued if the invention is not worked in Nepal, or Public interest so requires
Annuities
Renewal fees are payable at the end of each 7-year term.
Failure to renew results in lapse of rights.
Assignment
Trademark Search
Not Mandatory
Trademark Filing
Single/Multi-Class Jurisdiction
Single class - a separate application for each class
Can services be registered
YES
Can convention priority be claimed
YES
Is the international classification
Yes - Nice Classification, 13th addition
Documentation and information required to file
Power of Attorney Notarized
Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified.
Full name and address of the applicant.
Meaning/translation of the mark, if it is a wordmark.
Description of goods or services.
Specimen prints of the mark. (in JPEG format)
Opposition period after publication
3 Months
Validity
Change of name or address
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of change of name or address
A Power of Attorney in the new name or address duly notarized.
A legalized certificate proving the change of name or address
A simple copy of the registration certificate of the mark
Treaties and conventions
WIPO Convention, Brussels Convention, Trademark Law Treaty, Berne Convention, Paris Convention, Rome Convention, WIPO Copyright Treaty, WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, Patent Cooperation Treaty, Madrid Protocol, Nice Agreement, Patent Law Treaty, Budapest Treaty, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Trade Organization, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), GCC Patent Law.
Member of LOCARNO CLASSIFICATION
No
Can Convention priority be claimed:
Novelty Requirement
Patent search
Deadline for filing supporting documents:
Multiple designs
Required Documents:
Publication
Opposition
Duration
Compulsory licensing.:
Annuities:
Assignment:
Merger:
Name / Address:
Our Global Reach & Jurisdictions
We provide expert legal representation across an extensive network of global partners, specializing in the complex regulatory landscapes of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Our firm ensures your intellectual property rights and commercial interests are protected with the broadest possible range of international coverage
