Step 1: Identify the Trademark You Want to Register

Before starting your search, clearly identify what you want to protect.

It could be:

• Business name
• Brand name
• Product name
• Logo
• Tagline or slogan
• Combination of words and graphics

If your trademark contains both words and a logo, search each element separately whenever possible.

Step 2: Determine the Correct Trademark Class

Pakistan follows the Nice Classification System, which divides goods and services into 45 trademark classes.

For example:

• Class 25 – Clothing
• Class 30 – Tea, Coffee, Bakery Products
• Class 35 – Advertising and Business Services
• Class 41 – Education and Training
• Class 43 – Restaurants and Hotels

Choosing the correct class is important because trademark protection only applies to the class in which you register your mark.

If your business operates in multiple industries, separate applications may be required for each relevant class.

Step 3: Search the IPO Pakistan Trademark Database

The next step is searching the official records maintained by IPO Pakistan.

Look for trademarks that are:

• Identical to your proposed trademark
• Similar in spelling
• Similar in pronunciation
• Similar in meaning
• Visually similar (for logos)

For example:

Suppose you want to register “FreshNest.”

Don’t search only for:

• FreshNest

Also search variations like:

• Fresh Nest
• FreshNest
• Fresh Nezt
• FreshBest
• FreshNext

Small spelling differences may still create legal conflicts if consumers are likely to be confused.

Step 4: Search Similar Logos

If you’re registering a logo, don’t focus only on words.

Your logo should also be visually different from existing registered logos.

Even if your business name is unique, a logo that closely resembles another registered logo may face objections during examination.

Professional trademark searches often include image or device mark searches to identify similar visual designs.

Step 5: Check Pending Trademark Applications

Many people only look at registered trademarks.

This is a mistake.

Pending trademark applications can also create obstacles if they were filed before your application.

Therefore, your search should include:

• Registered trademarks
• Pending applications
• Published applications
• Opposed applications (where relevant)

This provides a more complete picture of potential conflicts.

Step 6: Search Beyond the Trademark Database

A trademark search should not stop with the official register.

It’s also a good idea to search:

• Business names
• Company websites
• Social media platforms
• Online marketplaces
• Google search results
• Domain names

Sometimes a business may already have established rights through use, even if its trademark registration is still pending or in process.

A broader search helps identify practical branding risks before you invest in your new identity.