The definitions of “mark” and “trade mark” in the Trade Marks Ordinance 2001 do not mention a language or a script, so a brand name written in Urdu script, or an Urdu word written in Roman letters, is not excluded on that ground. It has to pass the same tests as any other mark: it must be distinctive, must not simply describe the goods or services, and must not clash with an earlier mark. The Trade Marks Rules 2004 add some paperwork for words in a non-Roman script or a language other than English.
Does Pakistani law allow non-English trade marks?
The Trade Marks Ordinance 2001 defines a “mark” to include a device, brand, heading, label, name, signature, word, letter, numeral, figurative element, colour, sound or any combination of them (section 2(xxiv)). A “trade mark” is any mark capable of being represented graphically and capable of distinguishing one business’s goods or services from another’s (section 2(xlvii)). Neither definition mentions a language or a script.
The Trade Marks Rules 2004 set out what to file when a mark contains words in other characters or languages. Rule 5(1) requires application documents to be in English, but it excepts the trade marks themselves.
What extra paperwork is needed for an Urdu-script mark?
Two rules apply:
- Transliteration (rule 22). Where a mark contains words in characters other than Roman, a sufficient transliteration of each word, stating the language it belongs to and signed by the applicant, must be endorsed on the application form and on each accompanying representation of the mark, unless the Registrar directs otherwise. For an Urdu-script mark, that means showing how the word is written in Roman letters.
- Translation (rule 23). Where a mark contains words in a language other than English, the Registrar may ask for an exact translation, with the name of the language, endorsed and signed in the same way.
The notes to the application form in the Rules go further for some languages: if a word mark is in a language other than English, Urdu or a regional Pakistani language, its translation and transliteration must accompany the application in the form of an affidavit. IPO-Pakistan’s Guidelines for Filing Trademark Application in Pakistan (2019) state the same requirement for marks in a language other than English or Urdu. Neither text lists Urdu among the languages that need that affidavit. The transliteration rule and any translation the Registrar requests still apply, and because filing practice can change, we confirm the current requirements in each matter.
What about Roman Urdu brand names?
Rule 22 applies to words in characters other than Roman, and a Roman Urdu name, such as an Urdu word spelt in English letters, is written in Roman characters. Rule 23 applies to words in a language other than English, so the Registrar may ask for a translation of a Roman Urdu word.
Will the Registry object to an Urdu word that describes the product?
It may. Section 14(1) of the Ordinance bars registration of marks that are devoid of distinctive character, that consist exclusively of indications which may serve in trade to designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin or other characteristics of the goods or services, or that consist exclusively of indications which have become customary in the current language or in established trade practice. Section 14(1) does not limit these grounds to English words, so the safe course is to assume that an Urdu word meaning “pure”, “fresh” or “spicy”, used for food, will be examined in the same way as its English equivalent.
The proviso to section 14(1) allows a mark caught by those grounds to be registered if, before the application date, it had in fact acquired a distinctive character through use, or is a well-known trade mark. That route depends on evidence of use before the application date.
Can someone register the Urdu version of my English brand?
The relative grounds in section 17 do not mention script. A mark cannot be registered if it is identical with an earlier mark for identical goods or services, or if it is identical or similar to an earlier mark for identical or similar goods or services and there is a likelihood of confusion, which includes the likelihood of association with the earlier mark (section 17(1) and (2)).
The Ordinance also treats sound as part of a word mark. Where a trade mark consists of letters, words, names or numerals, any aural representation of it counts as use of the mark (the Explanation to section 5(1)). A name in Urdu script and the same name in Roman letters are spoken the same way, so the safe course when comparing marks is to compare how they sound and what they mean, not only how they look.
Should you file the Urdu form, the Roman form, or both?
Infringement extends to deceptively similar marks used for identical or similar goods or services where confusion is likely (section 40(2)). Whether a registration in one script covers use in the other depends on the facts, so the safe course is to register the exact form you use. If your packaging, signboard and social media use both scripts, we confirm in each matter whether each form needs its own application. Our trademark law practice handles these filings.
How do you search for conflicts in Urdu and Roman Urdu?
A search should cover each script you use, the common Roman spellings of the word (Roman Urdu has no fixed spelling), and words that sound the same or mean the same. Our guide to trademark search and clearance in Pakistan explains the official search options and what a register search cannot show.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register a trademark in Urdu script in Pakistan?
Yes. The Ordinance’s definitions of “mark” and “trade mark” do not mention a language or a script (section 2(xxiv) and (xlvii)). Under rule 22 of the Trade Marks Rules 2004, a transliteration of each non-Roman word, stating its language and signed by the applicant, is endorsed on the application unless the Registrar directs otherwise.
Do I need a translation of my Urdu or Roman Urdu mark?
The Registrar may ask for an exact translation of any word in a language other than English, with the name of the language (rule 23). The affidavit requirement in the form notes applies to languages other than English, Urdu or regional Pakistani languages.
Is a Roman Urdu word easier to register than an English one?
Not on that ground. Section 14(1) does not limit the absolute grounds to English words, so the safe course is to assume a Roman Urdu word that describes the goods will meet the same objection as an English one.
Does registering my mark in Roman letters protect the Urdu version?
Infringement covers deceptively similar marks where confusion is likely (section 40(2)), and the spoken form of a word mark counts as use (section 5). Whether that reaches the other script depends on the facts, so the safe course is to file each form you use.
The Trade Marks Ordinance 2001 (as amended in 2023), the Trade Marks Rules 2004 and IPO-Pakistan’s filing guidelines were checked on 15 October 2026. This post is general information, not legal advice on a particular mark.
