Trademark Registration in Sri Lanka
A trademark relates to goods whereas a service mark relates to services.
Trademark is a visible sign that is capable of distinguishing the goods or services of different enterprises. A trademark relates to goods whereas a service mark relates to services.
Trademark may consist of a word(s), a symbol(s), a device(s), letters, numerals, a name, surname or geographical name, a combination or arrangement of colors and shapes of goods or containers etc. A mark should be a visible and a distinctive sign and it should always be capable of distinguishing the goods or services of different enterprises.
The Registration Process
How to Register
The applicant or the IP agent must file an application.
The process starts with a mark examination at the IP office or filing of the trademark application.
Once the application has been evaluated, examined and accepted by the NIPO office, it will call for publication.
If there is no objection from the public after 3 months, the NIPO office will call for the registration fee for certification.
If Application Rejected
If the NIPO Office refuses it, applicants/IP agents can make submissions against the decision or ask for a hearing within one month from the date of refusal.
If it is still refused, the decision can be challenged in the Court (The Commercial High Court of Colombo).
Acceptance of the Mark for Publication
A mark is first accepted for the publication in the Gazette. A period of 3 months is given to the public to file opposition after the publication.
Opposition After Publication
If there is any opposition, the NIPO Office will send the applicant a copy of the same. Thereafter the applicant is required to forward observations against the grounds of opposition. NIPO Office will conduct an inquiry if necessary into the opposition with the participation of the applicant and the opponent. After the inquiry, the mark may get registered or refused.
If it is refused, applicants can challenge the decision in the Court (The Commercial High Court of Colombo).
Paying for the Registration Fee
If it is accepted, the registration will be proceeded with upon the payment of the registration fee by the applicant or the Agent.
How We Can Help You
We are a registered Intellectual Property (IP) Agent and we do Drafting and Filing of the applications. Further we advise and follow up the registration work.
Trademark Price
Price for the first step
| Item | Per Class (LKR) | Individual Applicant (LKR) | Company as an Applicant (LKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation Fee (Intellectual Property) | - | 12,500 | 12,500 |
| Trademark Search Government Charges | Select a number from 1–45 | 130 | 130 |
| Trademark Search Agency Fee (search procedures) | Each additional: LKR 12,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Trademark Application Fee Government Charges | Select a number from 1–45 | 1,750 | 3,900 |
| Trademark Registration Agency Fee (Power of Attorney, IP agent retaining fee, stationery, file management) | 1st mark; additional marks LKR 12,000 | 12,500 | 12,500 |
Price for the second step
| Item | Per Class (LKR) | Individual Applicant (LKR) | Company as an Applicant (LKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publication Fee (Government) | Select a number from 1–45 | 2,024 (average) | 4,028 |
| Registration Fee | - | 1,700 | 3,950 |
| Trademark Registration Agency Fee | - | 12,500 | 12,500 |
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