Registering a trademark with the Intellectual Property Office (IPOPNG) takes about 12–24 months if there are no oppositions or errors in the application. Complex cases may take up to 30 months.
The deadline for filing an opposition is 3 months from the publication of the application in the Government Gazette.
In Papua New Guinea, you can register word marks, figurative marks, combined marks, and three-dimensional marks, provided they are distinctive. Marks contrary to public morality or state symbols are prohibited.
The certificate is valid for 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.
The owner has the exclusive right to use the mark commercially in Papua New Guinea, prohibit others from using similar marks, and transfer or license the trademark rights.
The filing fee is approximately $200–400 for one class of goods/services, including registration and publication fees. Additional costs may include legal services or fees for extra classes.
No, use is not mandatory, but non-use for 5 consecutive years after registration may lead to cancellation upon third-party request, as per Article 35 of the Trademarks Act.
If the trademark is not renewed within 10 years from the registration date, the registration is canceled. Reinstatement is possible within 6 months after the deadline by paying an additional fee.
Whether you're launching a startup or expanding an established enterprise, registering your trademark in strategic markets ensures your legal safety and commercial success. Papua New Guinea, with its developing economy and strategic location in the Pacific region, presents a growing market with untapped potential. Trademark registration in Papua New Guinea is a critical step toward secure and compliant business operations.
The benefits of registering a trademark in Papua New Guinea include:
The trademark registration system in Papua New Guinea is overseen by the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), which manages the Intellectual Property Office. The registration process includes the following stages:
To register a trademark in Papua New Guinea, you typically need:
Once registered, the trademark is recorded in the national tm register. It is valid for 10 years from the date of application and can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods. The registered mark ensures that your rights are officially recognized and enforceable.
Trademark registration in Papua New Guinea can be complex due to:
ProfitMark offers end-to-end trademark registration services to ensure a seamless experience:
Don't delay the protection of your brand. Registering a trademark in Papua New Guinea gives you legal security and access to a promising market. With ProfitMark, the trademark registration process is simple, transparent, and reliable. Contact us today and secure the future of your business.