Trademark Registration in Sri Lanka

You should register your trademark in Sri Lanka because rights are primarily granted through registration, as Sri Lanka follows a “first-to-file” system. In practice, this means that the person or company who files first before the office will usually enjoy stronger and clearer rights than someone who only uses the mark without registering it.

Only in exceptional cases (for example, well-known or famous marks) can an unregistered trademark be protected.

To obtain protection in Sri Lanka, your application must be filed with the **National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka (NIPO)
NIPO.

Once registered, your Sri Lankan trademark:

• Grants you exclusive rights for the goods/services covered.
• Gives you a solid legal basis to act against infringers and block later conflicting filings.
• Can be used as a commercial asset (licensing, franchising, assignment, etc.).

To register a trademark in Sri Lanka, you will generally need:

• Original Power of Attorney, signed. No notarization or legalization required.
• The name or logo you want to register
• The applicant’s details

Your iGERENT consultant will confirm the exact requirements for your case and guide you through each step.

The average timeframe for a straightforward trademark application to proceed to registration in Sri Lanka is approximately 36 months from filing.

This is an estimated duration and may vary depending on factors such as:

• Objections from the examiner (e.g. lack of distinctiveness, conflicts with earlier rights, formal issues).
• Delays in responding to office actions or requests for clarification.
• Oppositions filed by third parties after publication.

Once your trademark is registered in Sri Lanka:

• It is valid for 10 years from the application date.
• It can then be renewed indefinitely for further periods of 10 years.

Renewal:

• Can be requested before the expiry date of the registration.
• If you miss the deadline, there is a grace period of six (6) months after the expiration date during which you can still renew the mark, subject to payment of additional (late) fees.

The registration certificate (or official record) serves as proof of ownership and is crucial for enforcement and commercial transactions.

Yes. If a third party files a trademark that is identical or confusingly similar to yours for related goods or services, you may file an opposition.

• Opposition period:
  Opposition actions may be filed by interested third parties within three (3) months following the publication of the trademark application in the Sri Lanka Trademarks Journal.

The chances of success will depend on:

• The similarity of the signs.
• The similarity or relatedness of the goods/services.
• The strength and priority of your earlier rights, and the evidence you can provide (registrations, use, reputation, etc.).

A trademark does not need to be in use in order to be filed or registered in Sri Lanka. However:

• At the time of filing, you must submit a statement indicating whether the mark is already in use or is proposed to be used.
• After registration, use becomes important to maintain your rights.

If the trademark is not used for a continuous period of five (5) years after registration:

• It becomes vulnerable to cancellation actions for non-use brought by third parties.

To avoid this risk:

• The mark should be used genuinely and on a commercial scale in Sri Lanka.
• You should keep evidence of use, such as invoices, advertisements, packaging, websites aimed at Sri Lankan consumers, etc.

No. We do not provide standalone address for service services in Sri Lanka

When you instruct iGERENT to handle your trademark application in Sri Lanka, the address for service requirement is automatically covered as part of our full service. We work with qualified local trademark attorneys who act as your official representative before the relevant Trademark Office, including compliance with all local representation and address for service requirements.

We do not offer address for service services separately for applicants who wish to file directly on their own in jurisdictions where self-filing may be technically permitted. Our services are designed to ensure that applications are properly filed, examined, and managed by experienced local professionals.

If you would like assistance with your trademark registration in Sri Lanka or any other country, feel free to contact us here and we will be happy to guide you through the process. We offer services worldwide.

Choosing iGERENT for your trademark application in Sri Lanka means working with a team that values transparency, reliability, and practical results.

Trusted by 12,000+ businesses and with over 25,000 trademarks handled since 2014, we simplify trademark registration in Sri Lanka through one dedicated specialist coordinating local attorneys worldwide.

• We provide clear quotes that include both official fees and our professional fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
• We’ve managed trademark filings and portfolios for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established international brands.
• We keep you in the loop with regular status updates, not just at filing, but all the way to registration.

Don’t just take our word for it, see why businesses trust iGERENT as the best trademark registration service.