NEPSE trading

Top
·

By Dipesh Ghimire

Trademark Registrations Rise Sharply, Reflecting Growing Business Awareness

Trademark Registrations Rise Sharply, Reflecting Growing Business Awareness

Nepal has witnessed a significant rise in trademark registrations during the first six months of the current fiscal year 2082/83, highlighting increasing awareness among entrepreneurs and businesses about brand protection. According to the Department of Industry, a total of 1,520 trademarks were registered between Shrawan and Poush, marking steady growth in intellectual property activities.

Information Officer Suresh Dahal said that registrations have gained momentum in recent months. He noted that 504 trademarks were registered in Poush alone, indicating that more businesses are taking legal steps to secure their brand identities. Officials believe this reflects a gradual shift toward formal and organized business practices.

With the latest additions, the total number of registered trademarks in the country has reached 70,335. The Department has set a target to raise this figure to 73,815 by the end of the fiscal year. Authorities say this goal is achievable if the current pace of applications continues in the remaining months.

Experts interpret this rising trend as a positive signal for Nepal’s business environment. The growth of startups, expansion of small and medium enterprises, and increasing competition in consumer markets have made trademark protection more important than ever. Many businesses now see brand identity as a long-term asset rather than just a marketing tool.

However, the surge in registrations has also created new challenges. Alongside rising applications, trademark disputes have increased noticeably. The Department reports that hundreds of complaints have been filed over similarities between proposed and existing trademarks. So far, 43 cases have been resolved, including two decisions made in Poush.

Officials say most disputes arise when applicants submit names, logos, or symbols that closely resemble already registered trademarks. In many cases, businesses fail to conduct proper searches before filing applications. This not only delays registration but also increases legal and administrative burdens.

Legal experts warn that if such conflicts continue to rise, they could discourage new entrepreneurs and slow down innovation. They emphasize the importance of strengthening pre-registration screening and improving access to trademark databases so applicants can verify originality in advance.

In Nepal, trademarks are registered under the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 2022. The law defines trademarks as words, symbols, images, or combinations used to distinguish one company’s goods or services from others. The Act provides the legal basis for ownership, protection, and dispute resolution.

Under existing rules, a registered trademark must be used within one year of registration. If it remains unused, the Department has the authority to cancel it after necessary investigation. Once registered, trademark rights remain valid for seven years and must be renewed at least 45 days before expiry.

The Department charges a registration fee of NPR 5,000, which officials say is relatively affordable and has encouraged more applications. Simplified procedures and partial digitization have also made the process more accessible, especially for small businesses and startups.

Despite this progress, authorities stress that not all trademarks are eligible for registration. Applications that harm public morality, damage national interest, mislead consumers, or closely resemble existing trademarks are rejected. These restrictions are aimed at protecting both businesses and the public.

Analysts believe the rising number of trademark registrations reflects Nepal’s gradual transition toward a more competitive and formal economy. However, they caution that growth in numbers alone is not enough. Strong enforcement, faster dispute resolution, and greater public awareness are equally important for building trust in the system.

The Department of Industry has stated that it plans to further strengthen its digital platforms and verification mechanisms in the coming years. Officials say improving transparency and efficiency will be essential to reduce conflicts and support sustainable business growth.

Overall, the increasing interest in trademark registration signals a maturing business culture in Nepal. While disputes and administrative challenges remain, experts believe that with proper reforms and awareness, the trademark system can play a key role in promoting innovation, investment, and long-term economic development.

Related Blogs

Global IME Laghubitta Faces Profit Pressure Despite Strong Income Growth
Top

3 min read

Global IME Laghubitta Faces Profit Pressure Despite Strong Income Growth

Global IME Laghubitta Faces Profit Pressure Despite Strong Income Growth Global IME Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited has released its unaudited financial report for the second quarter of the current fiscal year, showing a decline in net profit despite significant growth in core income. The report reflects the growing challenges faced by microfinance institutions amid weakening loan quality and rising financial risks. During the review period, the company earned a net profit of NPR 105.9 million. In the same period last year, it had recorded a profit of NPR 118.3 million. This represents a decline of around 10.51 percent. Analysts say the fall in profit indicates increasing pressure on microfinance companies as repayment capacity weakens in many rural and semi-urban areas. Although profit declined, the company’s net interest income showed strong improvement. By mid-Poush, net interest income reached NPR 487.6 million, up from NPR 350.7 million in the previous year. This nearly 39 percent growth suggests that the company has expanded its lending activities and strengthened its interest collection mechanism. Similarly, total operating income rose to NPR 521.8 million from NPR 392.1 million last year, recording a growth of about 33 percent. The increase reflects higher loan disbursement, improved service coverage, and greater outreach among low-income borrowers. Experts interpret this as a sign that demand for microfinance services remains strong despite economic uncertainty.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

8 Feb, 2026

Trademark Registrations Rise Sharply, Reflecting Growing Business Awareness
Top

3 min read

Trademark Registrations Rise Sharply, Reflecting Growing Business Awareness

Trademark Registrations Rise Sharply, Reflecting Growing Business Awareness Nepal has witnessed a significant rise in trademark registrations during the first six months of the current fiscal year 2082/83, highlighting increasing awareness among entrepreneurs and businesses about brand protection. According to the Department of Industry, a total of 1,520 trademarks were registered between Shrawan and Poush, marking steady growth in intellectual property activities. Information Officer Suresh Dahal said that registrations have gained momentum in recent months. He noted that 504 trademarks were registered in Poush alone, indicating that more businesses are taking legal steps to secure their brand identities. Officials believe this reflects a gradual shift toward formal and organized business practices.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

8 Feb, 2026

Intellectual Property Law Workshop Highlights Need for Practical Reforms in Nepal
Top

2 min read

Intellectual Property Law Workshop Highlights Need for Practical Reforms in Nepal

Intellectual Property Law Workshop Highlights Need for Practical Reforms in Nepal A workshop on the proposed Intellectual Property Act was concluded in Kathmandu on Friday, bringing together policymakers, legal experts, and stakeholders to discuss the future of intellectual property protection in Nepal. The program was jointly organized by the Intellectual Property Protection Society Nepal (IPPSN) and the Department of Industry under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. The event aimed to gather expert opinions and improve the effectiveness of the proposed legislation.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

8 Feb, 2026

Excess Liquidity Poses Growing Challenge for Nepal’s Banking System
Top

3 min read

Excess Liquidity Poses Growing Challenge for Nepal’s Banking System

Excess Liquidity Poses Growing Challenge for Nepal’s Banking System The rising level of excess liquidity in Nepal’s banking system has increasingly become a major concern for financial regulators. Despite having abundant funds, banks are struggling to channel money into productive sectors due to weak credit demand and sluggish economic activities. As a result, a large volume of idle capital has accumulated within the financial system. In recent months, lending activities have slowed as businesses remain cautious and investment confidence stays low. Industries, trade, and construction sectors have not expanded at the expected pace, reducing the demand for bank loans. This imbalance between deposits and credit has widened, creating pressure on banks to manage surplus funds effectively.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

8 Feb, 2026

Citizen Investment Trust Strengthens Financial Position with Steady Profit Growth
Top

3 min read

Citizen Investment Trust Strengthens Financial Position with Steady Profit Growth

Citizen Investment Trust Strengthens Financial Position with Steady Profit Growth The Citizen Investment Trust (CIT) has reported a notable improvement in its financial performance in the second quarter of the current fiscal year 2082/83. The Trust recorded a net profit of NPR 665.3 million, reflecting a 6.92 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This growth indicates steady operational progress despite changing market conditions. In the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, CIT had earned NPR 622.2 million in net profit. The latest figures suggest that the institution has been able to enhance its income-generating capacity while maintaining financial discipline. Analysts view this as a positive sign of institutional stability and long-term sustainability. During the review period, the Trust’s total income reached NPR 1.06 billion, up by 2.86 percent from NPR 1.03 billion recorded a year earlier. Although the growth rate in total income appears moderate, it reflects consistent expansion in core business activities. The gradual rise in income also highlights CIT’s ability to adapt to evolving financial environments.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

8 Feb, 2026

Finance Ministry Sets Three-Year Limit on Multi-Year Project Funding Commitments
Top

3 min read

Finance Ministry Sets Three-Year Limit on Multi-Year Project Funding Commitments

Finance Ministry Sets Three-Year Limit on Multi-Year Project Funding Commitments The Ministry of Finance, Nepal has introduced a new policy limiting the funding approval period for multi-year projects to a maximum of three fiscal years. By issuing the “Multi-Year Project Standards, 2082,” the ministry has sought to bring greater discipline and predictability to public investment management. According to the new standards, funding commitments for multi-year projects will generally remain valid for up to three financial years. However, exceptions have been made for national pride projects and large-scale infrastructure initiatives whose contract periods exceed three years. In such cases, funding approval may be extended in line with project requirements and cost structures. The ministry has also made it clear that funding approvals will automatically become inactive if procurement processes are not initiated within the same fiscal year in which approval is granted. Officials say this provision aims to discourage delays and prevent projects from remaining inactive despite having secured budgetary commitments.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

4 Feb, 2026

High-Level Panel Urges Capital Expansion and Structural Reform for Nepal Stock Exchange
Top

4 min read

High-Level Panel Urges Capital Expansion and Structural Reform for Nepal Stock Exchange

High-Level Panel Urges Capital Expansion and Structural Reform for Nepal Stock Exchange A high-level committee formed to restructure the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) has concluded that increasing the exchange’s paid-up capital is essential for its long-term sustainability and competitiveness. The 126-page report, prepared under the coordination of former Nepal Accounting Board chairperson Prakash Jung Thapa, was made public by the Ministry of Finance, Nepal on Tuesday. The report states that although the Securities Market Operation Regulation, 2007 requires a minimum paid-up capital of NPR 3 billion for a secondary market operator, NEPSE is currently operating with only NPR 1 billion. According to the committee, this gap has limited the exchange’s ability to modernize its services and compete with regional and international markets. The committee has warned that without sufficient capital, NEPSE cannot make the necessary investments in technology, human resources, infrastructure, research, and service expansion. To address this, it has recommended issuing bonus shares to immediately raise paid-up capital to NPR 3 billion. If additional funding is required in the future, the report suggests mobilizing resources through rights shares or fresh public offerings. Analysts believe this recommendation reflects growing concern over NEPSE’s weakening institutional capacity. In recent years, the exchange has struggled to keep pace with technological change, while neighboring markets have invested heavily in automation, surveillance, and data systems. As a result, Nepal’s capital market has remained relatively small and less attractive to foreign investors. The report has also highlighted weaknesses in NEPSE’s ownership and governance structure. At present, the Government of Nepal holds 58.66 percent ownership, while the remaining shares are held by public and financial institutions. The committee argues that this structure has reinforced bureaucratic control and limited managerial flexibility. To address this, the panel has proposed partial divestment and the introduction of strategic partners. However, it has ruled out full privatization, warning that complete government withdrawal could weaken small investors’ confidence, increase the risk of monopoly, and undermine market self-regulation. Instead, it recommends maintaining partial state ownership while gradually reducing government stakes. Under the proposed model, strategic partners may be allowed to hold between 15 and 25 percent ownership, with a mandatory lock-in period of at least ten years. The report states that such partners should be selected from leading global stock exchanges with at least 20 years of experience and membership in the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).

Dipesh Ghimire

·

4 Feb, 2026

Nepal Strengthens Cyber Defenses as Digital Banking Risks Continue to Rise
Top

3 min read

Nepal Strengthens Cyber Defenses as Digital Banking Risks Continue to Rise

Nepal Strengthens Cyber Defenses as Digital Banking Risks Continue to Rise As Nepal’s digital financial ecosystem expands rapidly, concerns over cyber threats and data security are becoming increasingly prominent. Against this backdrop, the Nepal Bankers Association (NBA), in collaboration with Visa, organized a national-level workshop in Kathmandu aimed at strengthening the country’s cyber resilience. The event, titled “Strengthening Cybersecurity Resilience in Nepal,” was held on Magh 14 and brought together key stakeholders from across the financial and security sectors. The workshop was organized at a time when digital payments, mobile banking, and online transactions are growing at an unprecedented pace. While these developments have improved financial access and efficiency, they have also increased Nepal’s exposure to cyber fraud, data breaches, and digital crimes. Organizers said the program was designed to help institutions better understand emerging threats and improve their preparedness. High-level representatives from government agencies, regulatory bodies, security institutions, banks, financial companies, and international development partners participated in the event. According to the organizers, this broad participation reflected a shared recognition that cybersecurity is no longer a technical issue alone but a national priority linked to economic stability and public trust. The inaugural session was attended by officials from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the cyber security directorate of the Nepal Army, Nepal Rastra Bank, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Their presence highlighted the growing importance of inter-agency coordination in protecting Nepal’s digital economy.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

4 Feb, 2026

IPPAN Urges Policy Reform on Rights Share Issuance to Accelerate Hydropower Development
Top

3 min read

IPPAN Urges Policy Reform on Rights Share Issuance to Accelerate Hydropower Development

IPPAN Urges Policy Reform on Rights Share Issuance to Accelerate Hydropower Development The Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN) has called on the government to remove the requirement that hydropower projects must demonstrate at least 20 percent financial progress before issuing rights shares. The association argues that the existing provision has become a major structural barrier to investment and has slowed down the pace of project development across the energy sector. On Tuesday, an IPPAN delegation led by Senior Vice President Mohan Kumar Dangi submitted a memorandum to Energy Ministry Secretary Chiranjivi Chataut and Chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Commission Ram Prasad Dhital. The delegation emphasized that the current regulation has created practical difficulties in mobilizing both equity and debt financing for new projects.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

4 Feb, 2026

International Support Strengthens Nepal’s Election Management, but Raises Questions on Long-Term Capacity
Top

3 min read

International Support Strengthens Nepal’s Election Management, but Raises Questions on Long-Term Capacity

International Support Strengthens Nepal’s Election Management, but Raises Questions on Long-Term Capacity Nepal’s upcoming House of Representatives election, scheduled for Falgun 21, is being backed by logistical, financial, and technical assistance from India, Japan, and the development partner United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to the Ministry of Finance, Nepal, this international support is expected to play a key role in ensuring smooth election management and strengthening administrative efficiency. One of the major components of this assistance is India’s provision of vehicles for election operations. The Ministry of Home Affairs had initially requested 750 vehicles, considering the geographical challenges and security requirements across the country. After reviewing practical needs, the number was revised to 650. So far, India has delivered 538 vehicles in different phases, mainly in the form of cabin pickup vans, which are being used for transportation, logistics, and field coordination.

Dipesh Ghimire

·

4 Feb, 2026