# Trademark registration in Papua New Guinea

> Trademarks in Papua New Guinea are registered with the Intellectual Property Office of Papua New Guinea, Investment Promotion Authority (IPOPNG); the official application filing fee is PGK 250. A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Papua New Guinea is not in the Madrid System, so a national filing is needed.

Source page: https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/papua-new-guinea
Facts checked against official sources: 2026-10-11

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Intellectual Property Office of Papua New Guinea, Investment Promotion Authority (IPOPNG)
- **Official fee:** PGK 250 — Application filing fee (Form 4)
- **Madrid Protocol:** Not a member
- **Protection:** 10 years from the filing date, renewable
- **Foreign applicants:** Foreign applicants may apply but must designate an address for service in Papua New Guinea

## Official links
- Trademark office: https://www.ipopng.gov.pg/
- Online filing: https://online.ipopng.gov.pg/efiling
- Official trademark search: https://online.ipopng.gov.pg/wopublish-search
- Law: Trade Marks Act 1978 (Chapter No. 385) — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/3430
- Law: Trade Marks Regulation (Chapter 385), 1978 — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/3431

## Official fees
- Application filing fee (Form 4): PGK 250 — per-class basis not stated
- Search by the Office (per mark): PGK 50 — optional
- Oversize representation (mark larger than 8 x 6 cm): PGK 40

## Steps
1. Search existing marks free of charge using the IPOPNG IP Search tool or the WIPO Global Brand Database (or request an Office search for PGK 50).
2. Complete Form 4 (Application to Register a Trade Mark) following the IPOPNG Form 4 Instruction Guide, giving a PNG address for service.
3. Pay the PGK 250 filing fee by direct deposit or bank cheque.
4. Lodge the form, payment receipt and cover letter with IPOPNG (by email to IPOLodgements@ipa.gov.pg or via the eFiling system).
5. IPOPNG examines whether the mark qualifies for Part A or Part B of the Register and issues an examination report in about 2 weeks to 1 month.
6. If the application proceeds, the mark is registered and a certificate issued, which IPOPNG says takes at least 9 months in total.

- **Examination:** IPOPNG examines the application for registrability in Part A or Part B of the Register; an examination report takes about 2 weeks to 1 month (IPOPNG).
- **Timeline:** A minimum of 9 months to registration and certificate (IPOPNG).
- **Power of attorney:** The Form 4 guide does not mention a power of attorney; an acting agent must give their name, designation and signature on the form, and a company signing internally must apply its corporate seal.

## Good to know
- The Register has two parts (Part A and Part B), and examination decides which Part the mark qualifies for.
- Papua New Guinea is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, so protection requires a national filing with IPOPNG.
- Applications can be lodged by email to IPOLodgements@ipa.gov.pg as well as through the IPOPNG eFiling system.

## FAQ
### How much does it cost to register a trademark in Papua New Guinea?
The IPOPNG filing fee for a trade mark application (Form 4) is PGK 250, and an optional Office search costs PGK 50 per mark.

### How long does trademark registration take in Papua New Guinea?
IPOPNG states that an examination report takes about 2 weeks to 1 month and that registration takes a minimum of 9 months.

### Is Papua New Guinea part of the Madrid Protocol?
No. Papua New Guinea is not a Madrid Protocol member, so marks must be filed directly with IPOPNG.

### How long does a trademark last in Papua New Guinea?
A registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed for further 10-year periods.

### Can foreign companies register a trademark in Papua New Guinea?
Yes. Applicants can be based in PNG or abroad, but foreign applicants must give an address for service in Papua New Guinea.

## Sources
- IPOPNG – Home page: https://www.ipopng.gov.pg/
- IPOPNG – Trademarks: https://ipopng.gov.pg/trademarks/
- IPOPNG – Instruction Guide for Form 4 Application: https://ipopng.gov.pg/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Instruction-Guide-for-Form-4-Application-2.pdf
- IPA – Protection of Intellectual Property Rights: https://www.ipa.gov.pg/public/help.aspx?cn=IntellectualPropertyRights
- WIPO Lex – Papua New Guinea profile: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/members/profile/PG
- WIPO Lex – Madrid Protocol contracting parties: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/parties/8

Need a firm that files in Papua New Guinea? Find one at https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/papua-new-guinea (TrademarksHub lists IP firms by country; featured placements are paid and labelled).
General information, not legal advice.