The cosmetics and skincare industry in Nepal is growing rapidly, fueled by local startups, international brands, and online marketplaces. In this highly competitive and brand-driven sector, trademark protection is essential to safeguard your identity, products, and reputation.
This guide explains how cosmetic and skincare brands in Nepal can protect their brand names, logos, packaging, and product lines under Nepalese trademark and IP law.
Why Trademarks Matter for Cosmetics & Skincare Brands
For cosmetic and skincare businesses, your brand is often the most valuable asset. Customers associate quality, safety, and experience with your brand name, logo, and packaging.
Without proper trademark protection:
Competitors could use similar brand names or logos to mislead customers
Counterfeit products could damage your reputation and consumer trust
Online marketplaces and social media sellers could exploit your brand
A strong trademark strategy provides legal ownership, enforcement rights, and brand credibility, which is crucial for growth and investor confidence.
Firms like Axcel Law Associates specialize in IP protection for cosmetic brands in Nepal.
What Can Cosmetics & Skincare Brands Trademark?
1. Brand Name
Your product line or brand name is the most important trademark.
Must be distinctive and non-generic
Avoid descriptive names like “Herbal Face Cream”
Coined or arbitrary names (e.g., “GlowMist”, “Aarogya Skin”) are strongest
Related reading:
Can two businesses use the same brand name in Nepal?
2. Logos and Product Labels
Product logos, labels, and symbols should be registered separately as device marks
Protects your visual identity on jars, bottles, and tubes
Ensures exclusivity on both offline and online retail platforms
Trademark registration in Nepal: step-by-step process (2025 update)
3. Packaging & Trade Dress
Unique packaging designs such as bottle shapes, box layouts, or color schemes can qualify as trade dress if they identify the brand.
Distinctive trade dress strengthens brand recognition
Protects against competitors copying premium packaging designs
4. Product Names & Lines
Individual product names (e.g., “Radiance Serum” or “Herbal Night Cream”) may be registered as trademarks if they are distinctive and brand-specific. Generic names are not eligible.
5. Online and Digital Presence
Cosmetics and skincare brands increasingly sell online through platforms like Daraz, SastoDeal, or their own e-commerce websites. Trademark registration protects:
Brand names on websites and social media
Product listings and app presence
Prevention of impersonation or counterfeit listings
Pre-Filing Trademark Strategy
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before launching your products:
Check DOI’s trademark database for similar marks
Include phonetic and visual similarity searches
Review marks in related cosmetic and skincare classes
Full guide:
Trademark search in Nepal: how to check if a mark is already registered
Step 2: Choose the Correct Trademark Classes
Cosmetics and skincare brands typically file under:
Class 3 – cosmetics, skincare, toiletries
Optional Class 35 – retail or online distribution
Correct class selection is essential to enforce your rights effectively.
Explanation:
Trademark classes (Nice Classification) explained with Nepal-focused examples
Step 3: File Early (Before Launch)
Nepal follows a first-to-file system:
Launching products or advertising does not guarantee legal rights
Early filing prevents bad-faith registrations by competitors
Covers both offline and online sales channels
Enforcement & Counterfeit Prevention
Trademark registration allows brands to:
File administrative actions with DOI
Seek injunctions and damages in court
Protect online marketplaces and social media listings
Counterfeit products in cosmetics are especially risky due to safety and health concerns, making enforcement crucial.
Enforcement insights:
Trademark infringement in Nepal: what qualifies and what doesn’t
Common Questions from Cosmetic Brand Owners
Q1: Can I trademark the packaging design of my cream jar?
Yes, if it is distinctive and identifies your brand (trade dress protection).
Q2: Do I need separate trademarks for product lines and brand names?
Yes. Word marks and device marks are separate and provide stronger protection.
Q3: Can foreign cosmetic brands register in Nepal?
Yes, through local agents.
Best Practices for Cosmetics & Skincare Trademark Strategy
File trademarks before product launch
Protect brand names, logos, and product lines separately
Register distinctive packaging and trade dress
Monitor online marketplaces for infringements
Keep clear documentation of product use, marketing, and sales
Engage professional IP counsel like Axcel Law Associates
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