Intellectual Property Litigation
Given the firm’s strong intellectual property practice, we represent clients in disputes involving the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Our work may include:
- trademark infringement and passing off actions
- patent infringement disputes
- copyright infringement claims
- industrial design infringement proceedings
- disputes involving domain names and online brand misuse
- anti-counterfeiting enforcement and related litigation
Intellectual property disputes in Pakistan may arise under several statutes including:
- Trade Marks Ordinance 2001
- Patents Ordinance 2000
- Copyright Ordinance 1962
- Registered Designs Ordinance 2000
Proceedings may be conducted before Intellectual Property Tribunals, the High Courts and other competent judicial forums.
Regulatory & Competition Disputes
Businesses may also face disputes arising from regulatory actions or competition law matters.
Our firm assists clients in proceedings relating to:
- regulatory investigations affecting business operations
- competition law disputes involving anti-competitive conduct or market practices
- appeals and proceedings before regulatory authorities
Competition law disputes are governed by the Competition Act 2010 administered by the Competition Commission of Pakistan.
Commercial disputes may arise in connection with intellectual property rights, commercial agreements, corporate relationships or regulatory matters. Our Dispute Resolution practice represents businesses and individuals in resolving complex legal conflicts through litigation, arbitration, mediation and other dispute resolution mechanisms.
We assist clients in protecting their legal rights and commercial interests before courts, tribunals and alternative dispute resolution forums in Pakistan. Our approach focuses on developing effective legal strategies aimed at protecting business interests while managing commercial and reputational risks.
Where appropriate, we also assist clients in resolving disputes through negotiated settlements and alternative dispute resolution procedures, which may provide efficient and commercially practical outcomes.
Business & Commercial Litigation
Our firm represents clients in a wide range of commercial disputes arising from business transactions, contractual relationships and corporate matters.
Services may include:
- disputes arising from commercial contracts and business agreements
- shareholder and partnership disputes
- disputes relating to distribution, agency and franchise arrangements
- contractual breach and recovery claims
- disputes involving technology and digital service agreements
- corporate governance and management disputes
Commercial litigation matters are generally governed by the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 and related procedural statutes governing civil court proceedings in Pakistan.
Courts & Tribunals
Our dispute resolution practice represents clients before various judicial and quasi-judicial forums in Pakistan including:
- civil courts and commercial courts
- Intellectual Property Tribunals
- High Courts of Pakistan
- regulatory authorities and specialized tribunals
Arbitration
Arbitration provides an alternative mechanism for resolving commercial disputes outside traditional court proceedings. Many commercial agreements include arbitration clauses requiring disputes to be resolved through arbitration.
Our firm assists clients in:
- representation in domestic arbitration proceedings
- representation in international commercial arbitration
- drafting and negotiation of arbitration clauses in commercial agreements
- advisory relating to arbitration procedures and strategy
Domestic arbitration is governed by the Arbitration Act 1940; foreign arbitral awards are recognised and enforced under the Recognition and Enforcement (Arbitration Agreements and Foreign Arbitral Awards) Act 2011.
Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Where appropriate, disputes may be resolved through mediation or negotiated settlement, allowing parties to reach mutually acceptable solutions without prolonged litigation.
Our firm assists clients in:
- mediation proceedings between commercial parties
- negotiated settlements of contractual disputes
- settlement frameworks in intellectual property disputes
- dispute avoidance strategies during commercial negotiations
Alternative dispute resolution procedures may help businesses preserve commercial relationships while resolving legal conflicts efficiently.
Enforcement of Arbitral Awards & Foreign Judgments
In cross-border commercial transactions, disputes may be resolved through international arbitration or foreign court proceedings. Successful parties may need to enforce arbitral awards or judgments in Pakistan.
Our firm assists clients with:
- recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards
- enforcement proceedings for domestic arbitral awards
- recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments where applicable
Pakistan is a signatory to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, which provides a legal framework for the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.
Where necessary, we coordinate with international counsel and foreign law firms to support clients involved in cross-border disputes and arbitration proceedings.
General civil and criminal matters
Alongside IP and commercial disputes, we handle general civil matters and coordinate criminal proceedings, including IP-related criminal complaints, in association with experienced civil and criminal litigation counsel, with one point of contact throughout.
Outside Pakistan
In Afghanistan, India, the Middle East and other jurisdictions, disputes are handled by local counsel under our coordination, so clients receive consistent advice and reporting.
Court decisions
Selected decisions on this area of law, linked to the published judgment. Summaries are general information, not legal advice, and may not reflect later appeals; please read the full text.
Muhammad Multazam Raza v. Muhammad Ayub Khan (2022 SCMR 979), as applied in Suit No. 226 of 2022
Where trade mark infringement is alleged, with or without passing off, the suit must be filed before the Intellectual Property Tribunal, which has exclusive jurisdiction under the IPO-Pakistan Act, 2012. The High Court returned the plaint on that basis.
Read the judgment ↗Virgin Enterprises Ltd. v. Virgin Express International (Pvt.) Ltd.
A suit for trade mark infringement and passing off was transferred to the Intellectual Property Tribunal, including the connected claim to change the defendant’s company name, because the claims could not be separated.
Read the judgment ↗List checked on 23 October 2026. Sources: High Court of Sindh case law portal and published reports.
Related insights
All insights →
The Rs. 860 Billion Question: What Weak IP Enforcement Costs
Customs Seizures Rise 24% — Enforcement Is Working, Slowly
The Bakery That Learned the Hard Way: What Every Business Should Know About Trademark Registration in Pakistan
Discuss your matter with us
Tell us what you need. We will confirm receipt and keep you updated at every stage.