Asia Pacific

Sri Lanka

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Sri Lanka.

Authority

NIPO

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Non-member

NIPO Search

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Sri Lanka
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a South Asian island nation; key industries include textiles, tea, gems, and IT. IP administered by NIPO. 20-year patents; PCT national phase 31 months. Sri Lanka is **NOT a Madrid member** — trademarks must be filed directly with NIPO.

Sri Lankan Patent System ▾

NIPO substantive examination; 20-year patents. English, Sinhala, or Tamil filing; English recommended. Not a Madrid member; trademarks require separate national filing.

Source: NIPO; WIPO — LK

PCT National Phase ▾

PCT national phase deadline: 31 months; English (or local language) documents and fees required.

Source: WIPO PCT Guide — LK

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan trademarks examined by NIPO; 10-year term; unlimited renewals. **NOT a Madrid Protocol member** — must file directly with NIPO; Madrid designations of LK are NOT possible.

Trademark Application ▾

Must file directly with NIPO in English, Sinhala, or Tamil. 10-year term. Madrid Protocol NOT available for Sri Lanka.

Source: NIPO

Patent Annuity

Sri Lanka Patent Annuities

Annual annuities; grace period with surcharge.

Source: NIPO fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Sri Lanka Trademark Renewals

10-year trademark; renew before expiry; grace period available.

Source: NIPO

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Sri Lanka IP

Is Sri Lanka a Madrid Protocol member? ▾

**Sri Lanka is NOT a Madrid Protocol member.** You cannot designate Sri Lanka via Madrid; a separate national filing with NIPO is required.

PCT deadline for Sri Lanka? ▾

31 months from priority.

What language is required for Sri Lankan applications? ▾

English, Sinhala, or Tamil; English is most commonly used in practice.

How long does a Sri Lankan trademark registration last? ▾

10 years; renewable indefinitely.

Is a local agent required for trademark filing in Sri Lanka? ▾

Foreign applicants typically need a locally registered agent at NIPO.

Does Sri Lanka have utility model protection? ▾

Sri Lanka does not have a separate utility model system; only invention patent protection is available.

Which industries benefit most from IP protection in Sri Lanka? ▾

Textiles, tea (including geographical indications), gemstone industry, IT services, and e-commerce benefit most from IP protection.

Is there a use requirement for Sri Lankan trademarks? ▾

Yes, non-use for 5 consecutive years may lead to revocation.

Is Sri Lanka a WIPO member? ▾

Yes, Sri Lanka is a WIPO member and participates in PCT and the Paris Convention, but has not yet joined the Madrid Protocol.

Any advice for Chinese companies protecting IP in Sri Lanka? ▾

Sri Lanka has close ties with China (through BRI cooperation). Early trademark and patent registration is recommended to prevent squatting. Use a local agent and ensure correct language and procedure requirements.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

NIPO Official Website nipo.gov.lk WIPO — Sri Lanka www.wipo.int/members/en/details.jsp?country_id=155

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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