KATHMANDU, March 19: The government has given a seven-day deadline to 11 Nepali firms to furnish clarification over alleged infringement of trademarks belonging to several international brands.
Issuing a public notice, the Department of Industry (DoI) directed the firms to appear before the department with relevant documents within the stipulated time. The companies stand accused of using trademarks similar to those of global brands, including Coca-Cola, Zoom Communications and Hugo Boss.
According to the DoI, it initiated action after receiving complaints from the concerned foreign companies over violations of intellectual property (IP) rights. Officials said the firms had failed to respond to earlier notices issued by the department.
Coca-Cola, a US-based beverage company, has filed complaints against Premier Organs Pvt Ltd in Sunsari for marketing a product under the name ‘Palpal Cola.’ It has also lodged two separate complaints against Pathibhara Food and Packaging Industry for products branded ‘Kul Cola’ and ‘Super Fantastic.’
Similarly, Hugo Boss, a German fashion brand, has accused Imanur Fashion Wear Industries in Jhapa of selling products under the ‘Boss’ trademark.
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Zoom Communications has filed a complaint against Kabish Marketing Pvt Ltd in Jhapa for its product ‘Kabish Zoom Cosmetics.’
Turner Entertainment, associated with platforms such as Cartoon Network, has filed complaints against Naulo Foods Industries in Chitwan for ‘Kingcorn Lottery’ and Pavitra Laxmi Food Products in Bhaktapur for ‘Jerry’s Cone.’
Energy Brands has lodged complaints against Aqua Nepal Bisleri in Rupandehi for ‘ANBS Good Drinks’ and Manohara Food and Beverage in Kathmandu for ‘DG Smart H2O.’
Kathmandu Holdings Limited, a New Zealand-based outdoor brand, has raised concerns against Om Mangalakali Textile in Kathmandu for using the ‘The One Kathmandu’ brand. Likewise, Trek Bicycle Corporation has filed a complaint against Turbo Trek in Birgunj over the use of the ‘Turbo Trek’ name.
Industrialists say cases of trademark infringement have been rising due to weak legal provisions and poor enforcement. They argue that inadequate protection of intellectual property discourages foreign investors.
The DoI recorded around 900 trademark infringement cases between mid-April 2020 and mid-April 2022. Over the past one and a half decades, 1,883 such cases were registered, but only 209 have been settled.
The department said many files related to IP violations were destroyed in arson and vandalism during the Gen Z movement.
Last month, the DoI issued a public notice urging firms to register and renew their trademarks.
Trademark-related offences in Nepal are currently governed by the Patent, Design and Trademark Act, 1965, which provides for a fine of up to Rs 100,000 and confiscation of goods depending on the severity of the offence.
Since Nepal joined the World Trade Organization in 2004, it has faced pressure to align its IP laws with global standards. However, delays in legal reform have contributed to a rise in infringement cases and affected foreign direct investment inflows.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies last year drafted the Industrial Property Bill to strengthen IP regulations.
As per the House of Representatives’ records, the bill was registered at the lower house in the second week of July, 2025, while it was discussed in a parliamentary committee in the second month of the current fiscal year, just before the Gen Z movement.
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