TikTok now recognized as a famous trademark in Nepal
16 January 2026
TikTok is now regarded as a famous trademark in Nepal.
The Department of Industry (DoI) has formally recognized the mark as such, which means “TikTok” is more than a well-known mark in Nepal.
The DoI made the landmark decision via the TikTok Information Technology UK Limited v. C.G. Foods (Nepal) Pvt. Ltd. trademark opposition proceeding. The dispute involved the attempted registration of the mark “Tic Toc” for instant noodles under Class 30 by C.G. Foods, Nepal’s leading snack foods manufacturing company.
According to the DoI, TikTok’s reputation has qualified it to be categorized as a famous trademark, instead of merely a well-known mark, due to its extensive global use, multinational trademark registrations and widespread public recognition.
Ram Chandra Subedi | founding and managing partner @ Apex Law Chamber in Kathmandu
“The DoI’s recognition of TikTok as a famous trademark marks a progressive shift in Nepal’s trademark enforcement landscape. It signals a clear willingness on the part of Nepalese authorities to extend strong protection to globally renowned brands and to curb opportunistic attempts to trade on their reputation,” said Ram Chandra Subedi, founding and managing partner at Apex Law Chamber in Kathmandu. The firm represented TikTok at the DoI.
The Department had rejected C.G. Foods’ argument that the companies were engaged in two different lines of business, hence the respondent could not have infringed on the “TikTok” trademark. According to the DoI, dissimilarity of goods or services does not preclude infringement where a famous mark is concerned. It said TikTok’s goodwill and distinctiveness extend beyond the specific classes in which it is registered in Nepal, which are Classes 42, 41, 38, 35 and 45.
The decision was based on Article 6bis of the Paris Convention and Article 16.3 of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, which mandate enhanced protection for well-known and famous trademarks, including protection against dilution and unfair advantage.
“The decision enhances Nepal’s credibility as a jurisdiction committed to robust intellectual property protection – an important consideration for foreign investment and the entry of global brands into the Nepalese market,” Subedi said.
“For brand owners, the decision underscores the strategic importance of proactively asserting reputation-based rights in opposition and cancellation proceedings in Nepal. For applicants, it highlights the need for careful trademark clearance and risk assessment, particularly when proposed marks resemble internationally famous brands,” he added.
- Espie Angelica A. de Leon
