Maaks International: Interim Victory from IPT Islamabad over Pizza Hut Pakistan Master Franchise Rights
Islamabad, Pakistan — Maaks International has secured an important interim victory in the ongoing dispute over the operation and master franchise rights of Pizza Hut Pakistan, following an order issued by the Intellectual Property Tribunal, Islamabad/Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on September 10, 2026.
The development comes after proceedings concerning the operation of Pizza Hut outlets by parties whose authorization has been disputed by Maaks International. The case has focused on the use of the Pizza Hut name, trademarks, logo, branding, trade dress and visual identity in Pakistan.
According to the proceedings, Maaks International presented its position before the Tribunal that it holds the master franchise rights for Pizza Hut Pakistan under the relevant franchise agreements and supporting arrangements.
Court Restrains Unauthorized Pizza Hut Operations
In its order dated September 10, 2026, the Intellectual Property Tribunal granted interim relief and restrained Defendant No. 3, along with its directors, managers, employees, agents, representatives and persons acting through it, from further opening, establishing, operating, managing, advertising or branding Pizza Hut outlets under the Pizza Hut name, marks, logo, trade dress or visual identity.
The interim order remains subject to the continuation of the proceedings, with the matter listed for further proceedings on September 15, 2026.
The order represents a significant development for Maaks International, particularly amid competing public claims regarding who is authorized to operate and represent Pizza Hut in Pakistan.
Maaks International’s Position
Maaks International has consistently maintained that it holds the authorized master franchise arrangement for Pizza Hut Pakistan and has been responsible for the brand’s operations and expansion in the country.
The company states that its Pizza Hut operations began following the transition from MCR in 2022 and the relevant approvals and franchise arrangements. Maaks’ public materials currently identify the company as the operator of Pizza Hut Pakistan under its Master Operational Franchise arrangement.
The company has also previously stated that its master franchise rights were acquired in August 2022 with the approval of Pizza Hut MENAPAK and that it formally began operations in September 2022.
A Key Development Amid Conflicting Claims
The Pizza Hut Pakistan franchise dispute has attracted public attention because different parties have made competing claims regarding the authorization to operate Pizza Hut outlets in Pakistan.
For customers, franchise partners, suppliers, landlords and other stakeholders, clarity over the authorized operation of the brand is particularly important.
The latest Tribunal order provides an important legal development in this ongoing matter by placing interim restrictions on the operations and branding challenged in the proceedings.
It also reinforces the importance of relying on official documentation and court proceedings rather than conflicting claims circulating through social media and online publications.
Maaks International Welcomes Legal Development
For Maaks International, the interim order is being viewed as an important step in protecting the Pizza Hut brand and its franchise position in Pakistan.
The company remains focused on the operation and expansion of Pizza Hut Pakistan while pursuing the matter through the appropriate legal channels.
Maaks International has also publicly maintained that official Pizza Hut operations and franchise development in Pakistan must take place through the authorized franchise structure.
The Case Continues
While the September 10 order provides interim relief to Maaks International’s position, the underlying proceedings are continuing. The Tribunal has fixed the matter for further proceedings, including written statements and counter-affidavits.
The latest development therefore represents an interim court victory and significant relief for Maaks International, rather than a final adjudication of all issues in the broader franchise dispute.
For Pizza Hut Pakistan customers and business stakeholders, however, the order marks an important development in the ongoing effort to clarify the authorized operation and representation of the Pizza Hut brand in the country.
