A draft of

Manual of Trade Marks

Practice & Procedure

Practice & Procedure

, .., , 700004

Government of India
Ministry of Commerce &Industries
Office of Controller General Patents, Designs & Trade Marks
Bhoudhik Sampada Bhavan, S.M. Road, Antop Hill, Mumbai-400037

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Patents/Designs/Trademark
Geographical Indications

General Objective of the Trade Marks Manual

The draft Manual of Trade Marks Practice and Procedure is being published to bring uniformity
and consistency of practice with respect to the various procedures involved in the
administration of the Trade Marks Act and it is hoped that the manual will be useful for the
officers of the Trade Marks Registry and the users of the system. Indeed, section 98 of the
Trade Marks Act gives statutory recognition to practice of the Trade Marks Registry as an
important aspect in determination of legal proceedings on appeal before the Appellate Board.
For greater understanding and transparency, the manual attempts to explain the practice and
procedure of the Trade Marks Registry by categorizing the issues outlined in three parts:
underlying concepts, the requirements from the stakeholder and the office action involved as
per the provisions of Trade Marks, 1999 and rules made thereunder.
The manual is in the nature of a guide for the users and, if any of the statements in this
document are at variance or inconsistent with the provisions of the Act or the Rules, the latter
shall prevail. Wherever appropriate, reference to case laws representing decisions of Courts in
India have been made to facilitate better understanding of the law. The Manual will be finalised
after receipt of comments of the stakeholders on this draft and careful consideration of the
same. It is expected that the manual will be updated from time to time in the light of important
judgments and decisions of courts involving interpretation of the provisions of the Act and
Rules.

(Chaitanya Prasad)
Controller General of Patent Design & Trademarks
10th March 2015

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Index of Contents
Chapter I: Filing of a Documents in Trade Mark Registry
Section A: General Filing Requirement
1. How a document/s can be filed
2. Filing of documents 2.1. Requirements as to form
2.2. Requirements as to content
3. When last Date of Filing is a Public Holiday
4. Documents must be signed and dated
4.1. Who can sign?
4.2. Applicant should supply an address for service
4.3. Fee
5. Non-compliance of filing requirements
6. Filing process

Section B: Filing of Trade Mark Application (Additional Requirements)

1. Filing of Trade Mark Application
1.1. Who can file a Trade Mark Application?
1.2. Meaning of Registered proprietor
1.3. Identification of Proprietor before applying for a trademarks
2. Details Required from the Applicant
2.1. In case of Individual
2.2. In case of Joint owners
2.3. In case of Partnership Firm
2.4. In case of Companies
2.5. In case of Companies Government Departments
2.6. In case of Companies Quasi-Governmental undertakings
2.7. If applied as Conventional application
2.8. Statement of Use:
2.9. Clear Specification of goods / Servicers:
3. Form of the Application:
4. Information required in the Application Form
4.1. Basis Information
4.2. Representation of Trademarks
4.3. Requirement of graphical representation
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4.4. Size of The Trademarks

4.5. Specification of Representation
4.6. In case of series Trademarks:
4.7. In case of Shape trademarks
4.8. In case of trademarks: as Combination of Colours
5. A representation that includes words in a language other than English/Hindi and/or characters
other than Roman /Devnagari characters.
6. Specification of the goods and/or services for which registration is sought
6.1. Specification required as per Rule 103
6.2. Limitations on the specification.
6.3. Problems with a specification
7. Signature and Date
8. Fees:
9. Consequences of non-compliance of filing requirements
10. Data Entry
11. VIENNA Codification

Chapter II: Examination of Applications filed for Registration of Trademarks

Introduction and Scope
1. Identification of Nature of Application
2. Ensuring the appropriate name of the Applicant:
3. Ensuring the submission of the Power of Attorney
4. Ensuring about the applicants principal place of business
5. Ensuring transliteration and translation of trademark in non-English or non-Hindi characters.
6. Ensuring the consent of a person or his legal representative, if the trademark contains a name or
representation of that person
7. Ensuring submission of draft regulations in case of an application for registration of a collective
mark
8. Ensuring submission of draft regulations in case of an application for registration of a
certification mark
9. Ensuring submission of adequate priority documents, in case of applications with priority claims
10. Examination of application as to classification of goods and services
11. Examination of application as to relative grounds for refusal of registration
12. Examination of application as to absolute grounds for refusal of application for registration
13. Draft for communication of objections to acceptance of application for registration, which are
liable to be refused on absolute grounds
14. Examination of series marks
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15. Proposing appropriate condition of acceptance of the application or limitation of use of the
trademark
16. Communication of Examination report to the applicant

Chapter III: Post Examination Disposal of Applications Filed For Registration of

Trademarks
Introduction and Scope
1. Consideration of applicants reply to examination report
2. Treating the application as abandoned, if no reply to examination report is received
3. Show Cause Hearing
4. Publication of applications in the trademarks journal
5. Withdrawal of acceptance
6. Registration of trademarks

Chapter IV: Chapter IV Tribunal Section (Opposition & Rectification Proceedings)

Section A: Opposition
1. How a opposition proceeding can be started
2. Formality Requirements
3. Mode of Evidences
4. Fixation of Hearing after completion of Evidences by both the parties

Section B: Rectification
1. Who may apply for Rectification of a registered Trade Marks

Section C: Review of a Decision

1. Review of a decision

Chapter V: Pre-Registration Amendment

1. Correction of errors or amendment in an application
2. Division of Application

Chapter VI: Renewal, Assignment/Transmission, Registered User and Post

Registration Changes of Registered User
1. Renewal of Trademark(s):
2. Assignment & transmission of a registered trademarks
3. Registered users:
4. Post-registration amendments:
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Chapter I:
Filing of a Document in Trade Marks Registry
This chapter deals with filing of a document/new application in the Trade Mark Registry for
registration of a Trademark or in relation to an earlier application for registration of a
trademark.

This chapter is divided in to two parts i.e. Section A and Section B. Section A deals with
general filing requirements for any document in trademarks registry and Section B deals with
specific additional requirements related to trademark applications (TM 1, TM 2, TM 51, etc.).

Section A: General Filing Requirements

This section of the chapter covers the general requirements for filing any application, notice or
request under the Trade Marks Act 1999 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) or Trade Marks
Rules 2002 (hereinafter referred to as the Rules).
Sr.
No.

General Description

Relevant
provision of
the Act &
Rules

How a document/s can be filed

General
Requirement

A document can be filed by a person or his duly Section 18,

authorized agent at the appropriate office of the Rules 4, 8 &
Trade Marks Registry as defined in Rule 4 of the 15
Trade Marks Rules 2002, which includes the Head
office (at Mumbai) or branch offices (at
Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata) of the
Registry. However, certain documents as specified
under Rule 8(2) may either be filed at the Head
office of the Trade Marks Registry or at the
appropriate office while some documents as
specified under Rule 8(2) (c) may only be filed at
the Head office of the Trade Marks Registry (unless
the Registrar directs otherwise).
Appropriate office of the Trade Marks Registry for
the purpose of filing a document is the office within
the territorial jurisdiction of which the principal
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place of business of the applicant in India is

situated. Detailed provisions about the appropriate
office for various categories of applicants are
provided in Rule 4.
The document may be filed by delivery at the front
office personally or by sending by post, or
submitting electronically through the gateway
provided in the official website i.e. ipindia.nic.in.
All offices of the Trade Marks Registry are open
for receipt of fee bearing documents from 10 am to
3.30 pm, on all working days. Non fee bearing
documents can be filed at any time during office
working hours.
Electronic filing of documents can be done at all
hours (24x7).
2
2.1

Filing of documents Requirement

from the
applicant

Rules 8,
Requirements as to form
The requirements in respect of documents as 13,14 and 15
specified in the Rules are set out below:
Documents must be in English or Hindi
Documents must be neatly handwritten or
typewritten or printed upon strong paper of
good quality and of size of approximately 33 cm
X 20 cm. and shall have on the left hand part
thereof a margin of not less than 4 cm.
Contents of the documents must be on one side
of the paper in a deep permanent ink.
The contents of the documents must be in large
and legible characters.
The signature of the persons signing a document
and the date of signature must be placed
immediately at the end of the document.
The name of the person signing a document
must be legibly written in English or Hindi in
capital letters beside the signature of that
person.
An alteration made in a document before it is
filed at the Trade Marks Registry should be
initialed in the margin by the person signing the
document.
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2.2

Requirement
from the
applicant

Requirements as to content
Applications, notices and some requests filed at the
Trade Marks Registry are required to be in a
prescribed form.
The application, notice or request should generally
include the following details, depending upon the
nature of the document:

Trade mark number(s) in relation to which

certain action is to be taken;

Name and address for service of person(s)

making the application, notice or request (if the
application, notice or request is made by the
proprietor of the trade mark, the proprietor's
address is also generally required);

Name of the proprietor of the trade mark if the

proprietor is not the person making the
application, notice or request;

Details and grounds of the action that is to be

performed; and

Any other information or documentation that be

relevant to enable action to be taken;

The appropriate class or classes, in relation to

which the application is filed

Proprietor code or agent code if allotted,

Signature(s) of person(s) or on behalf of the

person(s) making application, notice or request
and the name of signatory.

Date and place of filing

Note:
In case of online filing of the document, digital
signature will be considered as signing of the
document. Details about e-filing are given at ---

Concept

When last date of filing is a public holiday

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If a document is due to be filed on a date that is a

weekend or a public holiday, the due date becomes
the next day on which the Registry is open except
when the document is filed online.
4
4.1

Documents must be signed and dated

Concept

Who can sign?

An application, notice or request must be signed by
or on behalf of the person making the application.

Section 145,
Rule 14

If the application, notice or request is made by more

than one person (as defined in section B of Chapter 1)
and it is not signed by an agent on behalf of all the
persons, the document must be signed by each person
in whose name the application, notice or request is
made.
A legal practitioner or a registered trade mark agent or
a person in the sole and regular employment of the
principal can sign on behalf of a person making an
application, notice or request.
A document on behalf of a partnership firm shall be
signed by at least one partner stating that he is
signing on behalf of the firm.
A document on behalf of a body corporate shall be
signed by a director or by the secretary or other
principal officer of the body corporate and the
capacity of the individual signing the document
shall be stated below his signature.
4.2

Applicant should supply an address for service

4.2.1 Requirement
from the
applicant

A person making an application, notice or request or Section 143

the proprietor of a trade mark, or a person whose Rules 18 and
claim to an interest or right in a trade mark is 19
recorded in the Register and who has no principal
place of business in India, must supply an address
for service in India.
Indian applicants may also mention address for
service in India.
Note:
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While filing a document, the applicant/agent should

provide email address for electronic communication
from the Registry.
4.2.2 Requirement
from the
applicant

4.2.3 Requirement
from the
applicant

An address for service to which documents from the Section 18

Trade Marks Registry (or other parties) are served (3)
or given must be an address in India.
An address for service of a person who has filed an Rule 18 & 19
application, notice or request is the address for
service stated in the application, notice or request,
unless the person notifies the Registrar of another
address.
An address for service in India should be provided
by every applicant or by joint applicants or by the
proprietor of a trade mark, who has principal place of
business in India at the date of making the
application for registration but has subsequently
ceased to have such place.

4.2.4 Requirement
from the
applicant

4.2.5 Office
Action

A change in an address for service must be notified in Section 8(4),

writing to the Registrar, by way of request on form 22, 58, Rules
TM-16 or TM-50 along with prescribed fee.
41, 91, 96, 97
Any document that must be served on, or given or Sec. 143
sent to a person by the Registry may be left at or sent Rule 15
by post to the address for service of the person.
Where there are multiple applicants or multiple
persons making a single notice or request, and more
than one address for service is given, the
correspondence should only be sent to first
addressee.
Fees

4.3
Requirement
from the
applicant

All applications, notices and requests should be Rule 11(5) &

accompanied by the fees as prescribed in First 25(19)
Schedule of the Trade Marks Rules 2002.
Fees can be paid in cash or by a bank draft or a
cheque drawn on a scheduled bank at the place
where the appropriate office of the Trade Marks
Registry is situated. Bank drafts and cheques should
be crossed.
Online payment may be made through payment
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gateway provided in the official website i.e.

ipindia.nic.in.
5

Non-compliance of filing requirements

If a document received for filing at the Trade Marks Section 150
Registry fails to comply with the Act or the Rules Rule 11(2) &
regarding the filing of documents:
11(5)
In case of fee bearing documents wherein appropriate
fee has not been paid, the concerned document shall
be deemed not to have been filed. The document shall
be deemed to have been filed only when the
appropriate fee is received.
Dishonor and non realization of a cheque shall be
treated as appropriate fee not having been paid.
Non realization of Demand Draft for any technical
reasons shall also be treated as appropriate fee not
having been paid.
In case of non fee bearing documents, the
documents will not be accepted if it is unsigned or
does not contain the referred application /opposition
/ rectification / RU/CC number.

Filing process

6.1

Office
Action

6.2

Office
Action

6.3

Office
Action

6.4

Every document shall be received through the

FRONT OFFICE module of the Trade Marks System
(TMS).
All documents addressed to the Registrar of Trade
Marks shall be received by the office superintendent
or in his/her absence, by the Assistant/clerk of the
section.
The superintendent of the R&E section shall open the
document on receipt through post. Fee bearing
document shall be sent to cash counter and the same
will generate fee receipt through system.
Acknowledgment shall be generated in case of non
fee bearing documents.
The front office shall affix a stamp (with the signature
of the official concerned) on all the documents
received. The stamp should include the date on
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which the document is received, the amount of fee,

if any, and indication of the office of the Registry at
which the document is filed. The document so filed
shall
be
given
system
generated
receipts/acknowledgments which contains, as
applicable, the name of the office, the receipt
number, date and time, details of the person filing
the document, TM forms filed, reference number,
the person on whose behalf the document is filed,
amount of fees paid and the mode of payment.
6.5

Office
Action

The data entry shall be made in the EDP module. The

device marks shall be separately scanned in original
colours and shall be uploaded in the system.

6.6

Office
Action

R&E section shall digitalize all incoming

papers/documents and upload the same in the system
through the appropriate module viz. Application,
Opposition, Post Registration, RU, and Copyrights.
Correspondence shall be transferred to the
appropriate section.

6.7

Office
Action

In Post Registration requests where multiple marks

are involved in a single request, scanned copies of
documents shall be uploaded against every registered
trademarks covered in the request.

Section B: Filing of Trade Mark Application

This section deals with the provisions for filing of a trade mark application which are
supplemental or additional to the general filing requirements as given in section A of Chapter I.
An applicant making an application for registration of a trademark shall, in any case, have to
comply with the general filing requirements.
In Addition to the above it also gives glimpse of formality requirement in relation to the
acceptability of a trademark application to move towards examination.
As part of the examination of an application for registration of a trademark u/s 18 (4) and 18
(5), the Registrar must determine as to whether the application has been made in accordance
with the Trade Mark Act 1999 (here in after the Act) and / or Trade Marks Rules 2002 (here in
after the Rules) or not.
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Sr.
No.

General Description

Filing of Trade Mark Application

1.1

Concept

Who can file a Trade Mark Application

Relevant
provision of the
Act & Rules

Sec. 18 (1)

A person who claims to be the proprietor of the trade

mark in relation to goods and /or services may apply
for the registration of a Trade Mark.

1.2

Concept

1.3

Concept

1.4

Concept

For the purpose of making an application of

Trademarks, "Person" includes:
A Natural Person,
A Body Incorporate,
A Partnership Firm,
HUF, Association of Persons (in case of collective
Trademarks), Joint Proprietor
A Trust,
A Society, or
A Government Authority/Undertaking
Section 24
Jointly owned trademark:
When two or more persons who use a trademark
independently or propose so to use it, as joint
proprietors, they may apply for registration of a
trade mark as joint proprietors.
The circumstances under which two or more persons
may apply for registration of a trade mark are set out
in Section 24 (2) of the Act.
The Trade Mark being applied for registration may Section 18(1)
be:
already in use or
proposed to be used or intended to be used
or
intended to be assigned to a company that is
about to be formed and registered under
Companies Act 1956 with a view to use
thereof in relation to those goods and services
by the company.
Identification of proprietor before applying for a
trademarks:

The person applying for registration of a trademark

must be clearly identified as the proprietor.
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Details Required from the Applicant

2
2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

Requirement
from
Applicant

In case of Individual

Requirement
from
Applicant

In case of Joint owners

Requirement
from
Applicant

In case of Partnership Firm

Requirement
from
Applicant

In case of Companies

Requirement
from
Applicant

In case of Government Departments

Requirement
from
Applicant

In case of statutory organizations/public sector

undertakings:

The full name of the applicant is required. A

business name or trading style is not acceptable as
the name of an individual. This is because a business
name or trading style does not denote the nature of
applicant (legal entity) - it is more in the nature of an
alias for the purposes of a trade mark application: If
a trading style or business, name is included on the
Application in addition to the name of an individual
applicant, those details will be captured separately.
In case of joint owners, the full name of each of the
joint owners, whether individuals or companies, is
essentially required. A trading style or business name
is not acceptable as the name of the joint owners and,
if given in addition to the joint owners, such names
will be recorded separately.
The names of all the partners are essentially required
to be mentioned in an application filed by a
partnership firm.
The name under which a company is incorporated is
required. A trading style or business name, if given,
will be recorded separately.
Abbreviations of the type of company are
acceptable. Annex Al at the end of this Part contains
a list of abbreviations of types of companies which
are recognized as bodies corporate.
Where the applicant is a government department, the
traditional form of the name of the applicant is the
Government of India /State of ________ (followed
by the name of the department) represented
by____________(name of the authorized person
followed by the name of department).

Reference should be made to the statute under which

such organization/undertaking is discharging its
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functions. The application can be made in the name

of the organization/undertaking as Life Insurance
Corporation of India (established under the .
Act) through its authorised signatory and executed in
the manner prescribed by the rules regulating it.
2.7

2.8

2.9

Requirement
from
Applicant

If applied as Conventional application

Requirement
from
Applicant

Statement of Use:

Requirement
from
Applicant

Clear Specification of goods / Servicers:

Requirement
from
applicant

A statement of user showing the date since when the

mark is used by the applicant or by his predecessor
in title has to be mentioned in the application, unless
the trade mark is proposed to be used, which is to be
mentioned specifically. The statement of user will
not be allowed to be changed subsequently.
[Rule 25(15)]

The specification of goods and/or services should

not be unrealistically broad otherwise it will impinge
on the scope of use or intended use by others. In such
cases, the Registrar may require a declaration to
confirm the intended use of the trade mark.
Applicants should submit their applications in the
relevant prescribed forms given in Schedule II of the
Trade Marks Rules 2002.
Specific directions given in some prescribed forms
with regard to filling up the form must be complied
with.

Section
18,
Rule 12(1)
Rule
13(1),
Rule 14(2)

Information required in the Application Form

4
4.1

Rule 27

Form of the Application:

3
3.1

The address of the applicants home country in

addition to his address for service in India is to be
provided.

Requirement
from
applicant

Application must contain the following information: Sec 143,

Rule 16, 18, 19
Name of the proprietor(s)
Rules and 19
Valid email id
Principle place of business
Address for service
Type of Mark, i.e. Word, Label, Device etc,
In case of Convention Applications, only single
priority date should be claimed; separate
applications should be filed if different priority
dates are claimed for different goods and/or
services.
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Two additional representation of the mark,

Description of the trade mark including whether it
is a shape or colour trade mark
(When a proprietor of a trade mark applies to
register the trade mark, he or she is seeking
statutory protection for the trade mark. The
proprietor must define sufficiently in the
application what is to be protected so that
protection can be afforded).
Class numbers under which description belongs (as
per classification determined and published by the
Registrar at official web site),
Specification of goods and services (as per list of
items published in the classification)
If applied mark contains words in a language
other than English/Hindi and/or characters other
than
Roman/Devnagari:
translation
and
transliteration of the applied mark,
Signature and full name of signatory
Designation of signatory and the capacity under
which the application is signed.

Note: all the above mentioned information should be

legible and clear
4.2

Requirement
from
applicant

Representation of the Trade Mark

4.3

Requirement
from
applicant

Requirement of graphical representation

Rule 15, 28, 30

The representation of the trade mark must clearly (1),
identify the trade mark and should be in the
prescribed manner as provided in the application
form. It should show clearly all the features of the
trade mark. Additionally, in the case of a trade mark
that consists of a 3 dimensional mark or colour
combination it is necessary to make a statement to
that effect in the application. The representations
must be durable and satisfactory.
Section 2(zb)

As a trade mark must be able to be represented

graphically for registration. The Registrar will, as a
matter of practice, require that the representation of
the trade mark that is included in the application
must be a graphical representation. Each trade mark
consisting of or containing colours, shape or
packaging must also be accompanied by a concise
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and accurate description of the trade mark. Such

descriptions will be entered as an endorsement and,
taken together with the graphical representation, will
help to define the scope of the registration. The onus
remains with the applicant to provide a suitable
representation of the trade mark.
Size of The Trademarks

4.4
Requirement
from
applicant

4.5
Requirement
from
applicant

Rule 28 Section
The size of the representation of the trade mark 15(3)
should, where practicable, be no larger than 8cm x Rule 25(10)
8cm.Where a series of trademarks is applied for and
the representations of the trade mark are together
and more than 8cm x 8cm then, the representation of
each trade mark in the series should, where
practicable, be no larger than 8cm x 8cm and must
be attached to the application.
The representation must
show all the features of the trade mark clearly,
be of a quality that ensures all the features of the
trade mark will be preserved over time, and
be suitable for reproduction.
In case of series Trademarks:

4.6
Requirement
from
applicant

Where a series is claimed and one trade mark is in

black and white and the others in colour or where the
series is for a number of trade marks in different
colours, an endorsement in the application required
Where the first representation is in black and white
and subsequent ones coloured:
The second trade mark in the series of trademarks is
depicted in the colour, and as shown in the
representation attached to application form.
(This would be repeated for subsequent trade marks
in the series.)
Where there are two trade marks in the series:
The coloured trade mark in the series of trademarks
is depicted in the colours and as shown in the
representation attached to the application form.
Where all the trade marks in the series are coloured:
The first trade mark in the series of trademarks is
depicted in the colours and as shown in the
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representation attached to the application.

(This would be repeated for subsequent trade marks
in the series.)
4.7

In case of Shape trademarks

4.7.1 Requirement
from
applicant

The applicant must state on the application form that Rule 29(4)
the application is for a shape trade mark. If this is not
stated but it is fairly clear, because the trade mark has
been depicted in a three-dimensional (3-D) drawing,
then the examiner should query whether or not the
trade mark is in fact a shape trade mark.

4.7.2 Requirement
from
applicant

The representation of a shape trade mark or a trade Rule 29(4)

mark containing a shape should, where practicable,
be in the form of a perspective drawing that shows
clearly all the features of the trademark. The parts of
the configuration claimed to constitute the
representation must be accompanied by a concise
and accurate description of the trade mark. This
description will be entered as an endorsement of the
registration and will thereby serve to help define the
scope of the registration. There should be no
discrepancy between the representation and the
description and generally the description should
refer to the representation to make clear what the
relationship between them is.

4.7.3 Requirement
from
applicant

Where more than one view of the trade mark is filed,

representation of the each view of trade mark should
(where practicable, in the size of not larger than 8cm
x 8cm) be attached to the application or uploaded
along with application if filed online.

4.7.4 Requirement
from
applicant

If the representation of the trade mark provided by

the applicant does not show clearly all the features
of the trade mark, the Registrar may require up to 5
further views of the trade mark.

4.7.5 Requirement
from
applicant

If the description or representation of the trade mark Rule 36

is not satisfactory as it does not demonstrate the
nature of the trade mark sufficiently or able show
each feature of the trade mark sufficiently, the
applicant may be asked to provide a description or
further description of the trade mark and a specimen
of the trade mark within one month from the date of
issuance of the letter. If the applicant fails to comply
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the requirement, the application may be treated as

abandoned.
4.7.6 Requirement
from
applicant

Black and white or colour photographs of shape

trademarks which have been mounted on good
quality paper will be acceptable as representations of
the trade mark. They must, however, be able to be
reproduced for the purposes of advertisement. If
there are doubts as to how the photograph/s would
reproduce, a black and white photocopy should be
taken. If the photocopy is clear then the photographs
are acceptable - if not then the applicant should be
requested to furnish clear photographs. A maximum
of two copies of each photograph may be required.
In case of online filing the photographs should be
scanned uploaded along with application.
Photographs should be clear originals as the office
will not accept photocopies of photographs. Nor will
"instant" type photographs be accepted as these fade
over time.

4.8

In case of trademarks: as Combination of Colours

4.8.1 Requirement
from
applicant

If the applicant is claiming a combination of colours, Rule 29

as applied to the goods or their packaging or as used
in relation to their services, as a trade mark, they
should claim this by identifying the trade mark as a
colour trade mark on the application form. The exact
description of the colour combination as per
International Classification System of Colours (to be
verified) As well as supplying a graphical
representation of the trade mark, the applicant must
also provide a concise and accurate description of the
trade mark on the application. The description, which
should state precisely what the mark consists of and
how the description relates to the representation, will
be entered as an endorsement of the registration and
will thereby help define the scope of the registration.
An example of a suitable form of description for a
trade mark which consists of a combination of
colours applied to a pharmaceutical capsule would
be:
The trade mark consists of a maroon colour applied to
one half of a capsule at one end, and a gold colour
applied to the other half, as illustrated in the
representation on the application.
Page | 20

4.8.2 Requirement
from
applicant

Application for the registration of the trade mark shall

be submitted in triplicate with five copies of
additional representation.
Representations of the trademark in additional
representation / application shall correspond exactly
with one another.
Additional representation shall consists specification
and classes of goods / services for which the
registration is sought, name and address of the
applicant, name and address of the agent, if any, the
period of use, if any, and such other particulars
required by registrar from time to time.
If an applied trademark is claimed as combination of
colour, it is required to submit one reproduction of
mark in black & white and rest four in colours.
The reproduction furnished shall consist of three
different views,
If registrar considers that the reproduction is not able
to show all features of three dimensional mark he
may call upon to furnish within two months up to five
further different views and a description by words of
the marks,
If registrar considers the furnished different views is
not sufficiently show the particulars of the trade
marks, he may call up the specimen of the trade
marks.
If the applied trade mark consists of shape of the
goods of its packaging, the reproduction furnished by
the applicant shall consist of the five different views
and a description by words of the marks.
If registrar considers the furnished different views is
not sufficiently show the particulars of the trade
marks, he may call up the specimen of the goods or
packaging as the case may be.

4.8.3 Requirement
from
applicant

If a trade mark is always used in particular colours, a

different form of endorsement would be required.
This situation is most likely to occur when a trade
mark which is lacking in Capability to distinguish is
shown through evidence of use to be capable of
distinguishing when used in particular colours.
Acceptance for registration may be allowed on the
basis of a limitation to colour.
endorsement will be as follows:
Page | 21

Registration of this trade mark consists of colours

Note:
If an applicant chooses to limit to some colours, the
same form of endorsement would be the appropriate
one.
A representation that includes words in a language
other than English/Hindi and/or characters other than
Roman /Devnagari characters.

5.1

Requirement
from
applicant

Where a trade mark includes words in a language other Rule 33

than English/Hindi and/or characters other than
Roman/Devnagari characters, the applicant must file
an English/Hindi translation and/or transliteration in
support of the trade mark application.

5.2

Officer
Action

An endorsement must be entered on the Register for

all trademarks containing words in a language other
than English/Hindi and/or characters other than
Roman/Devnagari characters.

5.3

Office
Action

Where an applicant has provided the translation /

transliteration, an endorsement will be entered on the
system.

5.4

Office
Action

Where no translation / transliteration have been

provided, the examiner should request one and enter
the appropriate endorsement on the system when the
information has been received through TM-16.
In absence of the compliance of such request,
Application shall be deemed to have been
abandoned for non-compliance.

5.4

Office
Action

In the case of the trade mark containing words not in

English / Hindi, the form the endorsement should
take is as follows: The applicant has provided
that the translation of the
(NATIONALITY
/
LANGUAGE)
words
appearing in the trademark is
Where the trade mark contains words in characters
that are not Roman/Devnagari characters, the form of
endorsement should be as follows:
The applicant has provided that the (NATIONALITY /
LANGUAGE)
characters
appearing in the trade mark may be transliterated as
which may be translated into English as

5.5

Concept

The information provided by applicants in formality

Page | 22

related matters should be accepted as correct unless

otherwise found during the examination.
Specification of the goods and/or services for which
registration is sought

6
Concept

An application for registration of a single trade mark Section 18(2)

may be made in respect of goods and/or services in
one or more classes.
Note:
The applicant should specify the goods and/or
services in relation to which the application is made.
A specification that claims registration for all goods,
products or services etc. in a particular class would be
regarded as too wide.

6.1

Requirement
from
applicant

The applicant must specify, in the manner set out in Rule 103
the Rule 103, the goods and/or services in respect of
which the registration is sought.

6.1.1 Requirement
from
applicant

Where the application is in respect of more than one

class the goods and/or services it must be grouped
together according to class number.

6.1.2 Requirement
from
applicant

A class number must be selected for each group of

goods and/or services. Where the application is in
respect of more than one class the goods and/or
services must be grouped together according to class
number and the groups of goods and/or services
must be presented in ascending numerical order of the
class number.

6.1.3 Requirement
from
applicant

As far as practicable, the applicant should specify the Section 7

goods and/or services for which registration is sought
in terms appearing in the Classification as published
by the Registrar This listings are available through
Trade
Marks
Registry
or
on
website
www.ipindia.nic.in

6.1.4

Adequate information regarding the goods and/or

services should accompany any specification where
the goods and/or services cannot be described using
the terms preferred at 6.1.3 above.

6.2

Limitations on the specification.

Concept

Limitations exist as to the scope of the goods and/or Section 29(2)

services that may be claimed in a specification.
Page | 23

These limitations have been included in the

legislation in light of the fact that infringement action
under the provisions of the Trade Marks Act 1999
may be taken in respect of unauthorized use of a trade
mark on:
goods of the same description as that of goods
(registered goods) in respect of which the trade mark
is registered; or
services that are closely related to registered goods;
or
services' of the same description as that of services
(registered services) in respect of which the trade
mark is registered; or
goods that are closely related to registered services
present Act (TM Act 1999) has a much broader
provision than that which exists under the Trade &
Merchandise Marks Act 1958 as in the latter
infringement actions was limited to cases where the
goods in relation to which the unauthorized use
occurred were exactly the same as the goods for
which registration was granted, it is therefore
anticipated that applicants will now limit their
specifications to goods and/or services that reflect
their current and/or intended future trading
activities. To do otherwise would be to their own
detriment in that they would leave their registrations
open to non-use actions, in which the onus now lies
on the registered owner to show that they have used
or there is an intention, in good faith, to use the trade
mark on all the goods and/or services specified.
6.2.1 Concept

Use of the expressions, "all goods", "all services", Rule 25(15)

"all other goods" and "all other services" in a
specification of goods and/or services in respect of
which registration is sought is prohibited. Use of
these expressions or equivalent expressions such as
"all items" or "all products" will not be accepted as
the whole or part of a specification. Where an
application is made in respect of specific goods
and/or services but also includes one of the above
non-specific expressions in the specification, that
application will be taken as filed but the applicant
will be requested, as soon as practicable after filing,
to delete the prohibited expression. If, at the time of
examination the expression has not been deleted, the
Page | 24

examiner will again require the expression to be

deleted. Additional items will not be able to be
entered in its place.
6.2.2 Concept

An application may not claim as part of the Rule 25(15)

specification of goods and/or services a range of
goods or services in a particular class which, in the
Registrar's opinion, is unrealistically broad in that in
commercial terms it is highly unlikely that the
applicant would deal in or provide that range of
goods or services. In such instances the applicant
may not able to demonstrate that the trade mark is
used or intended to be used on all the goods and/or
services specified.
For example if the applicant specified the class
heading of class 9 the Examiner may consider the
specification unrealistically broad and advise the
applicant accordingly. To overcome the problem, the
applicant would need to confirm his or her intention
to use on all the goods or services specified in that
broad specification by making a declaration to the
Registrar in the form of an Affidavit. This Affidavit
is required to satisfy the Registrar that the
application meets the requirements of Rule 25(15) of
the Act in respect of all the items specified for the
class or classes in question. Alternatively, the applicant
may wish to amend the specification in a manner that
limits the scope of the application to a more
commercially realistic range of items. It should be
noted that the provisions of Rule 25(15) will usually
be invoked only in relation to a wide range of goods
or services within a class, rather than a wide range of
items across classes

6.3

Problems with a specification

6.3.1 Office
Action

While a preliminary check of classification is made as

part of the check for compliance with minimum
filing requirements, it is the examiner's responsibility
to ensure that the goods and/or Services have been
properly specified and classified. For a single class
application, this includes checking that the goods or
the services are in the class that has been selected for
the application. For a multi-class application the
examiner must check that the goods or the services
Page | 25

grouped within each of the designated classes are

properly classified. The following problem may
arise.
6.3.2 Office
Action

If single application is filed for goods or services Rule 25(19)

falling in more than one class but some of the goods
and/or services specified fall not in that class but in
other classes, the applicant has the option of either
deleting the goods and/or services which do not fall in
the nominated class, or of classes to cover those
items. Additional fees will be required to add
additional classes providing divisional fee and class
fee paid.
The examiner should advise the applicant of these
options. If the applicant chooses to add class, the
examiner should advise what additional fees are
required and also advise that examination of the
applied Trademark related to ability of registration
will not proceed until the fees are paid.
Note Where an item of goods or a service is properly
classified in the class nominated but could also fall
into classes not nominated, it will be taken that the
applicant only wished to specify the good or service
in the class nominated. No further enquiry will be
made and no additional classes will be added.

6.3.3 Office
Action

Where only one class has been nominated but goods

and/or services in more than one class have been
specified and the applicant has paid the fees for the
extra classes, the examination will continue and the
applicant will be required to consent to the insertion of
the appropriate class numbers.

Signature and Date

Requirement
from
the
Applicant
Requirement
from
the
Applicant

The application form must be signed and dated.

Requirement

If the application was signed on behalf of the

Rule 25(1)

The application must be signed by the applicants or a Section 145

person authorized to sign the application on their
behalf. Persons who may sign on behalf of the
applicant are defined to section 145 who is (a) legal
practitioner (b) Trade Marks Agent (c) a person in the
sole and regular employment of the principal.

Page | 26

from
the applicant/s, the name and designation of the person
Applicant
who signed the application must be given so that it can
be determined if the person who signed the application
had authority to do so.
Requirement Where an application for registration of a trade mark
from
the is in the name of a trustee or trustees it should be
Applicant
signed by the managing trustee or trustees or a person
who is empowered to sign on behalf of the trustee or
trustees.
Requirement If persons who are not authorized to sign have done
from
the so, such as an accountant who is not in the sole
Applicant
employment of the applicant, then the applicant
should be requested to have an authorized person
sign the application form.
Requirement If the application is in the name of more than one
from
the person and the individuals themselves signed the
Applicant
application, rather than someone on their behalf, each
individual must sign the application form.
Requirement The name of each signatory must be written legibly
from
the (preferably in block capitals) under or beside the signature.
Applicant
This is so that the person who signed the application can
be identified.
Requirement Where the application form has not been dated, no request
from
the should be made for the applicant to provide this
Applicant
information. The date on which the application was signed
is not vital information as the filing date is the date of
receipt in the Office which is based on the "fee stamp
date".
Fees:

8
Requirement
from
applicant

The application should be submitted along with the Rule 11(3) &
appropriate fee as per Schedule I.
(4)
Where the specification exceeds 500 characters, excess Rule 25 (16)
character fee is payable in form TM-61.

Consequences of non-compliance of filing requirements

Office Action The Registrar will notify the applicant of deficiencies Rule 36
in the application with respect to the filing
requirements and allow the applicant one month time
to rectify the same. If the deficiencies are not rectified
in the time allowed, the application may be treated as
Page | 27

abandoned.
10

Data Entry

Office Action The data entry shall be made in the EDP module. The
device marks shall be separately scanned in original
colours and shall be uploaded in the system.
Data entries shall be verified by officer in-charge of
Receipt and EDP Section.
After verification the application moves through the
TMS system for examination except where the
application contains a device mark. In such a case, the
application moves for Vienna codification.
11

VIENNA Codification

Office Action In the VIENNA CODIFICATION SECTION

(VCS), the authorized officials shall codify the
figurative elements of the trade marks appearing in
the application for registration. The officials of the
VCS shall enter codes as per the International
Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks
under the Vienna Agreement and enter the
application codes in the specified module of the
TMS system.
Thereafter the application moves through the TMS
system for examination.

Page | 28

Chapter II
Examination of Applications filed for Registration of Trademarks
Introduction and Scope
Once the data entry of an application for registration of a trademark is made and digitization of
the trademark application & other connected documents, if any, is complete, the application is
allotted to an examiner for examination of application under the provisions of the Trademarks
Act & Rules.
The word 'Examiner' hereinafter includes any officer assigned the duty of examination of
applications.
The allotment of applications to existing examiners for the purpose of examination is done
automatically through the Trade Marks System and strictly in order of the date and time of
submission of applications.
However the applications in which request for expedited examination is made on form TM-63
and the same is approved by the officer in charge of the Receipt & EDP Section of the
respective branch of the TMR, these applications shall be allotted for examination on priority
basis.
The Examiner ordinarily gets a lot of 20 applications in his account. The Examiner looks at the
application detail and the original application (viz TM-1, TM-51, etc.) and scrutinizes the
application as toa. whether the application has been filed in the manner as prescribed in the Trademarks
Rules 2002
b. whether the trademark applied for registration can be refused registration(- on relative
grounds and/or absolute grounds) under the Trademarks Act 1999, if yes, the reasons;
and
c. whether any restriction, condition or limitation is required to be imposed, in case the
application is accepted for registration
The Examiner shall thoroughly examine the application as above and make a search of earlier
trademarks which are identical with or similar to the mark being examined and shall prepare his
consolidated examination report through the system containing therein, as for as applicable,i.

all the objections relating to formality requirements as to filing of application,

ii.

objections to acceptance of the application for registration of the trademark under

Section 9, 11 and other Sections of the Trademarks Act 1999, and

Page | 29

iii.

proposals for conditions of acceptance or limitation to use of the mark, in case the
application is accepted for registration.

In case the Examiner is unable to examine the application thoroughly because of any formality
requirement, for example, the trademark is in a language other than English or Hindi, he may
ask the applicant to comply the requirements and he may defer the examination, till the
requirements are complied with.
In this document any reference to the applicant in connection with communication of any
document to him or compliance of any requirement or reply by him shall hereinafter include
reference to the authorised agent of the applicant, unless otherwise appears from the context.

This chapter deals with practice and procedures involved in examination of trademark
applications.
Sr.
No.

General Description

1.
1.1

Relevant
provision of the
Act & Rules

Identification of Nature of Application

Office
Action

The examiner shall identify the nature of the Schedule I to

application for registration, on the basis of the form the Trademarks
submitted.
Rules 2002
The prescribed forms for various types of
applications are as followsType of application

Form

Application for registration of

trademark for goods or services
included in any one class
Application for registration of
trademark for goods or services
included in any one class and with
priority claim under Section 154
A single application for registration of
trademark for different classes of
goods or services
A single application for registration of
trademark for different classes of
goods or services and with priority
claim under Section 154
Application for registration of
Collective mark for goods or services
included in any one class
Application for registration of

TM-1

TM-2

TM-51

TM-52

TM-3

TM-64
Page | 30

1.2

Office
Action

2
2.1

Collective mark for goods or services

included in any one class with priority
claim under Section 154
A single application for registration of TM-66
Collective mark for different classes
of goods or services
A single application for registration of TM-67
Collective mark for different classes
of goods or services with priority
claim under Section 154
Application for registration of
TM-4
Certification mark for goods or
services included in any one class
Application for registration of
TM-65
Certification mark for goods or
services included in any one class
with priority claim under Section 154
A single application for registration of TM-68
Certification mark for different classes
of goods or services
A single application for registration of TM-69
Certification mark for different
classes of goods or services with
priority claim under Section 154
An application to register a series
TM-8
trademarks under for a specification of
goods or services included in a class
or classes
An application to register a series
TM-37
trademarks for a specification of
goods or services included in a class
or classes, with priority claim under
Section 154
In case the application is not on proper form, the
examiner shall examine the application as per the
nature of the application submitted irrespective of
the form number mentioned and require the
applicant to correct form of the application by filing
a request on form TM-16.
The objection, for example, should be raised as
followsThe application is made on form TM-1, for
certification mark in respect of goods or services
falling in a class, the form of the application should
be corrected as TM-4 by filing a request on form
TM-16.
Ensuring the appropriate name of the Applicant:

Office
action

The examiner shall ensure that the name of the

applicant claiming to be proprietor of the trademark
is properly mentioned in the application.
Page | 31

2.2

Concept

Section 18 of the Trade Marks Act states that any Section 18

person claiming to be the proprietor of a trade mark
used or proposed to be used by him, who is
desirous of registering it, shall apply in writing to
the Registrar in the prescribed manner for the
registration of his trade mark
An application for registration of a trademark may
be made by/on behalf of an Individual, a Company,
Society, Trust, Government body or a Public Sector
Undertaking, a Partnership firm or two or more
individuals in business together who jointly own a
trademark. The circumstances under which two or
more persons may apply for registration of a
trademark are set out in section 24 of the Act.
If the applicant is Individual-

The full name of the individual is required. A

business name or trading style is additional
information which shall be provided along with the
name of the individual.
The applicant name, in such case, should be like
Ram Kumar Verma, an Indian National trading as
Verma Trading Company
If the applicant is Company

A company may make an application for

registration of a trademark in its own corporate
name. The nature of registration, country of
incorporation and the law under which the company
is registered, are to be mentioned.
The applicant name, in such case, should be like
M/s Singh Industries Limited, a company registered
in India under Indian Companies Act 1956
A company being an incorporated body has its own
identity other than its directors, therefore a director
of the company cannot be the applicant, although
the application can be signed and submitted by him,
if he is so authorised.
If the applicant is Firm

A partnership firm may make the application, in

such case, the names of all partners shall be
mentioned, like A, B, C, & D trading as M/s XYZ,
an Indian Partnership Firm registered under Indian
Partnership Act 1932.
When partnership includes a minor in the
partnership, the name of guardian representing the
minor shall also be mentioned.
Page | 32

If the applicant is Trust

Application may be made on behalf of a trust. In

such case, the name of its managing
trustee/chairman representing the trust should also
be mentioned.
The applicant name, in such case, should be like
M/s XYZ, a trust registered in India under Indian
Trust Act 1882, and represented by Mr X, its
Managing Trustee.
If the applicant is a Society

Application may be made on behalf of a society.

The applicant name, in such case, should be like
M/s XYZ,
a society registered in India under
Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act through its
secretary Mr. A.
If the applicant is Government

The Central or State Government or any

undertaking/company owned or controlled by such
Government may also make application for
registration of trademark like any other person.
Where the applicant is a government department.
The applicant name, in such case, should be like
The Government of India/ Government of
_(state)___Represented by_ (name of the
Department)___through its Secretary Mr. xxx
If the applicant is Governmental undertaking-

The application can be made in the name of the

undertaking and executed in the manner prescribed
by the rules regulating the body. When the applicant
is any government undertaking, a reference shall
also be made to the Authority (usually legislative)
under which the undertaking functions, along with
the name of the undertaking.
The applicant name, in such case, should be like
M/s Life Insurance Corporation, a Public Sector
undertaking established under the Life Insurance of
India Act 1956
If there are Joint Applicants

Section 24 enables registration of two or more

persons to be registered as joint proprietors of the
trademark, where the mark is used or proposed to
Page | 33

be used in relation to goods or services connected

with the joint applicants.
The applicants name, in such case, should be like
M/s XXXX a company registered in India under
Indian Companies Act 1956 and M/s YYYY a
company registered in India under Indian
Companies Act 1956........claiming to be joint
proprietors of the trademark.
2.3

Office
action

In case the name of the applicant is not

appropriately mentioned, the Examiner should raise
objection as followsThe application appears to have been filed in the
name of a partnership firm, names of all Partners
of the firm should be brought on record by filing a
request form TM-16

Ensuring the submission of the TM-48 / Power of

Attorney

3.1

Office
action

The examiner shall ensure that duly stamped TM48/Power of Attorney is filed, in case the
application has been submitted by a person other
than the applicant

3.2

Concept

In case the application has been not been filed & Section 145
signed by the applicant but by any other person Rule 21
claiming to be the agent of the applicant, a power of
attorney duly executed by the applicant in favour of
that person on form TM-48, is required to be filed.
The agent can be a legal practitioner (Advocate), a
registered trademark agent or a constituted attorney
(a person under sole and regular employment) of
the applicant.
A Power of Attorney in favour of a firm without the
name of any individual agent or attorney should not
be accepted.

3.3

Office
action

In case no proper Power of Attorney is submitted

and the application has been submitted by a person
other than the applicant, the Examiner should
communicate objection as
The application has been submitted by a person
other than the applicant, a duly stamped Power of
Attorney in favour of a particular agent should be
filed.

Ensuring about the applicants principal place of

business
Page | 34

4.1

Office
action

The examiner shall ensure that the applicants

principal place of business and the address for
service of the applicant is properly mentioned in the
application.

4.2

Concept

Every application for registration of trademark is Section 18(3),

required to have the principal place of business of 143
the applicant.
Rules 17 &18
In case the applicant has no principal place of
business in India, the applicants address for service
in India should be mentioned in the application.
The applicant who has a principal place of business
in India may also mention another address for
service in India which may be the address of the
applicants authorised agent.

4.3

Office
action

If the Principal Place of business of the applicant is

not mentioned, or if the applicant has no Principal
Place of business in India and the applicants
address for service in India is not mentioned, the
Examiner shall communicate objection as followsThe Principal Place of business of the applicant
should be brought on record by filing a request on
form TM-16, or
The applicants address for service in India should
be brought on record by filing a request on form
TM-16, since the applicant has no principal place
of business in India.

Ensuring transliteration and translation of

trademark in non-English or non-Hindi characters.

5.1

Office
Action

If the trademark applied for registration is in a

language other than English or Hindi, the examiner
shall ensure that a transliteration is properly
mentioned in the application.

5.2

Concept

Where a trade mark contains a word or words in Rule 33

scripts other than Hindi or English, a sufficient
transliteration into roman script and its translation
of each such word in English shall be endorsed on
the application form and the additional
representations
thereof,
and
every
such
endorsement shall state the language to which the
word belongs and shall be signed by the applicant
or his agent.

5.3

Office
action

If the trademark applied for registration is in a

language other than English or Hindi, the Examiner
shall defer the examination; and communicate it as
deficiency to the applicant concerned and require
the applicant to provide a sufficient transliteration
into roman script and its translation in English by
Page | 35

filing a request on form TM-16.

The objection, for example, should be raised as
followsThe trademark applied for registration is in a
language other than English or Hindi; you should
provide the transliteration of the mark into roman
script and its translation in English by filing a
request on form TM-16.
Only after compliance of this the application shall
be further examined.
6

Ensuring the consent of a person or his legal

representative, if the trademark contains a name or
representation of that person

6.1

Office
action

If the trademark applied for registration contains a

name or representation of a person, the Examiner
shall ensure that the consent of that person or his
legal representative is submitted with the
application

6.2

Concept

Where the name or representation of any person Section 14 and

appears on a trade mark the applicant shall furnish Rule 34
the consent in writing of such person in case he is
living or, in case his death took place within twenty
years prior to the date of the application for
registration of the trade mark, the consent of his
legal representative, as the case may be, to the use
of the name or representation.

6.3

Office
action

If the trademark applied for registration contains a

name or representation of a person in it, and no
consent of that person or consent of his legal
representative ( if that person is dead) is submitted,
the Examiner shall communicate objection as
followsThe identity of the person, whose portrait appears
on the trademark, should be disclosed and the
consent of that person or, the consent of his legal
representative, if he is expired, should be furnished
in writing.

7
7.1

Ensuring submission of draft regulations in case of

an application for registration of a collective mark

Office
action

If the application is made for collective mark on

form TM-3, TM-64, TM-66 or TM-67, the
Examiner shall ensure that a draft regulation on
form TM-49 regarding association of persons
authorised to use the mark is submitted along with
Page | 36

the application.
7.2

Concept

The collective mark is owned by an association of Section 63

persons not being a partnership. It belongs to a Rule 128
group and its use therefore is reserved for members
of the group. The primary function of a collective
mark is to indicate a trade connection with the
association or organization who is the proprietor of
the mark.
In case of application for registration as collective
mark a draft regulation under Section 63 of the
Trade Marks Act 1999, governing the use of the
collective mark is required to be submitted in
triplicate, with the application on form TM-49.
which shall include
a) the name of the association of persons and their
respective office addresses;
b) the object of the association
c) the details of members
d) the conditions for membership and relation of
each member with the group;
e) the persons authorised to use the mark and the
nature of control the applicant exercise over the
use of the collective mark
f) the conditions governing use of the collective
mark, including sanctions
g) the procedure for dealing with appeals against
the use of the collective mark
such other relevant particulars as may be called
for by the Registrar

7.3

Office
action

If the application is made for registration of a

collective mark on and no proper draft regulation
on form TM-49 is submitted with the application,
the Examiner shall defer the examination; and
communicate it as deficiency to the applicant
concerned and require the applicant to furnish
proper draft regulation on form TM-49 by filing a
request on form TM-16.
The objection, for example, should be raised as
followsA proper draft regulation on form TM-49 as per
Rule 128 of the Trade Marks Rules 2002 should be
submitted with the application by filing a request on
form TM-16.
Only after compliance of this the application shall
be further examined.
Page | 37

Ensuring submission of draft regulations in case of

an application for registration of a certification mark

8.1

Office
action

If the application is made for Certification mark on

form TM-4 or TM-65, TM-68 or TM-69, the
Examiner shall ensure that a draft regulation on
form TM-49 regarding competence of the
proprietor for certification of relevant goods or
services, is submitted along with the application.

8.2

Concept

The purpose of a certification trade mark is to show Section 74

that the goods or services in respect of which the Rule 135
mark is used have been certified by some
competent person in respect of certain
characteristics such as Origin, mode of
manufacture, quality etc.
Application for registration should be made on
form TM-4 or TM-65, TM-68 or TM-69 as the case
may be, accompanied by prescribed fee. A draft
regulation under Section 74 of the Trade Marks Act
1999 in triplicate should also be deposited on form
TM-49 , which shall include
a) a description of the applicant;
b) the nature of the applicant's business;
c) the particulars of infrastructure like R&D,
technical manpower support;
d) the applicants competence to administer the
certification scheme;
e) the applicants financial arrangement;
f) an undertaking from the applicant that there will
be no discrimination of any party if they meet
the requirements set down in the regulations;
g) the characteristic the mark will indicate in the
certified goods or in relation to the rendering of
certified services;
h) the manner of monitoring the use of the mark in
India; and
i) such other relevant particulars as may be called
for by the Registrar.

8.3

Office
action

If the application is made for registration of a

Certification mark on and no proper draft regulation
on form TM-49 is submitted with the application,
the Examiner shall defer the examination; and
communicate it as deficiency to the applicant
concerned and require the applicant to furnish
proper draft regulation on form TM-49 by filing a
request on form TM-16.
The objection, for example, should be raised as
followsPage | 38

A proper draft regulation on form TM-49 as per

Rule 135 of the Trade Marks Rules 2002 should be
submitted with the application by filing a request on
form TM-16.
Only after compliance of this the application shall
be further examined.
9

Ensuring
submission of
adequate
priority
documents, in case of applications with priority
claims

9.1

Office
action

If the application is made on form TM-2, TM-37,

TM-52, TM-64, TM-65, TM-67 or TM-69, with
priority claim by virtue of similar application made
in any conventional country, the Examiner shall
ensure that documents in support of priority claim
are submitted along with the application.

9.2

Concept

Section 154 (1) of the Trademarks Act, 1999 Section 154

empowers the Central Government to declare any Rule 26
country or a group of countries or any intergovernmental organization, as a convention
country, which affords to Indian citizens same
privilege as granted to its own citizens.
India has ratified the Paris Convention for
Protection of Industrial Property through a gazette
notification No S. O. 1041(E) dated 3rd September
1998, which came into effect from 7th December
1998. As on the date of Indias ratification, there
were 150 countries as members of the convention.
India declared all the 150 countries as convention
countries.
According to Section 154 (2) of the Trademarks
Act, 1999 where a person, who has made an
application for the registration of the trade mark in
the convention country, makes an application for
registration of the trade mark in India within six
months after the date on which the application was
made in the convention country, the trade mark
shall, if registered, under the Trade Marks Act,
1999 be registered as of the date on which the
application was made in the convention country.
Where a right to priority is claimed by reason of an
application for protection of a trade mark duly filed
in a convention country under section 154 a
certificate by the Registry or competent authority
of that Trade Marks Office is required to be
included in an application for registration, and it
should include the particulars of the mark, the
country or countries and the date or dates of filing
Page | 39

of application.
The application should also include a statement
indicating the date of filing of the convention
application, the name of the convention country
where it was filed, the serial number, if any, and a
statement indicating that priority is claimed
9.3

Office
action

If the application is made on form TM-2, TM-37,

TM-52, TM-64, TM-65, TM-67 or TM-69, with
priority claim by virtue of similar application made
in any conventional country, and no document in
support of priority claim is submitted, the
Examiner shall communicate the objection as
followsAuthentic documents in support of priority claim
should be filed

10

Examination of application as to classification of

goods and services

10.1

Office
action

The examiner shall ensure that the application for

registration of a trademark has been filed with
proper specification of goods and/or services and
with proper classification of such goods and/or
services.

10.2

Concept

An application for registration of trademark is filed Section 7

only in respect of specific goods or services; Rule 22
therefore the application is required to have an
exact specification of goods or services in respect
of which the registration of the trademark is sought.
For the purpose of registration of trademark the
goods or services are classified, as for as may be, in
accordance with current edition of International
Classification of Goods and Services (NICE
Classification) published by the WIPO.
Section 8 of the Trademarks Act, 1999 authorises
and Rule 22(2) of the Trade Marks Rules 2002
requires that the Classification of Goods and
Services for the purpose of registration of
trademark, be published by the registrar of
trademarks. Accordingly the Classification of
Goods and Services for the purpose of registration
of trademark have been published and put up on the
office website.
An application is filed for registration of trademark Section 18(2)
in respect of goods or services falling in a
particular class of the International Classification
of Goods and Services, as published by the
Registrar of trademarks. Under Section 18 (2) of
Page | 40

the Trademarks Act, 1999, a single application can

however be filed for registration of trademark in
respect of goods and/or services falling in more
than one of such classes.
10.3

Office
action

In case the class of goods or services mentioned in

the application is other than the relevant class of the
International Classification of Goods and Services,
as published by the Registrar of trademarks, and no
aspect of such goods or services falls in the class
mentioned in the application, the Examiner shall
suggest the appropriate class for those goods or
services and require the applicant to correct the
class through a request on form TM-16.
For example, if an application for registration of
trademark in respect of cosmetics is filed in class
34, the Examiner shall require the applicant to
correct the class as 3 by a request on form TM16.
If some of the items of goods or services mentioned
in the application is other than the relevant class of
the International Classification of Goods and
Services, as published by the Registrar of
trademarks, but some items fall in the appropriate
class, or some category of such goods or services
fall in that class, the Examiner shall require the
applicant to delete items not falling in the class
applied and confine the goods or services which fall
in that class through a request on form TM-16.
For example, if an application for registration of
trademark in respect of cosmetics, medicines
and readymade garments is filed in class 3, the
Examiner shall require the applicant to delete items
medicines and readymade garments from the
specification of goods by a request on form TM-16.
However, if the application is made for registration
of trademark in respect of goods or services falling
in more than one class, and some items mentioned
in the specification of one particular class dont fall
in that class but fall in some other class, the
applicant may amend the application to add
additional class or classes on payment of the
appropriate class fee and the divisional fee.

10.4

Office
action

In case the specification of goods or services

mention in the application is too wide or vague, the
Examiner shall raise objection to this effect.

Page | 41

10.5

Concept

The application for registration of trademark in Rule 25(15)

respect of all goods or services or large variety of
goods and services in a class, may be refused
registration unless the Registrar of trademark is
satisfied that the specification is justified by the use
of the mark or the applicant intends to make in
respect of all such goods/services. Accordingly
goods or services, in respect of which application of
registration of trademark is made, should be
specific and should not be wide or vague.
Some examples of wide and vague specification are
as followsIn Class 7, claims to machines without further
qualification should be objected to. The following
gives examples of descriptions which are
acceptable, since in each case the end use of the
machine has been identified:
Machines for agricultural purposes;
Machines for use in manufacturing processes;
Machines for the 42woolen industry
Or other specific machines, e.g. washing machines.
Applications filed in Class 9, which continue to
make vague and generalized reference to electric,
electrical and/or electronic apparatus, devices,
equipment and instruments should be objected to
whether listed separately or in combination.
The Class 42, 43 and 44 headings are acceptable,
but applications which include claims such as
services that cannot be classified in other classes
or miscellaneous services will face an objection
under Rule 25(15).
The class heading to Class 45 is:
Personal and social services rendered by others
to meet the needs of individuals; security services
for the protection of property and individuals.
The first part of the heading, Personal and social
services rendered by others to meet the needs of
individuals is considered too vague and
consequently a Rule 25 (15) objection should be
raised against applications containing this
description. Objections will also be taken against
applications where specifications contain either
personal services or social services as
individual elements, e.g., personal services
Page | 42

rendered by others to meet the needs of

individuals or the like descriptions. The second
part of the heading, security services for the
protection of property and individuals is
sufficiently precise and will not attract an
objection.
The objection to this effect should be raised as
followsThe specification of goods/services mentioned in
respect of class xx, is very vague and wide. You
should provide exact items in respect of which the
trademark is sought to be registered, by filing a
request on form TM-16.
11
11.1

Examination of application as to relative grounds for

refusal of registration

Office
action

The Examiner shall make a search of same or

similar earlier trademarks in respect of same or
similar description of goods or services, and in case
such earlier trademarks are found in the name of
persons other than the applicant, he shall raise
objection to acceptance of the application for
registration on relative grounds.
The search of same/similar trademarks is performed
through the Trade Marks System.
The system enables examiner to make search with
three modes-word mark search, phonetic search
and device mark search. The system automatically
selects the class(es) for search of earlier marks as
per the application filed. The Examiner may also
add more class(es) for search
In the word mark mode the examiner can make
search of earlier marks on the basis of selected
characters as prefix or suffix.
In the phonetic search the Examiner may specify
one or two phonetic variant of the trademark, and
system will fetch all earlier trademarks having
phonetic similarity with the trademark applied.
In device mark search, the system enables examiner
to find out earlier trademarks having same/similar
features.
All trademarks consisting of any figurative
elements, are codified as per International
Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks
(commonly referred to as Vienna Codification).
The examiner in this mode has to put correct
Vienna code(s), and the system will fetch all
Page | 43

trademarks bearing that Vienna code(s).

The examiner selects same/similar earlier marks
from the list of trademarks provided by the system.
The details of the selected marks can be seen by the
Examiner and he then finally selects conflicting
marks, if the earlier marks belong to persons other
than the applicant. In case same/similar earlier
marks belong to the applicant the examiner shall
select such marks as associated trademarks.
11.2

Concept

According to Section 11(1) of the Trade Marks Act Section 11(1)

1999 - a trade mark shall not be registered if, Explanation in
because of its identity or similarity with earlier Section 11 (4)
trade mark(s) and because of identity or similarity
of goods or services covered by such trademarks,
there exists a likelihood of confusion on the part
of the public, which includes the likelihood of
association with the earlier trade mark.
Explanation in Section 11 (4) of the Trade Marks
Act 1999, defines earlier trade mark. Under this
provision,
a registered trade mark or an application under
section 18 bearing an earlier date of filing or an
international registration referred to in section 36E
or convention application referred to in section 154
which has a date of application earlier than that of
the trade mark in question, taking account, where
appropriate, of the priorities claimed in respect of
the trademarks;.
Thus earlier trademark will include an earlier
registered mark and a prior pending application
Section 2(1)(h)
of the Trade
Identical trademark
Marks Act 1999
A mark is identical with the trade mark where it
reproduces without any modification or additions,
all elements constituting the trade mark or where,
viewed as a whole it contains differences so
insignificant that they may go unnoticed by an
average consumer
Similarity of marks
The terms similarity of trademarks is to be
construed as deceptively similar which
expression has been defined as so nearly
resembling that other mark as to be likely to
deceive or cause confusion.
Likelihood of confusion
Page | 44

For likelihood of confusion to exist it must be

probable; it is not necessary that actual confusion
has arisen or should arise in the mind of public i.e.
the average consumer.
The three most relevant factors in examination of
trade mark applications by the Office will usually
be
i. the similarities and differences between the
respective trademarks,
ii. how distinctive the earlier mark is, and
iii. the degree of similarity between the respective
goods or services.
Rules of comparison as developed over the years
and as laid down Parker J. in Pianotist case should
continue to be followed- (1906) 23 RPC 774 page
777.
You must take the two words, you must judge
them by the look and by the sound, you must
consider the goods to which they are to be applied,
the nature and kind of customer who would be
likely to buy the goods.
Consider all the
surrounding circumstances, as to what is likely to
happen if each of those trademarks is used in the
normal way as a trade mark for the goods, the
respective owners of the mark. If there is likely to
be confusion, the application must be refused.
General rules for comparison of marks
The general well settled principles for comparison Cadila
of trademarks are:Healthcare
The trademark must be considered as a whole. Limited vs.
It is not right to take a part of the trademark and Cadila
Pharmaceutical
compare it with part of the other trademark
Limited(AIR
No meticulous or letter by letter comparison is
2001) SC
required. side by side comparison is not the
1952,
correct test
Comparison should be made from the point of
view of a person of average intelligence and of
imperfect recollection
The overall structural, visual & phonetic
similarity and similarity of the idea in the two
marks and the fact as to whether it is reasonable
likelihood to cause confusion should be taken
into account.
Additional precautions required where the goods
are medicinal preparations
Exacting judicial scrutiny is required if there is a
Page | 45

possibility of confusion over marks on medicinal

products because the potential harm may be far
more dire than that in a confusion over ordinary
consumer products
Where composite trade
different distinctive element

mark

comprises

In the case of composite marks comprised of two or

more distinctive elements, it will often be difficult
to determine that any one of those elements is
dominant. For example in Alexander Morgan,
where both elements contribute roughly equally to
the origin identification message sent by the
composite sign, which therefore depends upon the
presence of both elements. Accordingly, the view is
that the all the marks consisting of Alexander or
Morgan will not be conflicting with the mark
comprised of the full name, even if the respective
goods are the same. The same principle is
recognized in Section 17(1) of the Act which enacts
that the mark must be considered as a whole.
However if prominent and distinctive portion of a
two trademarks are identical, earlier mark may be
regarded as conflicting with later mark. For
example CROCIN PLUS may be conflicting with
CROCIN FORTE for medicines.
It is possible for a word to be subsumed within a
multiple slogan mark even though the words do not
combine to form a totality with an obvious
meaning. For example, it would be difficult to say
that the word targets has an independent and
distinctive role in the composite mark Fashion
Week Targets Friday (for clothing). Consequently,
it is not likely that it would be held to be in conflict
with the mark Targets (again assuming same
goods) because it is not the dominant element of
that mark, and neither is it an independent and
distinctive element of the composite mark.
Accordingly the trademark targets should not be
cited as conflicting with the trademark Fashion
Week Targets Friday (for clothing).
In a different case e.g. the mark CAREAID is
included in a two word composite mark such as
SPINESPAN CAREAID (for medical services)
where the two elements would appear to the
consumer to be a) normally distinctive, and b)
entirely independent of each other. If the respective
goods/services are also identical, it is quite likely
that the relevant consumer will assume that the
Page | 46

inclusion of the CAREAID mark as an element in

the composite mark SPINESPAN CAREAID is
indicative of an economic connection between the
undertakings using the marks. A section 11(1)
objection would therefore be justified if the marks
are in different ownership.
11.3

Office
action

In case, same or similar earlier trademarks of

different persons are found on records in respect of
same or similar description of goods or services,
the Examiner should raise objection as followsThe trademark applied for registration is not
registrable under Section 11(1) of the Trade Marks
Act 1999 since identical or similar marks in respect
of identical or similar description of goods or
services are there on records and because of such
identity or similarity of marks and goods or
services there exists a likelihood of confusion on
the part of the public.

12

Examination of application as to absolute grounds

for refusal of application for registration

12.1

Office
action

The examiner shall examine the application to see

as to whether the trademark applied for registration
is capable of distinguishing goods or services of
one person from those of other and its registration
is liable to be refused registration under Section 9
of the Trade Marks Act 1999

12.2.1

Concept

Section 9(1) of the Act sets down the following

absolute grounds for refusal of registration,
according to it,
a) trademarks which are devoid of any distinctive
character; that is to say, not capable of
distinguishing the goods or services of one
person from those of another person;
b) trademarks which consist exclusively of marks
or indications which may serve in trade, to
designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended
purpose, value, geographical origin ,or the time
of production of goods or of rendering of
services, or other characteristics of goods or
service,
c) trademarks which consist exclusively of marks
or indications which have become customary in
the current language or in the bona fide and
established practices of the trade:
Devoid of distinctive character
The expression distinctive in relation to goods in
Page | 47

respect of which a trademark is proposed to be

registered means adopted to distinguish goods, with
which the proprietor of trademark is or may be
connected in the course of trade, from goods in case
of which no connection subsists.
Distinctiveness has been understood to mean some
quality in the trademark which earmarks the goods
so marked as distinct from those of others
In the 1999 Act distinctive & capable of
distinguishing have been made synonymous. It
means a trademark which is inherently distinctive
or which has become capable of distinguishing
goods/service of applicants from those of others,
can be considered for registration.
A mark which has a direct reference to the
Character or quality of the goods/service is
considered as inherently not capable of
distinguishing. If the mark consists of common
surname, name, name of place, section of society,
common geometrical devices, etc are not regarded
as Capable of distinguishing the goods or services.
The fundamental principle is that traders should
not obtain any monopoly in the use of words as
trademarks to the detriment of the members of the
public, who, in the future and in connection with
their goods might desire to use them.
Under Section 9(1)(b) trademarks which consist
exclusively of marks or indications which may
serve in trade to designate the kind, quality,
quantity, intended purpose, values, geographical
origin or the time of production of the goods or
rendering of the service or other characteristics of
the goods or services shall not be registered.
The expression may serve in trade means that
there exists a reasonable likelihood that other
honest traders will wish to use the mark in question
to designate characteristics of the goods/services.
kind
The expression kind would include the name of
the goods or services claimed and any words
recognized as indicating size or type, such as old,
new Extra large or Large or Small
would fall in this category and as such
objectionable in respect of any goods or service.
Quality
Laudatory words such as GOOD or BEST are not
Page | 48

registerable for any goods or services since all

traders should be equally free to use them in the
course of advertising their products.
Quantity
Numeral 12 would not, for e.g. be acceptable for
wine (12 bottles = one case of wine) or 20 or
numeral 200 as a pack of cigarettes. Similarly,
1000 would not be acceptable for butter (1000
gm 1 Kg)
"Intended purpose"
Words which refer directly to the use to which the
goods are put or which describe the consequences
of providing the service are not acceptable.
Examples are: KETTLE CLEAN for preparations
for cleaning kettles; TWIST AND CURL for hand
implements operated by a twisting action for
curling the hair; SLIM AND FIT for slimming
preparations. Words which describe the effect of
the goods / services would also be open to objection
as a characteristic of the goods /services, for
example RUSTFREE for paints; and articles made
of steel.
"Value"
Words or symbols which merely serve to indicate
the worth merit or importance of the goods or
services are not acceptable. Examples are "TWO
FOR ONE; WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD.
"Geographical origin"
Name of places with populations of less than 5000
in India will prima facie be acceptable. However if
the location covers a large area having a reputation
in respect of the goods or service, the application
may attract objections.
In the case of overseas names, the location is
considered more important than size.
In the case of Industrialized countries such as
U.S.A., Japan, or Europe, while population size
of 100,000 is considered reasonable for
acceptability, it is to be borne in mind if the
location has reputation for the type of goods or
services, the size of the location or its
remoteness will not help acceptability of the
geographical name as a trademark.
Name of rivers, mountains, seas, lakes, etc will
be considered prima facie acceptable in respect
of goods, not associated with the geographical
feature. For example, in respect of fish in
Page | 49

class 29 the names of rivers or seas will not be

acceptable.
Mediterranean for transport services may be
objectionable. Likewise names of mountains in
respect of agricultural produce will be
considered non-distinctive.
Names of streets such as Wall street, Dalal
street which have strong links with financial
services such as stocks and investments will
entail objections in respect of such services or
related goods.
where there are more than one person
manufacturing the same goods in a place , the name
of that place will be incapable of acquiring a
distinctive character as a trademark[55 RPC 253,
page 260(HL)]
Geographical names used fancifully
Geographical names, used in a fanciful manner,
such as NORTH POLE or MOUNT EVEREST for
bananas, which are not likely to be taken as
Indicating the origin of the goods, can be accepted.
Names of rivers, seas & deserts etc.
The names of rivers, seas, lakes and mountains etc.
are usually accepted prima-facie for goods which
are not associated with these geographical features.
However, Ganga or Kaveri, the name of rivers,
which are also better known personal names, can be
registered only on the basis of acquired
distinctiveness. Names of rivers, seas and lakes
would not normally be acceptable as marks for fish
or fish products. The names of mountains would
not be acceptable as marks for agricultural produce.
Some rivers flow through heavily industrialized
areas and they would not be acceptable , for
example, "Treated with Ganges water " is a
Common expression. As regards oceans, the
practice is to accept ATLANTIC and PACIFIC, for
goods / services which are not directly relevant, and
used in a fanciful manner. In the case of deserts,
reputation is a factor to be taken into account
.SAHARA would not be accepted for dates, nor
'Surat' and Kalahari" for diamonds.
In respect of natural produce, population figures are
not as reliable a guide to acceptability. Natural
produce would include fresh vegetables, fruits,
eggs, milk, cream, water and minerals but not
processed foods or beverages.
Where the geographical location covers a large area
(even if sparsely populated) and/or has a reputation
in the goods, the application will face an objection.
Page | 50

The names of streets & roads

These are generally acceptable unless the
geographical name is associated with the
goods/service. For example, DALAL STREET
which is well-known for stock market would not be
acceptable for Stock Market Services, nor names of
popular roads for a wide range of consumer goods.
Well known names of foreign streets, roads etc are
similarly dealt with:
2"d avenue etc is almost be on par with Dalal street
for fashion goods and Wall Street for example
would be objectionable for services connected with
stocks and shares or investments.
Names of Districts
Generally, the districts carry the name of
Headquarters of concerned town/city, and as use of
such names will attract the same objections
applicable to geographical locations. Acceptance of
such names will depend upon the extent of
reputation of the place for such goods /services.
Names of suburbs of big cities
In India many suburbs of Mumbai such as Andheri,
Borivali or Bhendi Bazar etc., are as large and well
known as many towns. They should be considered
as a town per se with comparable population
figures. In the case of an application to register the
name of a district of Mumbai, Examiners should
consider whether the name is likely to be seen as
fanciful use of the name or as a plausible indication
of geographical origin.
In deciding whether the name is likely to be seen as
fanciful examiners should consider
a) Whether the goods/services are likely to be
generally sold/provided from the area
concerned; and if so;
b) Whether the use of such name in relation to the
goods/services are likely to indicate the origin
of goods/services.
Towns with company names
In rare instances, applicants may be able to show
that they established their business at a particular
location and that subsequently a town grew up
around the business and adopted the same name.
Any reputation which the town has in respect of the
products concerned originates from the business. In
such cases prima facie acceptance is normally
possible for such goods. For example
TATANAGAR for steel.
Page | 51

Different approach for service marks consisting

of geographical names
Goods are almost invariably transported from the
area and sold elsewhere in India, whereas a service
may be provided generally in a particular locality.
Accordingly, while geographical limitations will
not usually overcome objections under Section
9(1)(b) in respect of goods in the case of service
marks, there could be a more liberal approach.
Two or more Indian geographical names
combined
Where a combination of two or more Indian
geographical names refers to particular region, this
will be prima facie objectionable for registration as
a trademark.
For
example
Vasai-Virar
for
building
constructions
Where the combination of locations does have a
reputation e.g. MUMBAI - PUNE for "information
technology or financial services", objection will be
raised.
Foreign geographical names
Regardless of population size or type of service,
these must be considered on the basis of facts as to
whether the name of the location has a reputation
for the service and whether other traders with a
business in India are reasonably likely to wish to
use the name to indicate the geographical origin or
other characteristics of their own such services. In
many cases the use of foreign geographic locations
as trademarks for services would be fanciful, e.g.
KARACHI for "shoe repairs"; as would KANSAS
FRIED CHICKEN for restaurant services.
Prima facie objections would arise if the name of
the place has a connection or reputation for the
service claimed e .g. PARIS for fashion design",
MADRAS for "Masala Dosa" or "Italian" for
restaurant services (indicates type of food served).
12.2.2

Concept

Prohibition of registration of geographical indication

as trademark:

Section 25 of the GI Act prohibits registration of

geographical indication as trademark or
invalidate the registration of a trademark either suo
moto or at the request of an interested party. The
basic intention of section 25 is to prevent
misappropriation of a public property in the nature
of a GI by an individual as a trademark leading to
Page | 52

confusion in the market. Section 26 of the GI Act,

however, protects the trademark consisting of a
Geographical Indication which has been applied for
or registered in good faith before the
commencement of the GI Act.
12.2.3

Concept

Section 9(1) (c) of the Act applies where the mark

consists of a word which has become customary in
the current language or in the bona fide and
established practices of the trade. The expression
trade means the trade which is concerned with
the goods or services covered by the application.
When a mark is in common use in the trade or
when it is open to the trade to use the mark is said
to be common to trade and it ceases to be a
trademark of a single source. Marks falling in this
category include, for example, simple devices of
flowers or their names for agarbathis; devices of
grapes for wines, star devices for brandy, tobacco
products etc.
Before an objection is taken under Section 9(1) (c)
it is necessary to be satisfied about sufficient use of
the mark by third parties prior to the date of the
application being examined.

12.2.4

Concept

Acquired distinctiveness
A trademark which offends against Section 9(1) of
the Act may still be registered if it can be shown
that on the date of application the mark has in fact
acquired a distinctive character as a result of the use
made of it.
Evidence of use
In any proceeding before the Registrar, evidence is
to be given by way of an affidavit. However the
Registrar may, if he thinks fit, take oral evidence in
lieu of, or in addition to, such evidence by affidavit.
Rule 116 prescribes the manner in which the
affidavits are to be executed. In case Evidence of
use of the trademark in conformity with user
statement mentioned in the application has already
been given by way of affidavit (with exhibits) of
the applicant, the examiner may take this into
account while raising objections under Section 9(1)
of the Act.
In assessing the distinctive character of a mark in
respect of which registration has been applied for,
on the basis of evidence of use provided by the
applicant, the following factors shall be taken into
Page | 53

account:
a) the market share held by the mark;
b) how intensive, geographically widespread and
long-standing the use of the mark has been;
c) the amount invested by the undertaking in
promoting the mark;
d) the proportion of the relevant class of persons
who, because of the mark, identify goods as
originating from a particular undertaking;
e) statements from Chambers of Commerce and
Industry or other trade and professional
associations.
12.2.5

Concept

Distinctiveness in various types of trademarks

Letters and numerals

Marks consisting of single letters or two letters will
be generally regarded as devoid of distinctive
character for goods because of tendency in trade to
use letters as models or catalogue references,
further these may be used as abbreviation of names.
Two letter marks may be acceptable in respect of
services having regard to the trade practice.
Single numbers which involve little or no
stylization will often face an objection because
many such numbers are used in trade to designate a
quantity, quality or characteristic of many goods
(e.g. 6 = cylinders in an engine, 2 = liters of milk)
similarly two digit numerals may be devoid of any
distinctive character because they are commonly
used in trade as descriptions
Numbers/letters which may be used in trade to
designate:
the date of production of goods/provision of
services (e.g. 1996, 2000)
size, e.g. XL for clothes, 1600 for cars, 34R for
clothing, 185/65 for tyres
quantity, 200 for cigarettes
dates e.g. 1066 for history books, 1996 for
wines
telephone codes e.g. 0800 or 0500
the time of provision of services, e.g. 8 10,
24/7
the power of goods, e.g. 115 (BHP) for engines
or cars or
speed, e.g. 486, 586, 686 & 266, 333, 500, 550
for computers
strength e.g. "8.5%" for lager
Such marks will be subject to objection under
Section 9(1)(b) and 9(1)(c) of the Act.
Page | 54

Common names/surnames
Marks consisting of a common name or surname or
the name of a particular section of citizens of India
are prima facie regarded as not capable of
distinguishing goods/services, as persons with that
name/surname or persons connected with that group
or community may use that name in course of the
trade since Section 35 of the Trademarks Act 1999
protects bona fide use of name, address &
description of goods or services.
Objections under Section 9(1) (a) should be raised
in case of marks consisting of a common name or
surname or the name of a particular section of
citizens of India, unless it is established that he
mark has acquired distinctive character by prior
use.
Mis-spelling of descriptive words
Mis-spellings of descriptive words are also
excluded from registration and objections should be
raised as and if correct word was objectionable,
such as
XTRA instead of EXTRA; KOMMUNIKATION
instead of COMMUNICATION.
Where mis-spellings or abbreviations are
commonly used in the trade, the marks would still
be open to objection.
For example :
CUT N BLOW DRY for hairdressing.
DRIVE THRU /DRIVE IN for restaurant services.
STARTER PAK for beginner packages.
FRESHLY PREPARED 2 GO for takeaway pizzas.
BEST 4 YOU
Descriptive words in foreign languages/little
known languages
If the foreign word is in a language that is not likely
to be known to a significant proportion of the
public in India, there will not exist, any ground for
objection that the mark is descriptive. However if a
word is descriptive in local language of the Indian
applicant, the objection under Section 9 must be
raised since the goods would be sold/services
would be rendered in that locality.
Domain names
A domain name is a written representation of a
website address, e.g. www.ipindia.nic.in, It is
common practice amongst traders to have their
Page | 55

website address and use the same in respect of their

goods/services as trade name. In other words the
domain name is being used as a trade name or
trademark, and the Registrar will, subject to the
usual criteria of the Act, permit domain names to be
registered as trademarks if otherwise registerable.
Elements of the domain name such as ".com" or
"co.in" are considered to be totally non-distinctive,
much in the same way as "Ltd" and "Plc". As a
general rule, the examiner should consider whether
the remainder of the mark is descriptive or nondistinctive; if so, there will be an objection under
Section 9.
Trademarks consisting of a number of features
each of which is non-distinctive
When a trademark consists of several matters, its
registration shall confer on the proprietor exclusive
right to the use of the trademark taken as a whole. If
the combination of descriptive elements was
unusual and created an impression that was
sufficiently far removed from being simply a
composite description of the goods/services, the
trademark might be registrable. Again if the mark is
constituted by purely descriptive phrase (e.g. HIGH
TECH HOME COMPUTING SYSTEM for
computer software) it would not be permitted
registration.
Slogans
One or more words, constituted as a slogan mark
may be registrable provided it is distinctive per se
or has acquired distinctiveness. Slogans serving a
promotional function will be objectionable because
average consumers are not in the habit of making
assumptions about the origin of products on the
basis of such slogans. Plain descriptive phrase of a
slogan is always considered non-distinctive. Like
NEVER CLEAN YOUR SHOWER AGAIN (Class
3) is to be objected because it describes in plain
language the intended purpose of the goods. The
mark THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT THE
FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT (for technology
related services in classes 35, 38 & 42) can be
accepted because this is not considered to be a
normal way of designating these services nor to be
a commonplace phrase.
Combination of colours
If a statement has been made in the application that
the trademark consists of combination of colours
Page | 56

only, the trademark will be regarded as colour

trademark.
If a particular combination of colours of packaging
has become distinctive, in fact, as indicating the
goods of a particular trader, there is no reason why
it should not be protected by registration. It is
conceivable that extensive use of two colours in
many different arrangements may result in the
colour combination per se becoming distinctive of
the applicants' goods
Marks consisting of a single colour will usually be
liable to objection under Section 9(1)(a) of the Act
because they inherently lack the capacity to
distinguish.
Wherever the exclusive right to color is sought,
weighty evidence should be necessary to overcome
objection under Section 9(1)(a) of the Act.
Sound marks
A trademark may consist of a sound and
represented graphically by a series of musical notes
with or without words. Applications for sound
marks must clearly state that they are sound marks.
Otherwise the application will be examined as if it
were a word and/or device mark (e.g. in the case of
musical notation).
The acceptability of a sound mark must, like words
or other types of trademarks, depend upon whether
the sound is or has become a distinctive sign; that is
whether the average consumer will perceive the
sound as meaning that the goods or services are
exclusively associated with one undertaking.
Prima facie, no sound marks will qualify for
acceptance
without
evidence
of
factual
distinctiveness.
12.2.6

Concept

Section 9(2) prohibits registration of a trademark

a) if the mark is of such nature as to deceive the
public or cause confusion
b) if it contains or comprises any matter likely to
hurt the religious susceptibilities of any class or
section of the citizens of India.
c) if it comprises or contains scandalous or
obscene matters
d) if its use is prohibited under the Emblems and
Names (Prevention of Improper use) Act, 1950

Page | 57

Deceptive marks
An objection under Section 9(2) (a) to the
registration of a mark will only be raised if there is
any real potential for deception of the public.
Section 9(2)(a) is primarily concerned with the
deceptive nature of the mark by reason of
something inherent in the mark itself or in its use,
such as to nature, quality or geographical origin of
the goods or services. The mark may be in the
nature of misrepresentation as to the characteristics
of the goods or services or to the effect that they
were made in a specified geographical region or
place when in fact not so made.
Deceptive use may also arise where the mark
contains misleading indication (such as the use of
the word registered when the mark is not
registered) or marks which are used in a fraudulent
trade.
objections under this Section at first examination
stage should be taken where there is prima facie
misrepresentation as to nature or quality of
goods/services, geographical origin etc:
It is not necessary to raise an objection to the mark
where there is no realistic possibility of deception.
For example, there would be no objection against
HARTLEY'S STRAWBERRY JAM for jam; an
application to register such a trademark for "jams"
will not be regarded as a misrepresentation." The
applicant will be required as a condition of
registration to use the mark only on or he will be
required to agree to a Variation Condition which
may be imposed by the Registrar so that the name
of the actual product in respect of which the mark is
used will be required to be substituted for words
STRAWBERRY JAM
However, if in response to an objection under
Section 9(2) of the Act an applicant seeks to
exclude goods or services from the specification,
the Examiner shall reconsider whether the mark has
now become free from objection of such a nature as
to deceive the public.
Deception as to Quality
For example application for registration of
ORLWOOLA for "suits", is objectionable under
this Section if it is used in respect of non woolen
suits, because the public would expect the goods to
be made of all wools and to pay more for suits
containing wool. If the trademark is to be used in
respect of woolen suits it is descriptive u/s 9(1)(b)
Page | 58

Deception as to Geographical origin

Objections under this Section shall be taken at
examination stage to place names or figurative
marks indicating geographical origin where the
goods in fact do not originate from that
geographical area. For example PIAZZA D'
ITALIA for "clothing", is indicative of the goods
being from Italy. The public would be deceived if
the goods were not manufactured in Italy. In such
cases, objections would be raised.
So also SWISSTEX for "watches", because
Switzerland is famous for high quality watches.
Geographical names appearing in trademarks for
wines and spirits, not originating from such place
would amount to deceptive use. E.g. word
SCOTCH for whisky, not produced in Scotland
should be refused as it involves misleading allusion.
From the above it would be clear that the general
rule is that mis-statement of any material fact
calculated to deceive the public will be sufficient to
constitute an objection under section 9(2)(a) of the
Act and unless the objection is remedied , the
application will be refused.
Practice regarding Olympic Symbol or Word
The Olympic Symbol, the Olympic Motto and the
words Olympic(s), Olympian(s) and Olympiad(s)
are not to be registered as trademarks except under
the authority of the Olympic Committee.
Protection extends to marks which are sufficiently
similar to the Olympic Symbol or the Olympic
Motto as are likely to create in the public mind an
association with those signs.
Where an application is made consisting of or
containing the Olympic symbol or words. Objection
under Section 9(1)(a) of the Trademarks Act.
Should be raised.
Marks likely to hurt religious susceptibilities Under this Section a mark is prohibited for
registration as a trademark if it contains or
comprises of any matter likely to hurt the religious
susceptibilities of any class or section of the
citizens of India.
It is to be noted that it is a common trade practice in
India to use names and pictures of Gods and
Goddesses or religious symbols as trademark.
Accordingly such use per se is not regarded by
public as offending religious sentiments of any
Page | 59

class or section of public. However, such use in

relation to certain goods may offend the religious
sentiments of the people. For Example, use of
names/device of deities or religious heads on
footwear will be considered distasteful and will be
open to objection. Similarly use of Hindu Gods in
respect of Beef or meat products or use of names of
Muslim saints for pork products would offend the
religious feeling of respective sections of the public
to attract the objection under this Section. Certain
names and pictures of God and Goddess and also
religious heads are prohibited from being registered
as trademarks in terms of directions issued by the
Central Government under section 23(1) of the
Trade & Merchandise Marks Act, 1958. These
directions continue to remain valid.
Use of religious symbols (like OM) or names (e.g.
Jesus) as trademarks is likely to undermine/offend
religious value and sentiments. Names of
Gods/Goddesses which are also used as personal
names may be considered as personal names for
registration purpose, unless accompanied by the
device of such God/Goddess
Mark containing scandalous or obscene matterThe Act prohibits registration as a trademark if the
mark comprises or contains scandalous or obscene
matter.
Scandalous marks are those likely to offend
accepted principles of morality. A mark which on
its face appears to be offensive shall be refused. In
this category will fall marks which could induce
public disorder, or incite the criminal or other
offensive behaviour.
The applicability of the objection must be decided
objectively and non-discriminately.
If a mark is merely distasteful an objection under
Section 9(2) (c) is unlikely to be justified whereas if
it would cause outrage or would be likely
significantly to undermine religious, family or
social values then an objection must be raised.
The outrage must be amongst an identifiable
section of the public.
In order to make this assessment, the Examiner
must be objective, not subjective. Objectivity
means being neither out of date nor a trend setter;
not setting some kind of moral standard but also not
being insensitive to public opinion.
A vulgar mark not may be acceptable on any goods
Page | 60

or services and similarly racially offensive mark

will face a blanket objection, regardless of the
goods and services. Where an obscene or crude
mark is concerned, an objection will be certain
where the goods or services are primarily or equally
aimed at children, such as toys, games,
confectionery, soft drinks etc. For goods intended
for adults such as alcohol and contraception there
may be less cause for concern.
Objections should be raised against explicit full
frontal nudes and offensive (scandalous) back
views.
Each case must be decided on its own facts. The
dividing line is to be drawn between the mark
which amounts only to dis-taste and the mark which
would justifiably cause outrage or would be the
subject of justifiable censure as being likely to
undermine current religious, family or social
values.
Examples of marks which may considered to be
objectionable under this Section
WHITE DOVE YOU DONT NEED WINGS TO FLY

Contrary to public policy as it would be seen as

promoting drugs (White Dove is a nickname for a
type of drug)
SNUFF MOVIES
Obscene and scandalous, promoting pornography
and murder.
This is contrary to accepted principles of morality
in view of bad language.
Prohibition under Emblems and Names (Prevention
of Improper Use) Act, 1950-

Section 9(2) (d) bars registration as a trademark if

its use is prohibited under the Emblems and
Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 (12
of 1950).
Section 4(b) of the Emblems Act prohibits
generally registration as trademark or design which
bears any emblem or name the use of which is in
contravention of section 3 of the Emblems Act. The
prohibited name or emblem is specified in the
schedule to the said Act. Under section 8 the
Central Govt. is empowered to add or alter the
schedule. The full text of the schedule must be seen
to confirm whether the name or emblems falls
within the prohibition. The schedule inter alia
contains the name or emblems or official seal of the
UNO, WHO, Govt. of India or any State
Page | 61

Government or of a department of any Government

or the President, or Union of India.
Item 7 of the Schedule expressly includes any
name which may suggest or may calculate to
suggest
i. Patronage of the Govt. of India or Government
of a State
ii. Connection with any local authorities or any
corporation or body constituted by the
Government under any law for the time being in
force.
Certain guidelines under Item 7 have been issued
by the Central Government, in terms of which
registration of any name is prohibited under the
Emblems Act, if :
1. it is identical with the name of any
society/corporation or local body which has
been set up by the Govt. of India or State Govt.
under any law for the time being inforce;
2. it gives the impression of the patronage of
Central Government or State Government. For
example, Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) is a registered body under the
Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operation. Any
name beginning with the words Indian Council
of may mislead the public that it is patronized
by the Government.
3. It too nearly resembles a name of body
corporation or local authority set up by
Government under any law for the time being in
force. For example, Indian Institute of Mass
Communication is an autonomous body under
Ministry of Communication. Names like
Institute of Mass Communication may give the
impression and the said society is also
patronized by the Central Government.
The Central Government has issued directions not to
register following trademarks.

These trademarks are therefore not registrable in

view of Section 23 (1) of the Trademarks Act, 1999
1. Words UNITED NATIONS, letters UNO
and the official Seal and Emblem of UNO.
2. The device of an arrow on the ground that is the
property of the Government of India.
3. Letters N.C.L..
4. Letters I.S.I. if applied by any person or body
other than the Indian Standards Institution.
5. Letters I.C.S.,
6. Letters N.P.L.
Page | 62

7. Words ASHOK CHAKRA or DHARMA

CHAKRA or the device of Asoka Chakra or
any other colourable limitation thereof.
8. The British Royal Arms, The British Crown or
the Union jack or any colourable limitation
thereof.
9. Letters I.S.O. if applied by any person or
body other than the Indian Standards Institution.
10. Words Lord Buddha or the device of Lord
Buddha or any colourable imitation thereof.
11. Words Shree Sai Baba or the device of Shree
Sai Baba or any colourable imitation thereof.
12. Words Sri Ramkrishna, Swami Vivekananda,
the Holy Mother alias Sri Sarada Devi or the
devices
of
Sri
Ramkrishna,
Swami
Vivekananda, the Holy Mother alias Sri Sarada
Devi and the Emblems of the Ramkrishna Math
and Mission or colourable imitation thereof.
13. Words National, and Panchsheel,
14. Following common names for pesticides:ALDRIN DINEX
ALLETHRIN DINOSAM
BHC NEOD
GAMMA-BHC MAZIDOX
CHLORDANE MIPAFOX
CHLOROBENZILATE CHLORFENSON
PP-DDT CHLORPROPHAM
DDT DINOPROP
DIAZINON DNOC
DIELDRIN ENDRIN
DNC FENSON
HEPTACHLOR HHND
HETHOXYCHLOR LINDANE
PARATHION WARFARIN
SCHRADAN ATRATON
TOXAPHENE AZINPHOS-ETHYL
FERBAM AZINPHOS-METHYL
THIRAM DAZOMET
ZINEB DIMETHOATE
2,4,D FENOPROP
2,4,5- T FENTHION
MCPA MECARBAM
PROPHAM MEVINPHOS
ANTU MORPHOTHION
MALATHION PARAQUAT
CHLORBENSIDE
*[
Coumachlor
dichlone
dimefox
dinoseb
Page | 63

maneb
nabam
parathion-methyl
Proxan-Na or proxan-sodium
Tecnazene
TEPP
ziram
Captan
sulfotep]

15. Letters IR
16. Names and pictures of Sikh Gurus, viz. Guru
Nanak, guru Angad, Guru Amar das, Guru Ram
Das, Guru Arjun dev, Guru Hargobind, guru
Har Raj, Guru Har Krishnan, Guru Teg Bahadur
and Guru Govind Singh
17. Name and picture of Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj
18. Letters STC.
19. Name and/or picture of the deity of Lord
Venkateswara and/or Balaji
20. Representation of the Election Symbol of any
political party in India.
Practice with regard to Red Cross

Marks consisting of words Red Cross or Geneva

Cross or any cross device in red or in any closely
resembling colour is not accepted for registration
However, applications made in black and white,
which contain the device of a cross, or a crescent
moon or lion and sun, will not attract objection.
Green crosses on a white background are generic
for pharmacy and medical goods and services. Use
of such emblems as trades mark is not to be
permitted.
White crosses on green backgrounds are generic for
first aid goods and services, and are based on
European Union legislation establishing a white
cross on a green background as the First Aid sign.
Objection must be raised for registration of such
devices as trademarks
In respect of mark generally consisting of cross
device, applicant is required to comply with the
condition not to use the cross device in red or in
any similar colour, or in the manner prohibited
under the Geneva Convention Act, 1960

Page | 64

12.2.6

Concept

Under Section 9 (3) a mark is not registrable as a

trade mark if it consists exclusively of
a) the shape of goods which results from the
nature of the goods themselves; or
b) the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain
a technical result; or
c) the shape which gives substantial value to the
goods.
It provides an explanation which reads asFor the purposes of this section, the nature of
goods or services in relation to which the trade
mark is used or proposed to be used shall not be a
ground for refusal of registration.
Shape of goods
A distinctive shape of goods or its packaging or any
three dimensional object capable of being
represented graphically, can be a trademark and
application for registration of the same can be filed.
However the trademark shall not be registered if it
consists exclusively of
a) the shape of goods which results from the nature
of goods themselves; or
b) the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain a
technical result ; or
c) the shape of goods, which gives substantial value
to the goods
The purpose of Section 9(3) (a) is to keep free,
basic shapes of goods that should be available for
use by the public.
Shape necessary to obtain a technical result
This sub-clause prohibits registration as a
trademark where the shape of goods is necessary to
obtain a technical result. In this connection this
subsection must be interpreted to mean that a mark
consisting exclusively of the shape of a product is
not registrable by virtue thereof if it is established
that the essential functional features of that shape
are attributable only to the technical result. This
does not automatically mean that a shape is not
registrable even when all its features serve some
functional purpose. If it can be shown that an
essential feature (which may include the overall
impact arising from the way the individual features
are arranged) is not only attributable to a technical
result, i.e. the shape is not one which would be
adopted for its functional efficiency, it will not be
caught by section 9(3)(b). Shapes which do consist
Page | 65

exclusively of functional features attributable only

to the technical result will be open to objections
under Section 9(3)(b); marks in this category are
deemed to be incapable of acquiring a distinctive
character and therefore the filing of evidence will
not overcome the objection.
Shape which gives substantive value to the goods
This subsection deals with shapes which add
substantial value to the goods, disregarding the
main function attributable to a trademark i.e. source
identification function.
Whilst the legal test for distinctiveness is the same
for shape marks as for other marks, recognition
must be given to the differing perceptions of the
average consumer in relation to non-traditional
trademarks. In particular, the average consumer
may not as readily accept the appearance of the
goods themselves as an indication of trade origin.
This is because average consumers are not in the
habit of making assumptions about the origin of the
products on the basis of their shape or the shape of
their packaging in the absence of any graphic or
word element
The more closely the shape for which registration is
sought resembles the shape most likely to be taken
by the product in question, the greater the
likelihood of the shape being devoid of any
distinctive character.
the shape of packaging is to be treated as the shape
of the goods themselves where the goods are traded
in packaged form, for reasons associated with the
nature of the goods; for example, beverages,
cleaning fluids etc.
12.2.7

Concept

Prohibition of registration of names of chemical

elements or international Non-Proprietary Names

Section 13

Under Section 13, the registration of a word as a

trademark, which is commonly used and accepted
name of any single chemical element or compound
in respect of chemical substances or preparation is
prohibited. Also the law prohibits registration of a
word which is declared by the World Health
Organization (WHO) and notified by the Registrar
as international non-proprietary name, or which is
deceptively similar to such name.
This will mean that not only a word which is
declared to be non-proprietary by WHO but also
any word which is deceptively similar to such word
Page | 66

is prohibited from registration

For example word CYLOVIR was refused, as being
confusingly similar to the non-proprietary name
ACYCLOVIR
It should be noted that such prohibition is only in
respect of chemical element or compound and does
not extend to other goods. For example, the word
Radium may be registered in respect of
readymade garments or any services.
13

13.1

Draft for communication of objections to acceptance

of application for registration, which are liable to be
refused on absolute grounds

Office
action

The Examiner shall communicate objections to Rule 38

acceptance of application for registration, which are
liable to be refused on absolute grounds, as for as it
is applicable to the case, as followsThe mark applied for registration is liable to be
refused registration under S 9(1)(a) of the Trade
Marks Act 1999, as it is devoid of any distinctive
character, that is to say, not capable of
distinguishing the goods or services of one person
from those of another person because it is a
common surname/personal name/;
The mark applied for registration is liable to be
refused registration under S 9(1)(b) of the Trade
Marks Act 1999, as it consists exclusively of words
or indications which may serve in trade to
designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended
purpose, values, geographical origin or the time of
production of the goods or rendering of the service
or other characteristics of the goods or service;
The mark applied for registration is liable to be
refused registration under S 9(1)(c) of the Trade
Marks Act 1999, as it consists exclusively of words
or indications which have become customary in the
current language or in the bona fide and
established practices of the trade,
The mark applied for registration is liable to be
refused registration under S 9(2) of the Trade
Marks Act 1999, as
it is likely to deceive the public or cause confusion
in the mind of public; or
it contains or comprises of any matter likely to hurt
the religious susceptibilities of any class or section
of the citizens of India; or
it comprises or contains scandalous or obscene
Page | 67

matter;
its use is prohibited under the Emblems and Names
(Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 (12 of
1950, or.
The mark applied for registration is prohibited
under the Central Government Instructions issued
under Section 23(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1999
The mark applied for registration is liable to be
refused registration under S 9(3) of the Trade
Marks Act 1999, as it
it consists exclusively of the shape of goods which
results from the nature of the goods themselves; or
the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain a
technical result; ;or
the shape which gives substantial value to the
goods
The mark applied for registration is liable to be
refused registration under S 13 of the Trade Marks
Act 1999, as it is in respect of chemical substance
or chemical preparation and
it is name of a chemical element or compound; or
it is a word similar to the name of a chemical
element or compound; or
it is word which is declared as international nonproprietary name; or
it is a word similar to an international nonproprietary name.
14

Examination of series marks

14.1

Office
action

In case an application has been filed on forms TM8 or TM-37 for registration of a series of
trademarks in a single application, the Examiner
shall examine the application under Section 15 of
the Trade Marks Act 1999

14.2

Concept

Series marks

Section 15(3)

Where a person claiming to be the proprietor of

several trademarks in respect of the same goods or
services which, while substantially resembling with
each other in the material particulars thereof, yet
differ in respect of matter of a non-distinctive
character which does not substantially affect the
identity of the trademark; seeks to register those
trademarks, they may be registered as a series in
one registration.
Where a group of marks are applied for registration
as series in one registration and the examiner does
not consider any or some of them eligible for
Page | 68

registration as series marks under section 15, an

objection to this effect will be raised in the
examination report and the applicant will be
required to delete such marks from the group.
For example trademarks RIN-1, RIN-2, RIN-3 may
be accepted as series trademarks. However
trademarks SUPER RIN or RIN PLUS may not be
accepted as series trademarks if applied with
trademarks RIN-1, RIN-2, RIN-3.
14.3

Office
action

The Examiner shall communicate objections to

acceptance of application for series marks, as
followsThe trademarks xxx yyy applied for registration as
series marks dont resemble with other remaining
trademark(s) aaa bbb mentioned in the application.
You should therefore delete the trademarks xxx yyy
from the application by making a suitable request
on form TM-16.
You may however divide the application by making
a suitable request on form TM-53

15

Office
action

Proposing appropriate condition of acceptance of the

application or limitation of use of the trademark

15.1

Office
action

In case the examiner considers that the application

may be accepted for registration subject to any
condition or limitation, or it may be proceeded for
advertisement subject to any condition or
limitation, the examiner shall propose such
condition or limitation in clear terms.

15.2

Concept

Section 18(4) of the Trade Marks Act 1999 states Section 18(4)
that subject to the provisions of this Act, the
Registrar may refuse the application or may accept
it absolutely or subject to such amendments,
modifications, conditions or limitations, if any, as
he may think fit.
However in all such cases the Registrar should
communicate an objection or proposal in writing to
the applicant. The applicant may agree to the
requirement of the Registrar or submit his
observation or apply for a hearing. Failure to do so
within the prescribed period of one month, (unless
the period is extended) will result in the application
being deemed to have been abandoned.
Accordingly if it appears to the examiner that in
case the application is accepted it should be
accepted for registration subject to any condition or
limitation, then the examiner should propose such
Page | 69

condition or limitation in the Examination Report.

In any situation, the condition proposed should not
be for substantially altering the particulars of
trademark application. Only when it appears to the
Examiner that the application can be accepted for
registration if the scope of registration is confined
to a little extent by putting a condition or limitation
of use of the trademark.
However if it appears to the Examiner that the
application can be accepted for registration by
slightly modifying the trademark without any
substantial alteration or by confining the
specification of goods or services /deleting some
items in the specification of goods or services, the
examiner should suggest the applicant for such
modification/deletion by filing a request on form
TM-16, but should not propose to accept the
application or advertise the application before
registration subject to condition of such
modification/deletion.
The Examiner, for example, should not impose
condition like the application may be accepted for
registration subject to deleting the picture of
elephant appearing on the trademark
15.3

Office
action

In case the Examiner considers appropriate, he shall

propose in his examination report, the condition or
limitation as follows-

15.3.1

Office
action

Variation condition governing the use of the mark:

Office
action

Blank space condition

Office
action

Condition as to joint use:

15.3.2

15.3.3

Rule 35

In actual use of the marks the name of the goods

appearing in the label shall be varied by indicating
the name of the goods in respect of which the mark
is used.

Where blank space appears in a label, the condition

may read as
The Blank space appearing on the label shall be
accepted only by a matter of wholly descriptive and
non-trade mark characters
Section 24

In a case of jointly owned trade mark, the condition

should be
The mark shall be used jointly by all the
applicants mentioned in the application or
The mark shall be used only in relation to goods
or services with which all the applicants mentioned
Page | 70

in the application are connected in the course of

trade with all the joint applicants and it shall not be
used against each other.
15.3.4

15.3.5

Office
action

Condition as to association

Office
action

Limitation as to area of use or mode of use:

Section 16

The mark is associated with T.M. No. .

Condition of limitation to goods may be imposed
as
Bidis for sale in the states of ..( or as except
for sale in the state of), or
Bidis solely for exports.

15.3.6

Office
action

In case the use of mark is limited to certain colours, Section 10

it should be imposed asthe use of mark is limited is limited to the colours,
blue and red in stripes as appearing in the label

15.3.7

Office
action

Condition as to disclaimer

Since the provision for requiring disclaimer has

been omitted in the present Act, where it is
considered by the examiner that some conditions
should be imposed to clearly specify the rights of
the proprietor, he may suitably word the condition,
as followsRegistration of the trademark shall give no right
to the exclusive use of wordappearing in the
mark.

16

Communication of Examination report to the

applicant

16.1

Office
action

The Examiner shall prepare his consolidated

examination report through the system containing
therein, as for as applicable,i. all the objections relating to formality
requirements as to filing of application,
ii. objections to acceptance of the application for
registration of the trademark under Section 9,
11 and other Sections of the Trademarks Act
1999, and
iii. proposals for conditions of acceptance or
limitation to use of the mark, in case the
application is accepted for registration;
and shall change the status of the application
accordingly.

16.2

Office
action

The Examination report shall be transmitted to the

Supervising Examiner through the system, who
would either approve the Report or send back to the
Page | 71

Examiner for re-examination of the case, through

the system along with his clear remarks.
16.3

Office
action

In case the examination report proposing to accept

the application or to advertise the application before
acceptance is approved by the Supervising
Examiner, he shall move the application for
advertisement in the journal through the system.

16.4

Office
action

In case the examination report is sent back to the

Examiner for re-examination, the application the
Examiner shall re-examine the application in light
of remarks of the Supervising Examiner and shall
be resent to the Supervising Examiner through the
system.

16.5

Office
action

All the Examination reports approved by

Supervising Examiner shall be released on the date
of such approval and shall be made available on
office website www.ipindia.nic.in with the status of
the relevant application.
However the Examination reports in respect of
applications examined expeditiously due to a
request filed on form TM-63 shall be released only
after approval of the Supervisor Controller and
overall In-charge of the EPR Section, who may also
send back the case for re-examination, if required.

16.6

Office
action

The Examination report so released shall be sent to

applicant or his authorised agent on his email as
registered with this office.

16.7

Office
action

The Examination report shall also be sent to

applicant or his authorised agent by post, unless the
reply to examination report on the basis of the
report available on the website has already been
received.

Page | 72

Chapter III
Post Examination Disposal of Applications Filed For Registration of
Trademarks
Introduction and Scope
Once the application made for registration of trademark is examined and any objection to
acceptance of the application for registration is found, the examination report with objection(s)
is sent to the applicant/applicants authorised agent. The examination report is also put up on
the office website along with application details of the relevant application. The applicant or his
authorised agent submits response to office objections. The response is duly considered, if
objections can be waived on the basis of the applicants response and application is accepted for
registration the same is published in the trademark journal. If no opposition to published
application is received or if received, the same is disposed in favour of the applicant, the
application is moved for registration.
The following is a flow chart for functions relating to Post Examination disposal of
applications filed for registration of trademarks

Examination- approval by Supervising ExaminersExamination Report put up on the website & Despatch to
the applicant/applicants agent

Application Objected

No replyIssue Notice U/S 132

No replyAbandoned

Reply to ER by applicant
Consideration of reply by PARM
officials

Application
Accepted/ ABA

If not accepted, Show Cause

Hearing
Publication in TM Journal
TMJ put up on website

No Opposition within 4 months of publication of

the application

Registration, Issuance of Registration

Certificate
Page | 73

Sr.
No.
1

1.2

General Description

Relevant
provision of the
Act & Rules

Consideration of applicants reply to examination

report
Requirements After coming to know of the examination report
from the
containing office objection(s) to acceptance of the
applicant
application for registration, the applicant should

submit proper response to waive office objection(s)

1.3

Requirements Mode of replying

from the
The response to office objections mentioned in the
applicant

examination report, should be submitted by the

applicant or applicants authorised agent concerned,
as the Reply to Examination Report
The response to office objections can be submitted
by sending the scanned copy (in colour pdf file
format) of the Reply to Examination Report, at
[email protected].
In case the applicant/applicants authorised agent
has a level III digital signature he may send the
Reply to Examination Report online through the
gateway provided at the home page of the office
website www.ipindia.nic.in
The Reply to Examination Report may also be
submitted at the Head Office/appropriate office of
the Trade Marks Registry, personally or by post.
Any affidavit and supporting documents may also
be submitted along with the Reply to Examination
Report

1.4.1

Requirements In case of objections as to formality requirement(s),

from the
the applicant should comply the requirements as
applicant
desired by the office. The applicant may however

submit to establish that as per Trade Marks Act and

Rules the formality requirement(s) called by the
office are not necessary. For example if the office
may has called for consent of the person whose
portrait appears on the trademark, the applicant may
state that portrait appearing on the trademark is not
of a particular person, but it is general picture of a
man or woman.
1.4.2

Requirements In case of objection to the effect that goods or

from the
services mentioned in the application do not fall in
applicant
the class mentioned in the application, the applicant

may file a request for amendment of the application

by correcting the class; the applicant may however
submit that as per classification of goods or services
Page | 74

published by the Registrar, goods or services have

been rightly classified. In case of objection to the
effect that some goods or services mentioned in the
application do not fall in the class, the applicant
may file a request for amendment of the application
by deleting items that do not fall in the relevant
class. the applicant may however submit that as per
classification of goods or services published by the
Registrar, all items fall in the class mentioned in the
application.
1.4.3

Requirements In case of objections as to non distinctiveness of the

from the
trademark, the applicants may submit response to
applicant
establish that the trademark applied for registration

is capable of distinguishing applicants goods or

services; or the trademark has acquired a distinctive
character in view of its extensive use in relation to
relevant goods or services, before the date of
application. If the applicant claims that the
trademark has acquired distinctiveness by virtue of
its extensive use, the applicant should file an
affidavit as evidence of use of the trademark along
with supporting documents.
1.4.4

Requirements In case of objections on relative grounds of refusal

from the
because of identical or similar trademarks in
applicant
respect of similar goods or services, existing on

records, the applicant may submit to the effect that

trademarks cited as conflicting marks in the
examination report are different than the applicants
trademark; or goods or services mentioned in the
application are different than those covered in
marks cited as conflicting in the examination report.
The applicant may also produce consent/No
objection from the proprietor of marks cited as
conflicting in the examination report
1.5.

Office action

Once the
reply to examination report Section 18(4)
communicating office objections, is received by the Rule 38(4)
office, the application is assigned through the Trade
Mark System to officers of PARM (Pending
Applications
Records
Management).
The
designated officer of PARM shall duly consider the
Reply to Examination Report and other documents
attached therewith.

1.5.1

Office action

If after considering the Reply to Examination

Report and other documents attached therewith in
view of the provisions of the Trade Marks Act 1999
and Trade Marks Rules 2002 the designated officer
thinks that office objections can be waived, he/she
shall accept the application or publish the same in
the trademark journal. He may also put the
Page | 75

condition(s) and impose limitation(s) as the case

may be, depending upon the application, office
objections and applicants reply.
In certain circumstances the application may be
advertised before acceptance in the Trade Marks
journal. The provision for Advertisement Before
Acceptance,
is
invoked
in
exceptional
circumstances
The provision for advertisement before acceptance,
as the law itself enacts, should be invoked in
exceptional circumstances. Where the Officer
concerned finds strong evidence of bonafide
commercial adoption and use of the mark.
1.5.2

Office action

In case an application for amendment/correction of

the application on form TM-16 is filed by the
applicant, the designated officer shall at first
dispose of the TM-16 and take appropriate action
through the system and then take appropriate
decision about the acceptability of the trademark for
registration.
In case the TM-16 is allowed, amendment in the
details of the application shall be incorporated
accordingly by the Officer concerned and the case is
considered taking into account the amendment.

1.5.3

Office action

1.6.1

Concept

If the designated officer considers that even after

applicants response the office objections cannot be
waived, he shall move the case for hearing through
the system.
Under Section 3of the Trade Marks Act 1999, the
controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade
Marks is the Registrar of Trade Marks for the
purposes of the Trade Marks Act & Rules. The
Central Government appoints various other officers
with various designations like Examiner of Trade
Marks & GI, Senior Examiner of Trade Marks &
GI, Assistant Registrar of Trade Marks & GI,
Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks & GI, Joint
Registrar of Trade Marks & GI, and Senior Joint
Registrar of Trade Marks & GI to discharge the
functions of the Registrar.

Section 3, 2

Under Section 2(2) (d) any reference to the

Registrar includes a reference to any of these
officers who perform the functions of the Registrar,
assigned to him.

Page | 76

1.6.2

Under Section 18(4) of Trade Marks Act 1999 Section 18(4)

applications made for registration of trademarks
may be refused registration or accepted for
registration subject to some condition or limitation
which may be appropriate under the provisions of
the Trade Marks Act 1999.

1.6.3

Accordingly all applications are examined as to Rule 38(4)

whether these have been properly filed and whether
the mark sought to be registered, is registrable
under the provisions of the Trade Marks Act &
Rules and whether it is appropriate to impose any
condition or limitation, in case the application is
accepted for registration. The applicants reply to
examination report and evidence of use of mark or
any other matter/circumstance relevant to the
application is duly considered and the case is moved
further by the designated officer.

Treating the application as abandoned, if no reply to

examination report is received

2.1

Office action

In addition to putting the examination report on the Section 132

office website, it is also sent to the Rule 38(5)
applicant/applicants agent by post if it contains
objections to acceptance of the application for
registration or condition or limitations of acceptance
of the application, unless the reply to such
examination report has already been received.
If the examination report contains objections to
acceptance of the application for registration or
condition or limitations of acceptance of the
application and no response to examination report is
submitted by the applicant even after one month
from the date of receipt of examination report by
post, a notice under Section 132 of Trade Marks Act
1999 shall be generated from the system requiring
the applicant to submit response to examination
report within one month.
If no response to examination report is submitted by
the applicant even after service of the said notice, an
order treating the application to be abandoned shall
be generated through the system and the same shall
be sent to the applicant/applicants agent.

2.2

Concept

Rule 38(4) of the Trade Marks Rules 2002 states Rule 38(4),
that if, on consideration of an application for 38(5)
registration of a trade mark or on an application for Section 132
an expedited examination of an application referred
to in sub-rule(1) and any evidence of use or of
distinctiveness or of any other matter which the
Page | 77

applicant may or may be required to furnish, the

Registrar has any objection to the acceptance of the
application or proposes to accept it subject to such
conditions,
amendments,
modifications
or
limitations as he may think right to impose under
sub-section (4) of section 18, , the Registrar shall
communicate such objection or proposal in writing
to the applicant.
Rule 38(5) states that if within one month from the
date of communication referred to in sub-rule (4),
the applicant fails to comply with any such proposal
or fails to submit his comments regarding any
objection or proposal to the Registrar or apply for a
hearing or fails to attend the hearing, the application
shall be deemed to have been abandoned.
Further Section 132 of Trade Marks Act 1999 states
that where, in the opinion of the Registrar, an
applicant is in default in the prosecution of an
application filed under this Act or any Act relating
to trade marks in force prior to the commencement
of this Act, the Registrar may, by notice require the
applicant to remedy the default within a time
specified and after giving him, if so, desired, an
opportunity of being heard, treat the application as
abandoned, unless the default is remedied within the
time specified in the notice.
3
3.1

Show Cause Hearing

Office action

In case the office objections to acceptance of the

application for registration cannot be waived even
after considering the applicants response to
examination report, the matter is set down for
hearing through the system.
This hearing commonly known as show cause
hearing is scheduled and conducted at the
appropriate office of the Trade Marks Registry.

3.1.1

All matters set for hearing are automatically moved

to TLA module of Trade Marks System.

3.1.2

The Show Cause Hearing section of respective

office of the TMR shall schedule hearing for all
such cases in order of their seniority and as per
availability of hearing officers.

3.1.3

A hearing notice shall be sent to the

applicant/agent/attorney concerned, intimating him
about the application No & date of hearing. The
hearing notice shall be sent approximately 15 days
before the date of hearing.
Page | 78

3.1.4

A cause list in respect of cases fixed for hearing

shall be prepared on monthly basis and the same
shall be put up on office website shall be displayed
on the notice board

3.1.5

After allocation of cases to specific hearing officers,

the cause list with the name of the Hearing Officer
shall be displayed on the notice board of the
respective office

3.1.6

The Show Cause Hearing Section shall ensure that

all the relevant documents pertaining to the
application scheduled for hearing are digitised and
available in the system.

3.1.7

The Hearing Officer shall patiently hear

submissions of the applicant or applicants
authorised agent concerned and peruse all other
documents submitted or referred to during the
course of hearing.
The Hearing Officer shall be courteous in hearing
submissions of the applicants or applicants
authorised agent concerned. However he shall be
strict in case the person attending hearing attempts
to create nuisance or behaves improperly or takes
time unnecessarily by making irrelevant
submissions

3.1.8

In case the relevant documents pertaining to the

application scheduled for hearing are not digitised
and available in the system, the Hearing Officer
concerned shall get it done through the staff
provided to him. In case of erroneous data entry in
the application details, the Hearing Officer shall
rectify the error himself or if it is not possible by the
help of other officials.

3.1.9

The Hearing Officer shall dispose of the application

through the system as per provisions of the Trade
Marks Act & Rules and generate the order/letter to
be sent to the applicant or applicants authorised
agent concerned

3.1.10

In case a request for amendment of application is

made on form TM-16 the Hearing Officer
concerned shall dispose this request first and then
decide about the acceptability of the application for
registration, since most of such requests are filed to
overcome office objections.
In case the TM-16 is allowed, amendment in the
details of the application shall be incorporated
accordingly by the Hearing Officer concerned and
Page | 79

the case is considered taking into account the

amendment.
3.2.1

Concept

Applications for registration of trademarks are

normally objected for registration on following
main provisions of the Trademarks Act1) Section 9- which describes absolute grounds
for refusal of trademarks which are not
prima facie capable of distinguishing the
goods/services of one person from those of
another person are devoid of distinctive
character.
2) Section 11, which sets out relative grounds
for refusal by reason of conflict with prior
trademarks and well-known marks, however
under Section 12 a mark could be registered
on the basis of honest concurrent use when
supported by evidence to that effect
3) Section 13 under which a mark is prohibited for
registration in respect of chemical products on
the ground that it consists of name of a
chemical element or an international nonproprietary name
4) Section 14 under which a necessary consent of
a person, whose portrait appears on the
trademark, is required
5) Section 15, which governs provisions relating
to registration of a trademark as a series
6) Section 16, which govern provisions relating to
association of trademarks.

3.2.2

Section 9 (1) of the Act sets down the following

absolute grounds for refusal of registration: It
states thata) trademarks which are devoid of any distinctive
character; that is to say, not capable of
distinguishing the goods or services of one
person from those of another person;
b) trademarks which consist exclusively of marks
or indications which may serve in trade, to
designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended
purpose, value, geographical origin ,or the time
of production of goods or of rendering of
services, or other characteristics of goods or
service,
c) trademarks which consist exclusively of marks
or indications which have become customary in
the current language or in the bona fide and
established practices of the trade:
shall not be registered.
Page | 80

distinctive character
The expression distinctive in relation to goods in
respect of which a trademark is proposed to be
registered means adopted to distinguish goods with
which the proprietor of trademark is or may be
connected in the course of trade, from goods in case
of which no connection subsists.
Acquired distinctiveness

3.2.3

As per proviso appearing in Section 9(1) of the Act,

a trademark which comes within the ambit of this
sub-Section may still be registered if it can be
shown that on the date of application the mark has
in fact acquired a distinctive character as a result of
the use made of it.
In order to overcome office objections raised
under Section 9(1) the applicant may submit the
mark has acquired a distinctive character by virtue
of its prior use
The use of trademark must be established by
adequate evidence. Under section 129 of the Act,
in any proceeding before the Registrar, evidence
shall be given by affidavit. But the Registrar may, if
he thinks fit, take oral evidence in lieu of, or in
addition to, such evidence by affidavit. Rule 116
prescribes the manner in which the affidavits are to
be executed.
The requirements for securing protection under the
proviso to section 9(1), as expressed in Duckham &
Cos Trade Mark Application, [(2004) RPC 28] are
as follows:
a) the mark must have been used by an
undertaking as a means of identifying the
trade origin of the goods;
b) the effect of this use is that the relevant
public(or a significant proportion thereof)
have come to rely upon the mark, in the
course of trade, as a means of identifying the
trade origin of the goods;
c)

if the mark is but one of a number used by

the undertaking to identify the trade origin of
the goods, the competent authority must be
satisfied that the mark applied for has, by
itself, come to foster a concrete expectation
amongst the relevant public that goods
bearing that mark originate from, or under
the control of, a single undertaking.
Page | 81

A descriptive trade mark may be entitled to

protection if it has assumed a secondary meaning
which identifies it with a particular product or as
being from a particular source [2005(30)PTC(SC)1]
Acquired distinctiveness cannot therefore be shown
to exist solely by reference to general, abstract data
such as pre-determined percentages of recognition
by the relevant class of persons. Instead the views
of an average consumer must also be taken into
account.
3.2.4

Examination of evidence of use as a Trade Mark

In Windsurfing Chiemsee (C108&109/97) [1999]

ETMR 585 the court observed that: If the
competent authority finds that a significant
proportion of the relevant class of persons identify
goods as originating from a particular undertaking
because of the trade mark, it must hold the
requirement for registering the mark to be
satisfied.
Having established that the mark has been used as a
trade mark (including use as a secondary trade
mark) the next thing is to assess the extent and effect
of the use. In this regard, ECJ provided guidance as
follows:
In assessing the distinctive character of a mark in
respect of which registration has been applied for,
the following may also be taken into account:
i. the market share held by the mark;
ii. how intensive, geographically widespread and
long-standing the use of the mark has been;
iii. the amount invested by the undertaking in
promoting the mark;
iv. the proportion of the relevant class of persons
who, because of the mark,
v. identify goods as originating from a particular
undertaking;
vi. statements from chambers of commerce and
industry or other trade and professional
associations.
In the affidavit submitted as evidence of use the
trademark, specific statement should be there as to
the use of the mark in relation to specific goods or
services, when it first commenced and the annual
turnover based on use of the mark in relation to
specific goods or services.
Page | 82

The use of trademark must be before the date of

filing. Any use after that date should not be taken
into account.
If there have been gaps in the use, it will be
necessary to consider how this affects the reputation
of the mark applied for. For example, a strawberry
grower may not be able to demonstrate sales
throughout the year, but if he sells his strawberries
for two months of the year every year for ten years,
that is likely to be sufficient to illustrate continuous
use, given the seasonal nature of his product.
Another trader might sell goods under a certain
mark for twelve years, but there may be a two year
gap leading up to the date of the application in
which few or no sales took place. Before a
judgement can be made about accepting or refusing
the mark, it would be necessary to look at all the
surrounding facts to see what effect that gap had. If
sales werent particularly strong beforehand, the
reputation of the mark may have been severely
diminished. If, on the other hand, sales were very
good both before and after, it may be that the gap
would have no negative effects on the reputation at
all.
Annual Turnover figures should be given for the
sales of goods/rendering of services under the mark
starting from year of first use to the date of making
affidavit. In case of figures are not available for
earlier years, the deponent should make statement to
this effect.
If the period of use is shorter, the turn over for the
period in question should be considerable, having
regard to the nature of goods. The greater the
turnover, the more likely it is for the mark to be
accepted. Turnover, advertising and period of use
are considered together - massive turnover and/or
advertising could compensate for a short period of
use.
The words "acquired a distinctive character as a
result of the use made of it" therefore mean the use
made of the mark in relation to the goods/services
for which it is proposed to be registered
An analysis of the nature of the use of the mark
followed by a careful evaluation of the extent of the
use prior to the date of the application will, in
virtually all cases, enable the Registrar to reach a
reliable finding on whether, and for which
goods/services, the mark has acquired a distinctive
Page | 83

character because of the use made of it.

Regarding unconventional trade marks

The following types of marks come under the

category:

Colour trade marks

Sound marks
Shape of goods, packaging,
Smell trade marks

Colour trade marks

In order to constitute a trade mark, a colour

or combination of colours must be capable of
distinguishing the goods or services of
one trader from those of other traders. If
a particular colour of packaging has become
distinctive in fact as indicating the goods of
a particular trader, there is no reason why it
should not be protected by registration.
It is conceivable that extensive use of two
colours in many different arrangements
may result in the colour combination per
se becoming distinctive of the applicants'
goods. However, if the colours are used not
in a special or particular pattern or
arrangement, it is likely to be more difficult
to prove that in such cases colour would lend
distinctiveness as a badge of origin.
Single Colours

A single colour may be registerable as a trade mark

if it is very unusual and peculiar in a trade and is
recognized by traders and consumers alike that it
serves as a badge of origin for that class of goods.
As colour per se is not normally used by traders as a
means of brand identification, unlike words or
pictures, consumers are not in the habit of making
assumptions about the origin of goods and services
based solely on their colour or the colour of their
packaging. It follows therefore that single colours
will only in exceptional circumstances be capable of
denoting the origin of a product or service. Marks
consisting of a single colour will usually be liable to
objection under Section 9(1) (a) of the Act because
they inherently lack the capacity to distinguish.
Combination of colours

The expression trade mark in section 2(1) (zb) is

defined to include combination of colours.
Page | 84

A combination of colours may be registrable, but

this will depend on its uniqueness and how they are
used. If the colours are presented as a figurative
mark, then as few as two colours could be accepted;
but if they are simply the colours of the packaging
of the product they are less likely, prima facie, to
indicate trade source. When applications consist
merely of colours applied to the goods or their
packaging it will be necessary to consider how
unusual the colour combination is in relation to the
goods and whether, prima facie, the combination is
likely to strike the relevant consumer as an
indication of trade source. It is, for example,
unlikely that the average consumer of washing
soaps would, without extensive and exclusive use,
view colour combinations such as blue and white or
yellow and white as an indication of trade source.
Wherever the exclusive right to color is sought,
weighty evidence should be necessary to overcome
objection under Section 9(1)(a) of the Act.
It is for the applicants to demonstrate whether the
way colour is used forms an essential part of the
subject matter of their trade mark. For example, if
evidence of acquired distinctiveness shows that a
specific colour has come to be recognised as a trade
mark when it is used in a particular manner, as in
the case of logo used by HP or Bharat Petroleum in
their service centres, it may be advisable to define
the mark in this way and establish claim for
registration of mark, i.e. logo or particular
geometrical device, limited to colours under section
10 of the Act. In such cases, the rights in trademark
lies in particular logo or geometrical device limited
to be used in that colour /those colours.
Sound marks

The law does not explicitly exclude sound marks

from registration. Sound marks, in a trade mark
sense, are extremely rare. Accordingly, a trade
mark may consist of a sound and represented by a
series of musical notes with or without words. To
this end1) applications for sound marks must clearly state
that they are sound marks. Otherwise the
application will be considered as if it were a
word and/or device mark (e.g. in the case of
musical notation) and
2) graphic representation requirements are met by
representation of the sign by a musical stave
divided into measures and showing, in
Page | 85

particular, a clef, musical notes and rests,

indicating relative value, and sharps, flats and
naturals (accidentals).
Assessing distinctive character of sound marks:

The acceptability of a sound mark must, like words

or other types of trademarks, depend upon whether
the sound is or has become a distinctive mark; that
is, whether the average consumer will perceive the
sound as meaning that the goods or services are
exclusively associated with one undertaking.
Prima facie, no sound marks will qualify for
acceptance without evidence of factual
distinctiveness. In particular, the following
sounds may not be accepted for registration
as trademarks since these are incapable of
distinguishing goods or services of one
person from those of others very simple pieces of music consisting
only of only I or 2 notes;
songs commonly used as chimes:
well known popular music in respect of
entertainment services, park services;
childrens nursery rhymes, for goods or
services aimed at children;
music
strongly
associated
with
particular regions or countries for the
type of goods/services originating from
or provided in that area.
Smell trade marks

As a marketing strategy, manufacturers of goods

introduce smells of scents to make the use of the
products more pleasant or attractive. These goods
could include cleaning preparations, cosmetics and
fabric softeners. Even less obvious goods are now
manufactured with particular scents to add to the
products appeal, for example, magazines, pens,
paper and erasers.
Consumers of such fragranced goods are unlikely to
attribute the origin of the products to a single trader
based on the fragrance. Whatever may be the case,
for purposes of registration as a trade mark, unless
the mark is graphically represented it will not be
considered to constitute as a trade mark.
The expression trade mark is defined inter alia to
mean a mark capable of being represented
graphically and .. Rule 2(1) (k) clarifies that
graphical representation means the representation
Page | 86

of a trade mark for goods or services in paper

form.
As indicated above, the definition of trade mark
makes it clear that in order to constitute a trade
mark it should be represented graphically [section
2(1)(zb)] Accordingly since smell marks do not
meet this requirements, under the Indian trademark
system.
Shape of goods

The expression trade mark is defined to mean a

mark capable of being represented graphically
. and may include shape of goods and their
packaging.
Section 9(3) provides that the trade mark shall not
be registered if it consists exclusively of
a) the shape of goods which results from the nature
of goods themselves; or
b) the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain
a technical result ; or
c) the shape of goods, which gives substantial
value to the goods
When an application for a trade mark consisting of
a shape of goods or packaging is made, the
application should be in relation to the goods only
and not in respect of the container e.g. where the
right in a mark is claimed in respect of perfumes
contained in a bottle , the goods should be shown as
perfumes and not as bottles which is merely a
container
Shape which results from the nature of the goods

The purpose of Section 9(3)(a) is to keep free basic

shapes of goods that should be available for use by
the public.
Section 9(3)(b)- Shape necessary to obtain a technical
result.

This sub-clause prohibits registration as a trade

mark where the shape of goods is necessary to
obtain a technical result.
Accordingly only when it can be shown that an
essential feature (which may include the overall
impact arising from the way the individual features
are arranged) is not only attributable to a technical
result, i.e. the shape is not one which would be
adopted for its functional efficiency, it will not be
caught by section 9(3)(b). Shapes which do consist
exclusively of functional features attributable only
Page | 87

to the technical result will be open to objections

under Section 9(3)(b); marks in this category are
deemed to be incapable of acquiring a distinctive
character and therefore the filing of evidence will
not overcome the objection. The ground for refusal
or invalidity of registration imposed by that
provision cannot be overcome by establishing that
there are other shapes which allow the same
technical result to be obtained.
Section 9(3)(c)- Shape which gives substantive value
to the goods.

This subsection deals with shapes which add

substantial value to the goods, disregarding the
main function attributable to a trade mark i.e. source
identification function.
Whilst the legal test for distinctiveness is the same
for shape marks as for other marks, recognition
must be given to the differing perceptions of the
average consumer in relation to non-traditional
trademarks. In particular, the average consumer
may not as readily accept the appearance of the
goods themselves as an indication of trade origin.
This is because average consumers are not in the
habit of making assumptions about the origin of the
products on the basis of their shape or the shape of
their packaging in the absence of any graphic or
word element. [Procter and Gamble v OHIM]
In Procter and Gamble, the ECJ rejected the
appellants argument that the marks were distinctive
because, inter alia, the type of product was
relatively new and there were no similar dishwasher
tablets on the market at the time the applications
were filed. The Court repeated its conclusions in
Henkel and pointed out that the more closely the
shape for which registration is sought resembles the
shape most likely to be taken by the product in
question, the greater the likelihood of the shape
being devoid of any distinctive character.
The fact that functional claim has been previously
made in a patent application will be prima facie
evidence that those aspects of the shape covered by
the patent claim are necessary to achieve a technical
result. This will attract objection under section
9(3)(b).
The test is whether there are any
significant aspects of the shape or its arrangement
which are not only attributable to the achievement
of a technical result.
As European Court of Justice Ruled in the Henkel
case for the purposes of Sections 9(1), the shape of
Page | 88

packaging is to be treated as the shape of the goods

themselves where the goods are traded in packaged
form, for reasons associated with the nature of the
goods; for example, beverages, cleaning fluids etc.
The shape of an ornamental lamp , for example
would appear to add substantial value to the goods
by making it attractive.
This would attract
objection under section 9(3)(c ) and also 9(3)(a)
Three dimensional mark

With a view to distinguish a three dimensional

representation from two dimensional marks
depicting containers etc., Rule 25(12) mandates the
applicant to make a specific statement in the
application that the mark sought for registration is a
three dimensional trade mark. As and when the
mark is accepted and advertised, suitable entry to
that effect will be made below the mark in the
journal publication and later in the registration
certificate, when the mark is registered.
The requirement of distinctiveness for the three
dimensional mark is the same as for other
trademarks.
However, besides distinctiveness,
functionality aspect as per section 9(3) will also
arise.
3.2.5

Overcoming objections as to Section 9 (2) and 13,

In case of objections raised under Section 9(2) and

Section 13 which enlist trademarks which are
prohibited for registration, or in case of objections
raised to the effect that the trademark is prohibited
for registration by any law or direction of the
Government, for instance instructions issued by the
Central Government under Section 23(1), the
applicant can only submit that the trademark sought
to be registered does not come under specified
prohibition(s). Once it is established that the
registration of the trademark applied for registration
or the use thereof, is prohibited by any provision of
the Trade Marks Act or any other law or
Government direction, it shall not be accepted for
registration, even if the applicant adduces ample
evidence of use of the trademark.
The only option the applicant has is to submit that
his trademark does not come under said
prohibition(s). He, however amend the application
by filing application on form TM-16, to avoid
prohibitions. The TM-16 then shall be disposed.
Page | 89

3.2.6

Overcoming objection regarding the relative grounds

for refusal

Objections raised under Section 11 can be

overcome by the applicant by :
removing the conflicting goods/services by way
of amendment.
obtaining consent from the proprietor of the
cited mark(s) under Section 11(4)
filing evidence to establish honest concurrent
use to secure registration under section 12;
By securing rectification of register excluding
such goods/service of the same description from
the specification of the cited mark, under
section 57;
By dividing the application and allowing the
objections- free apart of the application to
proceed further.
By removing the conflicting goods/services.
Many applications are filed with very wide
specifications and/or include terms which cover a
wide range of goods/services. The applicant may
not actually intend to trade in all the goods or offer
all services and therefore may be able to be more
specific about his intended activities. If deletion of
conflicting goods/services is desired during the
course of hearing, the Hearing Officer may consider
it and allow the request for such amendment of
goods/ services but in no case he shall allow
enlargement,
addition
or
substitution
of
goods/services originally mentioned in the
application.
When using exclusion as a means of overcoming a
citation it is normally necessary to ensure that all
the goods and/or services considered to be both
identical and similar to the cited mark are excluded
from the application. the application will need to be
amended to explicitly exclude not only all those
goods/services that are considered to be identical,
but also any descriptions of goods/services that are
considered to be sufficiently similar that the mark
applied for would give rise to a likelihood of
confusion if it were used in respect of those
goods/services.
For example if application in Class 9, is in respect
of Electric cables and citation of earlier
application in Class 9, is in respect of Speakers and
parts and fittings there for, the requested
amendment should be as Electric cables for use in
Page | 90

providing electric supply in building premises. Or

Electric cables not for use in relation to speakers
By obtaining consent from the proprietor of the cited
mark(s)

Section 11(4) of the Trade Marks Act 1999

overrides the prohibitory provisions of section 11 in
empowering the Registrar to allow registration
notwithstanding the objections where the proprietor
of the earlier trade mark(s) or other earlier rights
consents to the registration. In such case the
application may be accepted for registration under
special circumstances
Consent letter from the proprietor of the earlier
mark must contain the following particulars:
1. Assertion
of
proprietorship
over
the
same/similar trademark(s) by virtue of
registration under particular N0(s)
2. The goods/services to which the proprietor of
the cited mark is consenting.
If the
specification of goods/services indicated in the
Letter of consent is not the same as that for
which registration is sought or narrower than
that applied for the applicant must seek to
amend the specification of goods covering only
those goods in respect of which consent is given
3. The Letter of consent should be from the same
person whose name appears in the citation. The
genuineness of the consent letter should be
thoroughly verified by the Hearing Officer by
seeing records of cited marks concerned.
4. Letters of consent should be in English or
Hindi, if it is in a regional or foreign language,
it should be accompanied by a certified
translation.
Considering evidence to establish honest concurrent
use

If during the course of hearing the applicant

demonstrates on the basis of evidence produced,
that they have built up a sufficient amount of
goodwill or common-law right in their mark, the
Hearing Officer will allow an application which
conflicts with an earlier mark. The important point
to be considered is that common-law rights have
accrued by reason of honesty of adoption,
continuous & concurrent use of the trade mark, and
without the owner of the earlier right having taken
any prohibitive action against the applicant.
If Hearing Officer is convinced that the applicant
Page | 91

had bonafidely adopted the trademark and had

acquired common law rights in the mark by virtue
of honest & concurrent use of it, he may , in spite of
earlier similar trademarks in respect of same/similar
goods/services being on record, order for
advertisement of application before acceptance.
By dividing the application and allowing the
objections- free apart of the application to proceed
further

In the Trade Marks Act 1999, a facility for division

of application is provided to the applicant.
Under proviso to section 22, if an amendment is
made to single application, involving division of
such application into two or more applications, the
divided application will retain the date of making
the original application.
A request to divide his application is made on
behalf of the applicant, on form TM-53. Each
divided application is treated as separate
application, with the same filing date. A separate
new serial number is allotted to the divided
application and they are linked by cross reference
with the initial application.
In case of a multiclass application, if citations of
conflicting marks are limited to particular class (es)
of that application the applicant may request for
division of application so that application with clear
classes may be separated.
3.2.7

Attending to request made in form TM-16 for change Section 22 &

in the application details
Rule 41

A correction of any error in the application or any

amendment in the application is permitted by the
Trade Marks Act.
An applicant for registration of a trade mark may,
before the registration of the mark, apply in Form
TM-16 accompanied by the prescribed fee for the
correction of any error in his application or any
amendment of his application.
This provision is made for correction of mere
clerical errors in the application. No correction shall
therefore be allowed which seeks substantial
alteration in the application as filed. The substantial
amendment in the trademark, proprietor details,
specification of goods/services (except deletion of
some of the existing items, statement as to the use
of mark shall not be permitted in the name of
correction.
Page | 92

However request for amendment as to change in the

proprietorship of the mark on the basis of valid
assignment or transmission; amendment in address
of the applicant or in the applicant address for
service; deletion confinement, clarification of
specification
of
goods/services,
confinement/limitation in the area of sale of
goods/rendering of service, division of multiclass
application etc. can be allowed.
3.3

Office action

Adjournment of hearing

If the applicant or his authorized agent is not

prepared or is unable to appear for hearing and files
an application for adjournment of hearing, the
Hearing officer may allow the request for
adjournment and then a next date will be fixed for
hearing. However no adjournment will be given on
frivolous grounds. Hearings may also be adjourned
and may be fixed on another date due to
administrative reasons. In all adjournments of
hearing, a fresh hearing notice fixing hearing on
another date shall
be issued to
the
applicant/agent/attorney concerned.
3.4

Office action

Acceptance of the application

After duly considering the evidence of use of the

mark, the distinctive nature of the mark, existence
of earlier similar marks, if any, the nature of
goods/services covered under the application and
other relevant facts, the Hearing Officer may accept
the application for registration or he may accept the
application with condition as to use of the
trademark or limitation as to area of trade, as he
thinks fit; or he may propose the application to be
advertised before acceptance.
In certain circumstances the application may be
advertised before acceptance. The provision for
Advertisement Before Acceptance, is invoked in
exceptional circumstances
The provision for advertisement before acceptance,
as the law itself enacts, should be invoked in
exceptional circumstances.
Where the the
Hearing Officer concerned finds strong evidence of
bonafide commercial adoption and use of the mark,
the Examiner or the hearing officer may Accept
the application and order the mark to be advertised
as accepted

Page | 93

3.5

Office action

Allowing division of the application

On a request made on form TM-53 on behalf of the

applicant to divide a multiclass application, the
application shall be divided as requested. Each
divided application will be treated as separate
application, with the same filing date. A separate
new serial number is allotted to the divided
application and they will be linked by cross
reference with the initial application.
3.6

Office action

Proviso to
Section 22 of
the Trade Marks
Act 1999 and
Rule 104 of the
Trade Marks
Rules 2002

Withdrawal of application

During the course of hearing the applicant may

desire to withdraw the application, or the authorised
agent of the applicant may desire to withdraw the
application on half of the applicant. In such
circumstances, the Hearing officer will require the
withdrawal letter to be submitted in writing. The
withdrawal letter will be uploaded in the system.
The genuineness of withdrawal letter as well as the
authority of the person withdrawing the application
shall be verified by the Hearing Officer on the basis
of records of the application. If withdrawal of
application is done by the competent person, the
Hearing officer concerned will treat the application
as withdrawn, enter his remarks in the system to this
effect and update the status of application
accordingly.
3.7

Office action

Refusal of application

If the Hearing Officer is not convinced with the

materials produced & submissions made in the
course of hearing and he may refuse the application
for registration.
3.8

Office action

Communication of decision

A communication letter shall be generated through

the system, in respect of all types of orders passed
by the Hearing Officer. The said letter shall be sent
to the applicant/applicants authorised agent
concerned, latest within one week of the order.
3.9

Communication of grounds of decision

Section 18(5)

On request made by the applicant on form TM-15

for seeking grounds of decisions of the Registrar,
the grounds of decisions as to acceptance (or
advertisement before acceptance) of application
with any condition or limitation, or refusal of the
application shall be generated through the system,
on the basis of remarks or noting of the then hearing
officer, and the same shall be communicated to the
applicant.
Page | 94

3.10.1

Requirement
from the
applicant

The applicant or applicants authorised agent

concerned should attend hearing before the
designated hearing officer and make his
submissions with decency and courteously. In case
it is not possible for the applicant or applicants
authorised agent concerned to attend hearing, he
should file as application for adjournment as per the
Trade Marks Act & Rules.

3.10.2

Every person appearing for the hearing should show

his identity and authority to attend the hearing on
behalf of the applicant. In case of the agent, he
should establish that he is authorised agent of the
applicant on record, or else he should file latest PA
in his favour along with a request on form TM-16 to
record his address as address for service of the
applicant.

3.10.3

In case the application is filed or prosecuted by a

trademark agent, applicants address for service is
normally requested to be that of the trademark
agent. In case, the trademark agent is changed or the
applicant withdraws the Power of Attorney and
wants to prosecute the application himself, he
should necessarily file an amendment application on
form TM-16, for recordal of such change in address
for service of the applicant.

3.10.4

An application on form TM-16 should be filed on

behalf of the applicant for recording all changes that
have taken place in respect of the application. The
applicant or applicants authorised agent appearing
for the hearing should point out about all the
requests made on form TM-16, which are still
pending and should insist on their disposal.
The applicant or applicants authorised agent should
file proper requests/application with proper fee in
accordance with the Trade Marks Act & Rules.

3.10.5

3.10.6

The applicant or applicants authorised agent

concerned should abide by the order of the Hearing
Officer. In case he is aggrieved he may file an
appeal before the IPAB or review, as per relevant
provisions of the Trade Marks Act & Rules

Publication of applications in the trademarks journal

4.1.1

Office action

When an application for registration of a trade mark Section 20, Rule

has been accepted whether absolutely or subject to 43
conditions or limitations or it is even ordered to be
advertised before acceptance, the application is
accordingly advertised in the trademark journal
along with conditions or limitations, if any.
Page | 95

The Supervisory Examiner approving the

Examination report proposing to accept the
application or advertise the application before
acceptance, or the designated officer in PARM or
Hearing Officer, as the case may be, who accepts
the application or orders to advertise the application
before acceptance shall himself move such
application for advertisement in journal through
relevant module of the Trade Marks System.
4.1.2

The advertisement of application in the trademark

journal should contain details of the trademark, date
of application, priority claim (if any), details of the
applicant with his address, applicants address for
service including his agents detail, class &
specification of goods or service , the statement as
to use of the trademark and the appropriate office.

4.1.3

The system generates a preview of the

advertisement, the officer concerned if finds the
contents proper, approves the case for
advertisement and the application is accordingly
compiled through the system for publication in the
trademark journal.

4.1.4

All such applications which are compiled for

publication in the trademark journal are published
in the journal by a designated officer from Head
Office of the Trade Marks Registry at every
Monday and the same is made available on the
home
page
of
the
official
website
www.ipindia.nic.in free of cost to the public.

4.1.4

The trademark journal contains Public Notices and notifications, if any, issued
by the office
Trade Mark applications which are accepted or
ordered to be advertised before acceptance
re-advertisements of applications, if ordered by
any competent officer
Corrigenda or further notification in respect of
earlier published application,
List of trademarks, which are registered,
renewed, removed, application withdrawn, etc.
Post
registration
changes
including
Assignments/transmission recorded
International
non-proprietary
names
as
published by WHO from time to time.
Other information as considered necessary to be
published from time to time

Page | 96

4.1.5
4.2

Other matters to be published in the journal are

collected from different Sections of the TMR.
Concept

The Section 20 of the Trade Marks Act 1999 states

that1) When an application for registration of a trade
mark has been accepted, whether absolutely or
subject to conditions or limitations, the
Registrar shall, as soon as may be after
acceptance, cause the application as accepted
together with the conditions or limitations, if
any, subject to which it has been accepted, to be
advertised in the prescribed manner:
Proviso to section 20 enables the Registrar to
cause an application for registration of trade
mark to be advertised before acceptance if it
relates to a trade mark to which sub-section (1)
of section 9 and sub-sections (1) and (2) of
section 11 apply. Such a course can also be
adopted by the Registrar in any other case where
it appears to him to be expedient by reason of
any exceptional circumstances so to do

Withdrawal of acceptance

Registrar of trademark is empowered to withdraw

acceptance of an application for registration which
is done in error or it should have been accepted for
registration subject to conditions or limitations other
than those under which it is accepted.
5.1.1

Office action

Where it is found that an application for registration

of trademark has been accepted in error; or
the trade mark should not be registered subject to
conditions or limitations subject to which the
application has been accepted; or
the trade mark should be registered subject to
conditions or limitations or to conditions additional
to or different from the conditions or limitations
subject to which the application has been accepted,
any officer, in particular the officer in Charge of
EPR or PRAS of the TMR, shall put up a note to the
CGPDTM, who is the Registrar of Trade Marks,
proposing to withdraw the acceptance of the
application.
This may also happen in case the application, due to
data entry errors, is examined and accepted for
registration with a trademark other than that applied
by the applicant, or the application is examined and
accepted for registration with specification of goods
Page | 97

or services, or classification thereof, other than that

applied by the applicant. The need to withdraw the
acceptance of the application may arise, in case an
International Non Proprietary Name is erroneously
accepted for registration in respect of medicinal
preparations, or in case a prohibited or notregistrable trademark is erroneously accepted for
registration.
5.1.2

After approval of the said note by the CGPDTM,

the officer concerned shall move the matter to the
Show Cause Hearing Section, through the system.

5.1.3

The Show Cause Hearing Section shall issue a Rule 42

notice under Rule 42 of the Trade Marks Rules
2002, to the applicant to communicating the
Registrars objection to such acceptance and
proposal of the Registrar, if any, to acceptance of
that application.

5.1.4

After receipt of the notice, the applicant may either

withdraw the application or agree to office proposal
and amend the application accordingly or request
for hearing.

5.1.5

The Hearing Officer shall dispose of the matter

accordingly as per provisions of Trade Marks Act &
Rules. The concerned Hearing Officer shall
withdraw the acceptance of application or change
the conditions or limitations imposed while
accepting the application, as the case may be.

5.2

Concept

Section 19 enables the Registrar to withdraw Section 19, Rule

acceptance of an application in error or in 42
circumstances the trade mark should not be
registered or should be registered subject to
conditions or limitations.
In such cases, rule 42 provides for the following
procedure
The Registrar shall communicate in writing such
objection to the applicant
30 days notice from date of receipt of
communication for response is mandatory
the applicant may amend the application to
comply with the requirements of the Registrar
or may apply for a hearing.
If the applicant does not respond within the
prescribed time, the acceptance of the
application shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
The application thereafter shall proceed as if it
had not been accepted
Page | 98

5.3.1

Office action

Where the applicant desires a hearing, Registrar a

notice appointing shall be issued by the Show Cause
Hearing section scheduling the hearing at least 15
days after the notice.

5.3.2

On the said date of hearing, the Hearing Officer will

pass such orders as he may deem fit under the Trade
Marks Act & Rules.

5.3.3

The Hearing officer shall accordingly move the

application further through the System but putting
his appropriate remarks.

6.

Registration of trademarks

6.1.1

Office action

Every application advertised in the trademark

journal and a period of 4 months has expired after
advertisement or re-advertisement of the
application, and
in respect of which no oppositions has been filed, or
opposition, if filed, has been disposed of favour of
the applicant;
proceeds for registration unless any instruction of a
competent officer to withdraw the acceptance or
cancel the advertisement of the application is
received.

6.1.2

In case the application was advertised before

acceptance and it becomes due for registration in
terms of the conditions as mentioned in earlier Para,
the application shall be accepted for registration
through the system and only then it shall be moved
for registration.

6.1.3

All such applications are taken up for registration

process in order of seniority of their advertisement
or re-advertisement in the trademarks journal.

6.1.4

All applications brought under the registration

process shall be approved by the officer concerned
through the system, before generation of
registration certificates. The officer concerned of
the Registration wing of the EPR section shall
ensure that the application being approved for
registration is OK.

6.1.5

In fact there are in-built checks in the system which

does not allow such cases for registration, however
the officer concerned should also ensure that1. The data entry of the application has been done
correctly and the application has been duly &
correctly advertised in the trade marks journal.
In case of major errors in the advertisement as to
the trademark, date of application, class &
Page | 99

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

specification of goods or services and the

statement as to use of the trademark the
application shall be re-advertised. The matter
shall be sent through the system to Pre
Advertisement Amendment Section (PRAS) for
re-advertisement by putting a remark to this
effect in the system. Such cases shall not be
processed for registration.
No request for amendment of the application is
pending. In such cases the matter shall be sent
through the system to Pre Advertisement
Amendment Section (PRAS) for disposal of
amendment application, by putting a remark to
this effect in the system. Such cases shall not be
processed for registration until the amendment
application has been allowed & a notification to
this effect has been published in the trademark
journal or the amendment application has been
refused.
No instruction as to withdrawal of acceptance is
there in the matter. In such cases the matter shall
be sent through the system to Show Cause
Hearing Section (SCHS) for hearing of
application, by putting a remark to this effect in
the system. Such cases shall not be processed for
registration until the hearing as to Section 19 of
the Trade Marks Act 1999 is concluded in
favour of the advertisement of the application.
No opposition to registration of the application
is pending. In case opposition(s) to any
application has/have been disposed of in favour
of the applicant, the officer shall see whether all
the vital documents of the application and
opposition(s) including final order(s) of
opposition proceeding have been scanned &
uploaded in the system and the status of the
application has been updated accordingly.
The registration of the trademark is not
prohibited by any instruction from the
Government or from the court of law. In such
cases the matter shall be kept pending by putting
a remark to this effect in the system.
No formality requirement is left in respect of the
application. For example No fee like association
fee, extra space fee for goods or services
exceeding 500 characters are due to be paid by
the applicant, no formality requirement like
filing of the Power of Attorney in favour of the
agent is required. In such cases, the officer
concerned shall generate a letter requiring the
applicant to comply with above formalities, and
Page | 100

the application shall proceed for registration

only after compliance of requirements.
6.2.1

Concepts

The Registrar of Trade Marks has a Register of Section 6

Trade Marks as mentioned in Section 6 of the Trade
Marks Act 1999, which has all details of registered
trademarks.
Once a trademark is registered, it is entered in the
Register or its entry is made on the Register.

6.2.2

Under Section 23(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1999

Section 23
when an application for registration of trade mark
has been accepted and eithera) the application has not been opposed and the
time for notice of opposition has expired; or
b) the application has been opposed and the
opposition has been disposed of in favour of the
applicant,
the trade mark is registered, unless the Central
Government otherwise directs, and the trade
mark when registered shall be registered as of
the date of the making of the said application
and that date shall, subject to the provisions of
section 154, be deemed to be the date of
registration.
Under Section 23(2), on the registration of a trade
mark, a certificate in the prescribed form with the
seal of the Trade Marks Registry, is issued to the
applicant
Under Section 23(3) where registration of a trade
mark is not completed within twelve months from
the date of the application by reason of default on
the part of the applicant, the Registrar may, after
giving notice to the applicant in the prescribed
manner, treat the application as abandoned unless it
is completed within the time specified in that behalf
in the notice.

6.2.3

Rule 59 provides the manner as to how the entry in

the Register of trademarks is made. Under this
Rule1) Where no notice of opposition to an application
advertised or re-advertised in the Journal is filed
within the period specified in sub-section (1) of
section 21, or where an opposition is filed and it
is dismissed, the Registrar shall, subject to the
provisions of sub-section (1) of section 23 or
section 19, enter the trade mark on the register.
2) The entry of a trade mark in the register shall
specify the date of filing of application, the
Page | 101

actual date of the registration, the goods or

services and the class or classes in respect of
which it is registered, and all particulars
required by sub-section (1) of section 6
including
a. the address of the principal place of business
in India, if any, of the proprietor of the trade
mark or in the case of a jointly owned trade
mark, of such of the joint proprietors of the
trade mark as have a principal place of
business in India.
b. where the proprietor of the trade mark has no
place of business in India his address for
service in India as entered in the application
for registration together with his address in
his home country.
c. in the case of a jointly owned trade mark,
where none of the joint proprietors has a
principal place of business in India, the
address for service in India as given in the
application together with the address of each
of the joint proprietors in his home country.
d. the particulars of the trade, business,
profession, occupation or other description of
the proprietor or, in the case of a jointly
owned trade mark, of the joint proprietors of
the trade mark as entered in the application
for registration.
e. particulars affecting the scope of the
registration or the rights conferred by the
registration,
f. The convention application date (if any), to
be accorded pursuant to an application from
applicants of a convention country made
under section 154.
g. where the mark is a collective or certification
mark, that fact;
h. Where the mark is registered pursuant to subsection 4 of section 11 with the consent of the
proprietor of an earlier trade mark or other
earlier right, that fact; and
the appropriate office of the Trade Marks
Registry in relation to the trade mark.
The Registrar may from time to time, in
consultation with computer experts, formulate
guidelines for keeping official records in electronic
form.

Page | 102

Chapter IV
Tribunal Section
(Opposition & Rectification Proceedings)
Introduction:
The Tribunal Section is constituted for dealing with contested matters- namely oppositions to
applications made for registration of trademarks, applications made for rectification of
registration of trademarks, and other contested matters assigned to this section.
This Chapter is divided in to three Sections Section A deals with Opposition Proceeding,
Section B deals with Rectification Proceeding and Section C deals with proceeding relegated to
review petition.

Section A: Opposition
After advertisement of a trade mark in the Trade Marks Journal, section 21 provides a period of
4 months within which the registration of the trade mark may be opposed by any person. This
opposition proceeding can be filed only before the Registrar and cannot be taken direct either to
the Court or the Appellate Board (IPAB). If the opposition is successful, the registration of the
trade mark will be refused. If it fails, the mark will be registered.

Sr.
No.

General Description

1.
1.1

Relevant
provision of the
Act & Rules

How a opposition proceeding can be started

Concept

Who may oppose the Application:

Section 21(1)

Any person may give a notice of opposition to the

registration of a trade mark.
Notes:
The person filing the opposition need not to have
any commercial or personal interest in the matter or
a prior registered trade mark owner.
The question of bona fides of the opponent does not
arise.
1.2

Concept

Grounds of opposition:

Section 9, 11,
13, 14 and 18(1)

The law doesnt specify the grounds of opposition.

However, an opposition is ordinarily based on any
Page | 103

one or more of
- absolute grounds as mentioned in Section
9;
- relative grounds as mentioned in Section 11;
- prohibitions contained in Section 13;
- absence of consent in writing in Section 14;
- Besides, the opponent may also raise
objection U/s 18 (1) with regard to the
proprietorship of the trade mark opposed.
Requirement
from the
opponent

Limitation Period for filing Notice of opposition:

Requirement
from the
opponent

Prescribed Form:

1.5

Requirement
from the
opponent

Prescribed Fee:

1.6

Requirement
from the
opponent

1.7

Requirement
from the
opponent

1.3

1.4

Section 21(1)

Within four months from the date of advertisement

or re- advertisement of an application for
registration in the Trademarks Journal.

Opposition required to be fined as per prescribed

form i.e. TM-5

Section21(1) &
Rule 47 (1)

First Schedule
entry No.12 of
To file a opposition against any advertised mark
the Trade Marks
prescribed fee is Rs. 2500/-.
Rules 2002
Place of filing:
Rule 8 (1) of the
Trade Marks
To be filed in the appropriate office (of application Rules 2002
under opposition)
Contents of TM-5:
Notice of opposition to contain-

Rule 48(1) of
the Trade Marks
Rules 2002

(a) In respect of an application against which

opposition is entered
(i) Impugned application no.;
(ii) Indication of the goods or services from
the trade mark application; and
(iii) Name of the applicant for the trade mark
sought to be opposed.
(b) in respect of the earlier mark or the earlier right
on which the opposition is based ,(i)

where the opposition is based on an earlier

mark, a statement to that effect and an
indication of the status of earlier mark;
(ii) where available, the application number or
registration number and the filing date,
including the priority date of the earlier
mark;
(iii) where the opposition is based on an earlier
mark which is alleged to be a well-known
trade mark within the meaning of subPage | 104

section 2 of section 11, an indication to

that effect and an indication of the country
or countries in which the earlier mark is
recognized to be well known;
(iv) where the opposition is based on an earlier
trade mark having a reputation within the
meaning of paragraph (b) of sub-clause (2)
of section 11 of the Act, an indication to
that effect and an indication of whether the
earlier mark is registered or applied for;
(v) a representation of the mark of the
opponent and where appropriate, a
description of the mark or earlier right; and
(vi) where the goods or services in respect of
which earlier mark has been registered or
applied for or in respect of which the
earlier mark is well known within the
meaning of sub-section (2) of section 11 or
has a reputation within the meaning of that
section, the opponent shall when indicating
all the goods or services for which the
earlier mark is protected, also indicate
those goods or services on which the
opposition is based.
(c) in respect of the opposing party
(i)

where the opposition is entered by the

proprietor of the earlier mark or of the
earlier right, his name and address" and an
indication that he is the proprietor of such
mark or right;
(ii) where opposition is entered by a licensee
not being a registered user, the name of the
licensee and his address and an indication
that he has been authorized to enter the
opposition;
(iii) where the opposition is entered by the
successor in title to the registered
proprietor of a trade mark who has not yet
been registered as new proprietor, an
indication to that effect, the name and
address of the opposing party and an
indication of the date on which the
application for registration of the new
proprietor was received by the appropriate
office or, where this information is not
available, was sent to the appropriate
office; and
(iv) Where the opposing party has no place of
business in India, the name of the
opponents and his address for service in
Page | 105

India.
1.8

Requirement
from the
opponent

Verification of the notice of opposition:

Rule 48(2), (3)

& (4) of the
The notice of opposition shall be verified at the foot Trade Marks
by the opponent or by authorized person who is Rules 2002
acquainted with the facts of the case.
The person verifying shall state specifically by
reference to the numbered paragraphs of the notice
of opposition, what he verifies of his own
knowledge and what he verifies upon information
received and believed to be true.
The verification shall be signed by the person
making it and shall state the date on which and the
place at which it was signed.

1.9

Requirement
from the
applicant

Filing of counter statement by the applicant:

1.10

Office action

Abandonment of application for not filing of Section 21 (2) of

counter Statement
the Trademarks
Act 1999
If within the period of two months from the date of
receipt of the copy of the notice of opposition, the
applicant does not file counter statement against the
notice of opposition, he shall be deemed to have
abandoned his application and an order to the effect
shall be issued.

2.

Office
Action

After receiving of the Application for opposition

the office required to check the documents and
comply with some other formalities.

2.1

Office
Action

Formality Check

Section 21(2),
Rule 49 & item
The applicant shall file a counter statement in Form
14 of First
TM-6 at the appropriate office.
Schedule of the
The prescribed fee is Rs. 1000/-.
Trade Marks
The limitation to file counter statement is within Rules 2002
two months from the date of receipt of the copy of
the notice of opposition.
Rule 49(2) of
The counterstatement shall be verified in the same the Trade Marks
manner as the notice of opposition.
Rules 2002

The notice of opposition is received by the Cash

section. The Cash Section will check whether
correct fee is paid. If the fee is correct, then it will
enter the appropriate fee code against the trade
mark number and forward the notice of opposition
to the Tribunal Section.
The Tribunal Section shall attach the notice of
opposition with physical file of the application
opposed and arrange the same in order.
Page | 106

2.2

Office
Action

Service of notice of opposition upon the applicant:

Section 21(2) of
the Trademarks
The entry as to the notice of opposition shall be
Act 1999
made in the Tribunal module of the Trade Marks
Automation System (TMAS).
The copy of the notice of opposition along with the
system generated letter shall be served by the office
of the trademark registry, upon the applicant for
registration.

2.3

Office
Action

Service of counter statement upon the opponent

Section 21 (3) of
the Trademarks
The entry as to the counter statement shall be made
Act 1999
in the Tribunal module of the Trade Marks
Automation System (TMAS).
A copy of the counter statement along with the
system generated letter shall be served by the office
of the trademark registry, upon the opponent

3.

3.1

Requirement Mode of evidence

from the
applicant/opp Evidence to be given on affidavits. The Registrar
may, in his discretion, allow oral evidence also.
onent in
respect of
Evidence

Affidavits
The Affidavits shall
- be duly stamped;
- be headed in the matter or matters to which
they relate;
- be drawn up in the first person;
- be divided into paragraphs;
- be consecutively numbered; and each
paragraph shall, as far as practicable, be
confined to one subject.

Section 129 of
the Trade Marks
Act, 1999

Rule 116 of the

Trade Marks
Rules 2002

Every affidavit shall

-

state the description and the true place of

abode of the person making the same;
bear the name and address of the person
filing it;
State on whose behalf it is filed.

Where two or more persons join in an affidavit,

each of them shall depose separately to such facts
which are within his personal knowledge and those
facts shall be stated in separate paragraphs.
Affidavits shall be taken -

in India, before any court or person having

by law authority to receive evidence, or
Page | 107

before any officer empowered by such court

as aforesaid to administer oaths or to take
affidavits;
in any country or place outside India, before
a diplomatic or consular officer, within the
meaning of the Diplomatic and Consular
Officers (Oaths and Fee) Act, 1948 (41 of
1948), of such country or place or before a
notary public or before a Judge or
Magistrate, of the country or place.

The person before whom an affidavit is taken shall

state the date on which and the place where the
same is taken and shall affix his seal, if any, or the
seal of the court to which he is attached thereto and
sign his name and description at the end thereof.
Alterations and interlineations shall, before an
affidavit is sworn or affirmed, be authenticated by
the initials of the person before whom the affidavit
is taken.
Where the deponent is illiterate, blind or
unacquainted with the language in which the
affidavit is written, a certificate by the person
taking the affidavit that the affidavit was read,
translated or explained in his presence to the
deponent, that the deponent seemed perfectly to
understand it and that the deponent made his
signature or mark in his presence, shall appear in
the jurat.
3.2

Requirement
from the
opponent

Filing evidence in support of opposition:

Rule 50 (1) of
the Trade Marks
Any evidence in support of opposition must be filed
Rules 2002
within two months from the date of receipt of a
copy of the counterstatement.
The Registrar may, on a request on form TM-56,
extend the period of filing to a period not exceeding
one month in aggregate.
Within the aforesaid time, the opponent must either
file evidence or may rely on the facts already stated
in the notice of opposition, in which case he must
intimate the same in writing to the Registrar and to
the applicant.
The copies of any evidence filed by the opponent
must be delivered by him to the other party and a
written intimation thereof must be given to the
Registrar.

Page | 108

3.3

Office
Action

Abandonment of opposition for not filing of

evidence in support of opposition:
Rule 50 (2) of
the Trade Marks
In case the opponent neither files evidence in Rules 2002
support of opposition nor intimates as prescribed,
he shall be deemed to have abandoned his
opposition, in which case an order to the effect shall
be issued to the parties.

3.4

Requirement
from the
applicant

Filing evidence in support of application:

Rule 51 of the
Trade Marks
The applicant must file evidence, if any, in support
Rules 2002
of application within two months after the receipt
by him of the copies of affidavits in support of
opposition or of the intimation that the opponent
does not desire to adduce any evidence in support
of his opposition.
The Registrar may, on a request on form TM-56,
extend the period of filing to a period not exceeding
one month in aggregate.
Within the aforesaid, the applicant must either file
evidence or may rely on the facts already stated in
the counterstatement or on the evidence already left
by him in connection with the application, in which
case he must intimate the same in writing to the
Registrar and to the opponent.
The copies of any evidence filed or relied upon by
the applicant must be delivered by the applicant to
the other party.

3.5

Requirement
from the
Opponent

filing evidence in reply by opponent:

Rule 52 of the
Trade Marks
The opponent may, within one month from the
Rules 2002
receipt by the opponent of the copies of the
applicant's affidavit, file evidence in reply, if any.
The evidence shall be confined to matters strictly in
reply.
The Registrar may, on a request on form TM-56,
extend the period of filing to a period not exceeding
one month in aggregate.
The copies of evidence in reply, if any filed, must
be delivered by the opponent to the applicant.

3.6

Requirement
from the
applicant/opp
onent in
respect of
Evidence

Filing of further evidence

Rule 53 of the
Trade Marks
The Registrar may, at any time, give leave to either
Rules 2002;
the applicant or the opponent to submit any further
entry 58 of First
evidence upon such terms as to costs or otherwise
Schedule of
as he may think fit.
Trade Marks
Note:
Rules, 2002
Further evidence may be filed by filing an
Page | 109

Interlocutory Petition (IP) with fee of R. 2500/Copies of IP and all supporting documents must be
served on the other party and an acknowledgement
or proof of delivery be obtained.
Hearing shall be fixed on IP. The Hearing Officer
shall hear submissions of both parties for or against
the IP and shall dispose of the petition as per
trademarks law & practice.
In case the Hearing Officer allows the IP and grants
the leave to the petitioner to submit any evidence or
takes the evidence already submitted with the IP, on
record, the other party shall also be given an
opportunity to file evidence in rebuttal within such
period as may be allowed by the Hearing Officer.
3.7

Requirement
from the
applicant/opp
onent in
respect of
Evidence

Exhibits

Rule 54 of the
Trade Marks
Copies of exhibits to affidavits, if any, shall be sent
Rules 2002
to the other party on his request and at his expense,
or, if the same cannot conveniently be furnished,
the originals shall be left with the Tribunal Section
of the office of the trademarks registry where they
can be inspected by the other party.
The original exhibits shall be produced at the
hearing unless the Hearing Officer otherwise
directs.

3.8

Requirement Translation of documents

Rule 55 of the
from the
Trade Marks
applicant/opp Where any document relied upon is in a language Rules 2002
other than Hindi or English, an attested translation
onent

thereof in Hindi or English shall be furnished in

duplicate.
3.9

Requirement Request for Extension of time:

from the
applicant/opp An application for extension of time under section
131 shall be made in Form TM-56 with fee of Rs.
onent

3.10

Office
Action

Section 131 of
the Trade Marks
Act 1999 and
Rule 105 of the
500/.
Trade
Marks
Rules
2002
If the Registrar is satisfied, on application made to
him in the prescribed manner and accompanied by
the prescribed fee, that there is sufficient cause for
extending the time for doing any act (not being a
time expressly provided in this Act), whether the
time so specified has expired or not, he may,
subject to such conditions as he may think fit to
impose, extend the time and inform the parties
accordingly.
Digitization of record
The notice of opposition, the counterstatement, the
evidence filed & other application/petitions or
Page | 110

replies thereto submitted by the parties shall be

digitized & uploaded in the TMAS and shall be
electronically integrated with the relevant records of
opposition proceedings, concerned. If exhibits are
also submitted with the affidavit, the party
concerned will also be required to submit in CD
ROM or email the electronic copy of exhibits
reduced in non editable colored PDF file format.
4.

Office
Action in
Respect of
Hearing

After completion of the formality check and

submission of the evidences hearing is fixed to
represent their cases by the opponent as well as
applicant.

4.1

Office
Action

Fixing Hearing of cases:

Rule 56 (1) of
the Trade Marks
Upon completion of the evidence stage, the
Rules 2002
Tribunal Section shall generate the hearing notice
from the Tribunal (TOP) module of the TMAS,
mentioning therein the first date of hearing. The
hearing notices so generated shall be sent to the
parties or their authorized agents of the applicant or
the opponent who are presently on records, as the
case may be.
The date of hearing shall be for a date at least one
month after the date of the first notice.
A cause list in respect of cases fixed for hearing
shall be prepared on monthly basis. The cause list
shall be displayed on the notice board and will be
put up on office website.
Within fourteen days from the receipt of the first
notice, any party who intends to appear shall so
notify by submitting a Form TM-7. Any party who
does not so notify he may be treated as not desiring
to be heard and the matter may proceed
accordingly.
The hearing will be conducted by the Hearing
Officer as per the cause list.

4.2

Office
Action

Adjournment/ Abandonment of application for non

appearance at the date of hearing
In case the applicant is not present on the first date
of hearing and has not notified his intention to
attend the hearing in Form TM-7, the Hearing
officer shall adjourn the matter whether or not any
application for adjournment is filed.

Rule 56 (3) of
the Trade Marks
Rules 2002

If the applicant is not present on the adjourned date

of hearing and has not notified his intention to
attend the hearing in Form TM-7, the application
may be treated as abandoned.
Page | 111

4.3

Office
Action

Adjournment/Dismissal of opposition on non

appearance at the date of hearing :
In case the opponent is not present on the first date
of hearing and has not notified his intention to
attend the hearing in Form TM-7, the Hearing
officer shall adjourn the matter whether or not any
application for adjournment is filed.

Rule 56 (4) of
the Trade Marks
Rules 2002

In case the opponent is not present on the adjourned

date of hearing and has not notified his intention to
attend the hearing in Form TM-7, the opposition
may be dismissed for want of prosecution.
4.4

Requirement
from the
applicant/opp
onent in
respect of
Adjournment
Office
Action

concept

4.5

Requirement
from the
applicant/opp
onent in
respect of
Correction of
error or
amendment

Request for adjournment of hearing:

Rule 105 of the

Trade Marks
A request for adjournment of hearing shall be made Rules 2002
in Form TM-56 with fee of Rs. 500/.
In every case of adjournment the Hearing Officer
shall fix a day for further hearing of the case and Rule 56 (5), (6)
shall make such order as to cost occasioned by the & (7) of the
Trade Marks
adjournment as he thinks fit.
Rules 2002
The fact that the agent or advocate on record of a
party is engaged in another court shall not be a
ground for adjournment.
Where illness of legal practitioner or an agent or his
inability to conduct the case for any reason is put
forward as a ground for adjournment, the Hearing
Officer may refuse to grant the adjournment unless
he is satisfied that the legal practitioner or an agent,
as the case may be, could not have engaged another
agent or legal practitioner in time.
Correction of error or amendment:

Section 21 (7) of
the Trade Marks
A correction of any error in or any amendment of a
Act 1999
Notice of Opposition or a counterstatement may be
allowed by the Hearing Officer on such terms as he
thinks just.
A request for correction of error in or in connection
with the application for registration of trademarks,
or a request for amendment of application may also
be filed by the applicant, which includes division of
a multiclass application.

Section 22 of
the Trade Marks
Act 1999; Rule
104 of the Trade
Marks Rules,
Any request for amendment shall be filed on form
2002
TM-16 with a fee of Rs 500/-.
For division of a multiclass application, request
shall be filed on form TM-53 with fee of Rs 1000/and multiples of Rs 3500/- as per number of
additional classes being created out of this TM-53.
Page | 112

A new class with new items of goods/services is not

permissible.
Note:
The proper course would be to send a copy of any
such request to the other party and to invite
objections, if any. A hearing should be fixed and
the parties be heard before disposing of the request.
Office
Action

4.6

The decision shall be communicated to both parties

and the same shall be incorporated in the relevant
modules of TMAS. In case the request is allowed,
the application, the notice of opposition or
counterstatement shall stand amended or corrected
accordingly and the matter will proceed further.
Decision in the matter

Office
Action

On the date fixed for hearing the Hearing officer Rule 56 (8) of
shall hear the submissions of the parties.
the Trade Marks
In case any party desires to file written arguments, Rules, 2002
the Hearing Officer shall allow the same to be taken
on record.
After conclusion of the hearing the Hearing officer
shall give his decisions along with facts and
materials considered by him in arriving at such Rule 56 (9) of
decisions, at the earliest.
the Trade Marks
The decision of the Hearing Officer shall be Rules, 2002
communicated to the parties concerned as per
procedure & practice of the Trademarks Registry
and shall be incorporated in the decision process
of opposition module of the TMAS and the status
of opposition & application opposed shall be
updated accordingly.

Section B: Rectification of Register

A request under section 47 may be filed before tribunal (the Registrar or the IPAB) for
rectification of register by removing the mark for non-use or under section 57 or 58 for
rectification of/ correction of register.
Sr.
No.

General Description

1.
1.1

Concept

Who may apply for Rectification of a registered

Trade Marks
Who may file a rectification Petition
Any person may make an application before the

Relevant
provision of the
Act & Rules

Section 47, 57, 58,

59, 60, 68, 77 of the
Trade Marks Act
Page | 113

Registrar of trademarks or before the Appellate 1999

Board (IPAB), for removal of a registered
trademark or for cancelling or varying the
registration of the trademark and for rectification of
the Register of trademarks, as such.
Aforesaid rectification of register may arise out of
the following procedures under the Trade Marks
Act 1999
(i) Under Section 47, a trade mark which is not
used within five years of its registration
becomes liable for removal either completely
or in respect of those goods or services for
which the mark has not been in use and any
person may make an application for removal
of a registered trademark on this ground.
(ii) Under Section 57(1) & (2) a person
aggrieved may make an application for
canceling or varying the registration of a trade
mark on the ground of any contravention or
failure to observe the conditions entered on the
register or by absence or omission from the
register any entry or by any entry made in the
register without sufficient cause, or by any
entry wrongly remaining on the register, or by
any error or defect in any entry in the register.
(iii) Under Section 68 a person aggrieved may
make an application for removing the
registration of a collective trade mark
(iv) Under Section 77 a person aggrieved may
make an application for cancellation or for
varying the registration of a certification trade
mark
(v) The Tribunal (the Registrar or the Appellate
Board) of its own motion after giving a notice
to the parties concerned and giving them an
opportunity of hearing, make any order as
above. Section 57(4)
(vi) On application made in the prescribed manner
by the registered proprietor, the Registrar of
trademarks may correct any error in the name,
address or description or any other entry
relating to the trade mark ;enter any change in
the name, address or description of the
registered proprietor; cancel the entry of a
trade mark in the register; strike out any goods
or classes of goods or services in respect of the
registered mark and make consequential
amendments or alterations in certificate of
registration.- section 58.
(vii) Alteration of the registered trade mark by the
Page | 114

registered proprietor section 59.

(viii) Change of classification of goods to align
with any revised classification section 60
An application for removal of the registered
trademark or for cancelling or varying the
registration of the registered trademark and for
rectification of the Register of trademarks under
Section 47 or 57 are made by an aggrieved person
ordinarily other than the registered proprietor.
These applications are contested matters and the
Tribunal Section deals with such matters.
Person aggrieved :
persons who are aggrieved are persons who are in
some way or the other substantially interested in
having the mark removed from the register or
persons who would be substantially damaged if the
mark remained
1.2

Requirement
from the
applicant

Application for rectification of register where the

validity of registration is questioned

Section 125 of the

Trade Marks Act
1999

Where in a suit for infringement of a registered

trade mark the validity of the registration of the
plaintiff's trade mark is questioned by the defendant
or where in any such suit the plaintiff questions the
validity of the registration.
of the defendant's trade mark, the issue as to the
validity of the registration of the trade mark
concerned shall be determined only on an
application for the rectification of the register and,
notwithstanding anything contained in section 47 or
section 57, such application shall be made to the
Appellate Board and not to the Registrar.

Office Action

1.3

Concept

Where an application for rectification of the

register is made to the Registrar under section 47 or
section 57, the Registrar may, in case the validity
of registration is questioned by opposite party in
any suit or proceeding before any court, refer the
application at any stage of the proceedings to the
Appellate Board.
Removal of registered trademark for non use, under
Section 47
The application for this purpose may be made on
either of the following grounds:
(a) the trade mark was registered without any
bonafide intention that it should be used in
relation to those goods/services, and that there
has in fact been no bonafide use of the trade
mark upto a date three months before the date
Page | 115

of application, or
(b) A continuous period of five years from the
actual date of registration or longer has elapsed
during which there was no bonafide use thereof
up to three months before the date of
application.
bonafide use means use that is honest and
genuine and not pretended -substantiality of
use judged by ordinary commercial standards,
depending upon the nature and circumstances
of the case may be relevant to determine
whether it was in fact bonafide
The period of five years under section 47(1)
will commence from the date on which the
trade mark is actually entered in the register.
This is different than the date of application for
registration of the trademark being the date of
registration in view of Section 23(1) of the
Section 46 of the
Trade Marks Act 1999
Trade Marks Act

However the registration may not be removed 1999

under this Section if

(a) A company is about to be formed & registered

under the Companies Act and the registered Section 47(3) of the
proprietor intends to assign the trade mark to Trade Marks Act
1999
that company; or
(b) Proprietor intends it to be used by a person to
be registered as the registered user, after the
registration of the mark.
(c) If alleged non-use of a trade mark is due to
special circumstances in the trade, which
includes restrictions on the use of the trade
mark in India imposed by any law or regulation
and not to any intention to abandon or not to
use the trade mark in relation to the goods or
services to which the application relates.
Partial removal of a registered trademark
Where in relation to any goods or services in
respect of which a trade mark is registered and a
person has been permitted under section 12 to
register an identical or nearly resembling trade
mark in respect of those goods/services, on
application by that person for removal of the other
trademark due to its nonuse, the tribunal may
impose on the registration of the first-mentioned
trade mark such limitations as it thinks proper for
securing that that registration shall cease to extend
to such use.
If the registration of a trade mark covered a wide
Page | 116

specification of goods and it is found that the trade

mark has been actually used only in relation to
some of those goods, it is open to the Registrar to
require the specification of goods or services for
which the trade mark was registered to be rewritten
in order to achieve the required degree of
rectification.
1.4

Concept

Canceling or varying the registration of a trade Section 57 (1) &

(2) of the Trade
mark under Section 57(1)&(2)
Marks Act 1999

An application for canceling or varying the

registration of a trade mark may be made on the
ground of any contravention or failure to observe
the conditions entered on the register or by absence
or omission from the register any entry or by any
entry made in the register without sufficient cause,
or by any entry wrongly remaining on the register,
or by any error or defect in any entry in the register.
contravention on failure to observe a condition
Contravention on failure to observe a condition,
is attracted only if there is non-compliance or
violation of any conditions. However it does not
extend to limitations as defined in section 2(1)(l).
For example when a trade mark is registered with
limitations as to colour under section 10, the use of
the mark in any other colour will not be considered
to constitute contravention of any condition. On the
contrary if there is an express condition imposed
against use of a particular colour or combination of
colours in the label of the trade mark, it would be a
condition of registration and accordingly the
violation of such condition may attract rectification
under section 57(1).
absence or omission from the register of any entry
The ground of absence or omission of any entry
in the register may be invoked against a trade mark
which has been registered without a condition,
whereas the trademark ought to have been
registered with such condition.
entry made in the register without sufficient cause
If the registration is found to have been made in
contravention of any of the provisions of the
Trademarks Act or the Rules, the registration may
be challenged as made without sufficient cause
wrongly remaining on the register
The existence of a registered trademark or its entry
on the register can be challenged, if it is established
that the registration of trademark erroneously
continues.
Page | 117

The relevant date in such cases is the date of

application for rectification.
For example, where a mark has become due for
renewal, and the registered proprietor has not
complied with the provisions concerning renewal,
the registration lapses and as such the trade mark is
wrongly remaining on the register.
1.5

Concept

Additional grounds for removal of registration of Section 68 of the

Trade Marks Act
collective mark
1999

The registration of a collective mark may also be

removed from the register on the ground(a) that the manner in which the collective mark
has been used by the proprietor or authorised user
has caused it to become liable to mislead the public
as a collective mark; or
(b) that the proprietor has failed to observe, or to
secure the observance of the regulations governing
the use of the mark.
Note:
"Authorised user" means a member of an
association authorised to use the registered
collective mark of the association.
Use of a collective mark by an authorised user to
shall be deemed to be the use by the registered
proprietor thereof.
1.6

Concept

Cancellation or varying of registration of Section 77 of the

Trade Marks Act
certification trade marks
1999
on the application of any aggrieved person and
after giving the registered proprietor an opportunity
of opposing the application, an order for expunging
or varying any entry in the register to a certification
trade mark, or for varying the regulations may be
passed, on any of the following grounds, namely:(a) that the proprietor is no longer competent, in
the case of any of the goods or services in
respect of which the mark is registered, to
certify those goods or services;
(b) that the proprietor has failed to observe any
provisions of the regulations to be observed on
his part;
(c) that it is no longer to the public advantage that
the mark should remain registered;
(d) that it is requisite for the public advantage that
if the mark remains registered, the regulations
should be varied.

1.7

Requirement
from the
applicant

Filing application for rectification of register

An application under Section 47, 57, 68 or 77 for
the making, expunging or varying of any entry

Rule 92 of the
Trade Marks Rules
2002
Page | 118

relating to a trade mark or a collective mark or

certification trade mark, in the register shall be
made in triplicate in Form TM-26, or in Form TM43 (in case of collective trademark or certification
trademark) and shall be accompanied by statement
in triplicate setting out fully the nature of the
applicant's interest, the facts upon which he bases
his case and the relief which he seeks. Where the
application is made by a person who is not the
registered proprietor of the trade mark in question,
the application and the statement aforesaid shall be
submitted to the Trade Marks Registry in triplicate.
In case there are registered users, such application
and statements shall be accompanied by as many
copies thereof as there are registered users.
The application shall be verified in the manner
prescribed under clause (i) of sub-rule (c) of rule 48
for verification of a notice of opposition.
1.8

Requirement
from the
Registered
Proprietor

Further procedure
Within two months or within such further period
not exceeding one month in the aggregate, from the
receipt of the copy of the application for
rectification, the registered proprietor shall send to
the office of the Trade Marks Registry from where
the application for rectification was sent, a
counterstatement in Form TM-6 in triplicate stating
the grounds on which the application for
rectification is contested and if he does so, the
Tribunal Section of the Trade Marks Registry shall
serve a copy of the counterstatement on the person
making the application within one month of the
receipt of the same. The provisions of Rules 50 to
57 of the Trade Marks Rules 2002 (dealing with
filing of evidence & conducting of hearing in
opposition proceeding) shall thereafter apply
mutatis mutandis to the further proceedings on the
application for rectification.

Rule 93 of the
Trade Marks Rules
2002

The Registrar of Trademarks shall not, however,

rectify the register or remove the mark from the
register merely because the registered proprietor
has not filed a counterstatement unless he is
satisfied that the delay in filing the
counterstatement is willful and is not justified by
the circumstance of the case.
In any case of doubt any party may apply to the
Registrar for directions.
1.9

Office Action

Hearing & disposal

Page | 119

Regarding fixing & conducting hearing,

adjournment of hearing and the disposal of
application for rectification, the procedure as
mentioned earlier in opposition proceeding, shall
be followed.
1.10

Office Action

Digitization:
The application for rectification of the register, the
counterstatement, the evidence filed & other
application/petitions or replies thereto submitted by
the parties shall be digitized & uploaded in the
TMAS and shall be electronically integrated with
the relevant records of rectification proceedings,
concerned. If exhibits are also submitted with the
affidavit, the party concerned will also be required
to submit in CD ROM or email the electronic copy
of exhibits reduced in non editable colored PDF file
format.

1.11

Office Action

rectification of register of trademarks by Tribunal Section 57(4) of the

Trade Marks Act
of its motion under Section 57(4)
1999

The tribunal, of its own motion, may, after giving

notice in the prescribed manner to the parties
concerned and after giving them an opportunity of
being heard, make any order for canceling or
varying the registration of a trade mark.
1.12

Office Action

Procedure for rectification of register of trademarks Rule 95 of the

Trade Marks Rules
by Tribunal under Section 57(4)
2002

The tribunal section of the Trademarks registry

shall send a notice in writing to the registered
proprietor and to each registered user if any, stating
the grounds on which the Registrar of trademark
proposes to rectify the register. The notice should
also specify the time, not being less than one month
from the date of such notice, within which an
application for a hearing shall be made.
If the person so notified does not send a statement
in writing setting out fully the facts upon which he
relies to meet the grounds stated in the notice or
applies for a hearing, he may be treated as not
desiring to take part in the proceedings.
In case a reply to the notice issued under Section
57(4) has been received, a hearing shall be fixed
and a hearing notice shall be sent as per procedure
to the registered proprietor & to each registered
user, if any, stating therein the date & time of the
hearing.
On the date fixed for hearing, the hearing officer
shall hear the submissions of the parties present and
Page | 120

peruse the records.

The Hearing Officer shall dispose of the notice
under Section 57(4) as per trademark law practice
& procedure of the trademarks registry by giving
the grounds of his decision.
The decision of the Hearing Officer shall be
communicated to the parties concerned.
The decision of the Hearing Officer shall be
incorporated in relevant module of TMAS and the
status of the registered trademark shall be updated
accordingly.
1.13

Office Action

Digitization
The notice issued under section 57(4) for
rectification of the register, the reply of the notice,
the evidence, if any, filed & other
application/petitions submitted on behalf of the
registered proprietor shall be digitized & uploaded
in the TMAS and shall be electronically integrated
with the relevant records of the registered
trademark concerned. If exhibits are also submitted
with the affidavit, the party concerned will also be
required to submit in CD ROM or email the
electronic copy of exhibits reduced in non editable
colored PDF file format.

Section C: Review
Section 127 (c) empowers the Registrar on an application made in prescribed manner, to review
his own decision. Rule 115 provides that an application to the Registrar for the review of his
decision shall be made on form TM-57 within one month from the date of such decision or
within such further period not exceeding one month thereafter as the Registrar may, on request
allow. The review application is to be accompanied by a statement setting out the grounds on
which the review is sought. If the decision sought to be reviewed concerns any other person, the
review application and the statement should be filed and the Registrar will dispose of the
review application after giving the parties an opportunity of hearing.
Sr.
No.
1

General Description

Relevant
provision of the
Act & Rules

The registrar may, on an application made in

prescribed manner, review his own decision.
Page | 121

1.1

Concept

Section 127 (c) of

Who may apply:
Any party to the proceeding aggrieved by the the Trademarks Act
1999
impugned decision.

1.2

Concept

Grounds of Review:
The trademarks law doesnt provide for the
grounds of review, however, It is a well established
practice to follow the provisions in section 145 of
the Civil Procedure Code, read with rule 1 under
Order 47, which limits the review to the following
classes:
(a)

where there is discovery of new and

important matter or evidence;
(b) where there is a mistake or error apparent on
the face of the record; and
(c) for any other sufficient reason.
While the circumstance in (a) above would
obviously justify a review an error apparent on the
face of record must be such an error which must
strike one on merely looking at the record and
would not require any long drawn process of
reasoning on points where there may be
conceivably two opinions.
(Meera Bhanja vs. Smt. Nirmala Kumari Chaudhary, AIR
1995 SC 455)

The words any other sufficient reason have been

interpreted as reason sufficient on grounds at least
analogous to those specified immediately
previously i.e. excusable failure to bring to the
notice of the court new and important matters or
error apparent on the face of the record.
(Maranmar vs. Mar Paulose, AIR 1954 SC 526)

A decision means a concluded opinion. An order

granting extension of time is not of such a nature. It
is not such a decision as to give the aggrieved
person a right to appeal. It is just a procedural order
in aid of proceedings Similarly an order refusing
extension of time to file evidence in support of
opposition is not a decision and hence not
reviewable.
(Ajit Kumar Rath V. State of Orissa (1999)9 SCC 596)

1.3

Rule 115 of the

Requirement Prescribed form:
Trademarks Rules
from
the
TM-57 to be accompanied by a statement setting 2002
Applicant

forth the grounds on which the review is sought.

In case, the decision sought to be reviewed
concerns any other person, the review application
and the statement should be filed in triplicate.
Page | 122

1.4

Requirement Prescribed fee:

from
the Rs. 2000/Applicant

1.5

Limitation:
One month from the date of the decision sought to
be reviewed or within such further period not
exceeding a month thereafter as the Registrar my
on request allows.

1.6

Office Action

Service of documents:
In case, the decision sought to be reviewed
concerns any other person, office is required to
send a copy of the application and statement to the
other person concerned.

1.7

Office Action

Entry 57 of First
Schedule of the
Trademarks Rules
2002
Rule 115 of the
Trademarks Rules
2002

Rule 115 of the

Trademarks Rules
2002

Hearing and Decision:

Rule 115 of the

An application for review of decision issued by the Trademarks Rules

Registrar is generally considered by the same 2002
officer who passed the impugned decision. This is
subject to the specific provision contained in
section 4 of the Trademarks Act 1999 empowering
the Registrar to transfer a case to another Hearing
Officer.
A hearing notice shall be issued to the applicant for
review and other concerned person, if any, stating
therein the date & time for hearing.
The Hearing Officer shall hear the submissions of
the party or parties peruse the relevant records and
may reject or grant the application for review,
either unconditionally or subject to any conditions
or limitations, as he thinks fit.
1.8

Office Action

Digitization
The review application and other relevant records
relating thereto shall be digitized, uploaded and
integrated with the relevant application or
opposition as the case may be.

Page | 123

Chapter V
Pre-Registration Amendment
This chapter deal with the provision related to correction of data entry errors of request related
to amendment to data before registration of the Trade Marks, issuance of corrigenda in case of
erroneous advertisement of the applied Trademarks, re advertisement of the applied trademarks
in case of major errors in advertisement, and correction in registration certificate. The Pre
Registration Amendment Section (PRAS) is headed by Senior Examiner of Trade Marks and
assisted by other officials depending upon the quantum of work. This section will function in all the
offices of Trade Marks Registry.

Sr.
No.

General Description

Relevant
provision of the
Act & Rules

1.

Concept

A correction of any errors in the application of any Section 22 Rule

amendment in the application is permitted by the Trade 41
Marks Act 1999 and Rules 2002.

1.2

Requirement
from the
Applicant

An applicant for the registration of the Trademark may,

before the registration of the trade mark, apply in Form16 accompanied by prescribed fee and supporting
document, if required, for correction of any errors in his
application of amendment in the application.

1.3

Office
Action

The section in charge shall ensure that the request made

on form TM-16 are digitized and uploaded in the
system. Thereafter he/she shall dispose the request in
accordance with Trade Marks Act and rules and
incorporate the amendments in the application.

1.4

Concept

This provision is made for correction mere clerical

errors in the application.
No request for correction / amendment shall be allowed
which seeks substantial alteration in the application for
registration of trade mark.
Any amendment in the applied Trademark which may
consider substantial alteration, proprietor details,
specification of goods and services (except deletion of
some items), statement as to the use of the mark shall
not be permitted, however request for amendment in the
proprietorship of the trade mark on the basis of valid
assignment or transmission, change in address of the
applicant or in the address for service, deletion or
confinement of any item in the specification of
goods/services, confinement/limitation in the area of
sales of goods/services, division of multiclass
application, etc. can be allowed.

Page | 124

1.5

Office
Action

The officer assigned this work shall allow / refuse the

request for correction / amendment made on form 16
through the system. In case the request is allowed, the
officer shall update the application details accordingly
by putting remark to that effect in the system.
A request for correction / amendment in the application
filed during the show-cause hearing or during
opposition proceeding, shall be disposed by concern
hearing officer, though the same shall be given effect in
the system by the PRAS section.

1.6

Request for correction of Data Entry Errors

Office
Action

In case where there is an error/s in the data entry and

request for the correction is made for the same, the
officer assigned this work shall verify the facts with the
relevant original documents whether available on paper
or already scanned and uploaded in the system. In case
original document is not available, a certified and
authentic copy of the document shall be called from the
applicant.
After the verification of relevant document, if officer
satisfied that errors exists, a correction shall be made in
the system along with the remarks top this effect in the
system by concerned officer.

1.7

Correction of Data after Advertisement

Office
Action

If any application erroneously advertised in the trade

marks journal due to data entry errors and the same is
brought to the notice, the section In-charge shall
examine the contents on the basis of relevant documents
and if error is found genuine, the section in charge shall
make necessary correction and put his/her remarks in
the system. In case of the correction of errors regarding
the proprietors details, the code of the correct
proprietor shall be substituted; significant changes in the
Proprietors detail shall not be made without changing
the Code.
In case errors complained of not digitized section Incharge shall forward the matter to EDP for digitization.

1.8

Issuance of Corrigenda or notification or readvertisement

Officer
Action

In case of error/s in advertisement considered to be

clerical, a corrigendum is published.
In case errors in the advertisement considered to be
major such as - relates to the trade mark, proprietorship,
statement of user, class or specification of goods and
services (except spelling mistakes) jurisdiction,
Page | 125

condition or limitation for acceptance/advertisement of

the mark, the section in charge shall proceed to readvertisement of application after written approval from
supervising officer, thereafter such re advertisement
shall be digitized, uploaded and integrated with the
application.
1.9

Correction in the Registration Certificate

Officer
Action

On receipt of complain regarding erroneous registration

certificate, the section in charge shall examine the
contents of the grievances on the basis of relevant
documents and if complaint filed genuine, he/she shall
take back the registration certificate from the applicant /
complainant, and will correct the data entry errors by
putting his/her remark in the system.
In case of minor errors in the certificate, a
registration certificate with corrected data shall be
generated and shall be sent to the applicant or his
authorized agent.
However in case of major errors found, as if
registration certificate is generated on the basis of
wrong publication of mark, class, goods/services,
statement of user in Trademarks journal, the section
In-charge shall initiate proceeding under 57(4) after
obtaining approval from competent authority. The
note and approval shall be digitized thereafter
forwarded to Tribunal Section for further
proceeding. The activities of this section will be
governed through a system module.

2.

DIVISION OF APPLICATIONS
Concept

In the Trade Marks Act 1999, a facility for division Proviso

to
of application is provided to the applicant.
Section 22, Rule
Under proviso to section 22, if an amendment is 104
made to single application, involving division of
such application into two or more applications, the
divided application will retain the date of making
the original application.

2.1

Requirement
from the
Applicant

Applicant is required to file request for dividing his

multi class application in to more than one
application as per prescribed form i.e. TM 53 and
fee.

2.2

Office
Action

Each divided application will be treated as separate

application, with the same filing date. A separate
new serial number is allotted to the divided
application and they will be linked by cross
reference with the initial application.
Page | 126

Chapter VI
Renewal, Assignment/Transmission, Registered User and Post Registration
Changes of Registered User
This chapter deals with the renewals, restorations & post registration amendments in respect of
registered trademarks. A Renewal, Restoration & Amendment (RR&A) Section is created in
every branch of the Trade Marks Registry for dealing with requests for above purposes.

Sr.
No.
1

General Description

Relevant
provision of the
Act & Rules

Renewal of trademark(s):

1.1

Concept

Date of registration & period of registration:

1.2

Office
Action

Prior notice as to renewal of trademarks:

1.3

Requirement Application for renewal:

from
the
An application for renewal of registration of trade
applicant

Section 23(1) &

25(1) of the
For the purposes of renewal, the effective date of
Trade
Marks
registration is the date of making of the application.
Act, 1999
The registration of trade mark is valid for a period
of ten years (10 years) from the date of registration
which may be renewed from time to time in
accordance with the provisions of Trade Marks Act
& Rule.
Section 25(3) of
the Trade Marks
The Office shall send a notice to the Registered Act, 1999 and
Proprietor on Form O-3 intimating the approaching Rule 64(1) of
expiration of registration of trade mark and the the Trade Marks
condition as to the renewal of trade mark.
Rules, 2002
The O-3 notice shall be electronically generated
from the Trade Mark Automation System (TMAS)
and the same shall be dispatched by the Registered
Post so that it is received by the Registered
Proprietor at any date not less than one month and
not more than three months before the expiration of
last renewal of trade mark.
Rule 63(1) of
mark shall be made on Form TM-12 at the the Trade Marks
appropriate office or Head Office of the Trade Rules, 2002
Marks Registry, at any time not more than six
months before the expiration of last registration of
the trade mark.
Where the registration of a trade mark takes more Rule 64(3) of
than 10 years, namely after the first renewal date, the Trade Marks
the application for the renewal may be made within Rules, 2002
the period of six months from the actual date of
registration.
Page | 127

1.4

Requirement Who can apply:

from
the
The application for renewal may be made by a
applicant

Rule 63(2) of
the Trade Marks
person who is proprietor of the registered trade Rules, 2002
mark or by a person who is his duly authorized
agent.
In case of application by an agent, if not already on
record, a request for change of address for service
of the applicant on Form TM-50 along with the
duly executed Power of Attorney in his favour shall
also be filed.
Rule 63(4) of
the Trade Marks
In case the renewal application is filed by some
Rules, 2002
person/entity as proprietor different from the
registered proprietor on record or his agent, the
application may be accepted subject to an affidavit
stating the entitlement of the applicant in respect of
the trademark(s), whereof renewal is applied, the
entire chain of title along with supporting
documents.
In case of an application for renewal from
managing trustee, executors, administrators and the
like, the same be accepted subject to court order(s)
or documents of other authority to act on behalf of
the present proprietor.

1.5

Requirement Prescribed fee for renewal:

from
the
The fee for renewal is as follows :
applicant

Items nos. 17,

18, 19 & 20 of
Schedule-I
of
For the renewal of registration of trade mark in a Trade
Marks
class before the expiration of last registration Rs. Rules, 2002
5,000/-;
For the renewal of registration of trade mark
consisting of series of trade mark Rs. 5,000/per mark;
For the renewal of registration of trade mark in
respect of goods or services falling in more than
one class (Multi-class application) Rs. 5,000/- for
each class.
For the renewal of registration of collective trade
mark/ certification trade mark Rs. 10,000/-.

1.6

Requirement Renewal after expiration of last registration:

Proviso
to
from
the
Section 25(3) of
In case the application for renewal is filed within 6
applicant
the Trade Marks

months from the expiration of last registration, the

Act, 1999 and
same shall be accepted subject to payment of a
Proviso to Rule
surcharge of Rs. 3,000/- on Form TM-10.
65 of the Trade
Marks
Rules,
2002
Page | 128

1.7

Removal & Restoration:

Office
Action

In case no renewal fee is paid along with the

surcharge within six months from the expiration of Section 25 (4) of
last registration, the mark becomes liable to be the Trade Marks
Act, 1999; Rule
removed from register.
66 of the Trade
The Registrar has the power to restore the Marks
Rules,
trademark provided an application for restoration of 2002
the same is made on Form TM-13 with the
prescribed fee of Rs. 5,000/- accompanied by a
renewal application with prescribed fee and
surcharge after six months but within one year from
the expiration of last registration.
While restoring the trademark, the registrar may
impose such conditions or limitations as he thinks
fit. The registrar shall, while considering the request
for such restoration and renewal, have regard to the
interest of other affected persons.
If case no request for the renewal of registration of
trade mark has been filed on behalf of the registered
proprietor even up to one year after expiration of
last registration of the trade mark, the trade mark
will be removed from the Register since the date of
expiration of its last registration irrespective of the
actual date of removal.

1.8

Office
Action

All requests for the renewal filed on Form TM-12,

payment of surcharge filed on Form TM-10 and
request for restoration filed on Form TM-13 and
other documents submitted along with such requests
shall be scanned and uploaded in the system.
The requests for renewal and/or restoration shall be
processed through the Renewal module of Trade
Mark Automated System and as per provisions of
Trade Marks Act, 1999 and Trade Marks Rules,
2002.
Irrespective of the actual date of renewal of a
registered trade mark, the trademark shall be
renewed from the date of last expiration of its
registration.
The intimation to the renewal will be generated
from the system, accordingly and shall be sent to
the applicant.
All the renewals done through the system shall be
sent through the system for publication in the
trademark journal.
In case of any objection to the renewal of registered
Page | 129

trade mark, the Office shall generate a query letter

through the system and send it to the applicant for
the renewal accordingly and shall keep the request
pending till the response of query letter is received.
In case of removal of trademark(s) for non-payment
of renewal fees, a letter notifying the removal of
trade mark shall be sent to the registered proprietor
by post and all removals done during a particular
period shall be sent through the system, for
publication in the trademark Journal.
2.
2.1.

Assignment &
Trademarks
Concept

Transmission

of

Registered

Assignment & Transmission

1. Assignment or transmission of a trade mark
refers to the process by which proprietorship of
a registered trade mark/ trade mark whose
registration is being sought, is passed from one
party to another/ devolves upon the other party,
as the case may be.
2. The right of the registered proprietor to assign a
trade mark for any consideration is recognized.
3. A registered trade mark is assignable or
transmissible with or without the goodwill in
respect of all goods /services or some only of
such goods/services for which the mark is
registered.
4. An important change introduced by the new
Trade Marks Act 1999 law is that it enables an
unregistered trade mark to be assigned or
transmitted with or without the goodwill of the
business.
5. Restrictions are imposed on assignment or
transmission where multiple exclusive rights
would be created in more than one person and
also, to prevent splitting of right on territorial
basis & creating right in different persons in
different parts of India. However the Registrar
of Trade Marks is empowered to approve
assignment where he is satisfied that it would
not be contrary to the public interest.
6. Where there is an assignment without goodwill
of business, it will not take effect unless the
assignor obtains directions of the Registrar of
Trade Marks and advertises the Assignment as
per directions.
7. Assignment of certification trade mark can only
be done with the consent of the Registrar of
Trade Marks.
8. Associated trademarks will have to be assigned

Section 37,38,
39, 41, 42, 43,
44, 45 and Rule
73 of the Trade
Marks Rules
2002

Page | 130

together.
9. The Trademark law that provides that if the
validity of assignment is in dispute, Registrar of
Trade Marks may refuse to register the
assignment unless the rights of the parties are
determined by a competent court.
10. Where the assignment involves transmission of
money outside India, permission of authority
specified in any law for transmission of money
abroad will have to be produced before recordal
of assignment.
2. 2

Requirement Who can assign:

from
the Registered proprietor of subsisting trademarks can
Registered
assign his trademarks to subsequent users.
Proprietor

2.3

Requirement
from
the
Registered
Proprietor
Requirement
from
the
subsequent
Proprietor

2.4

2.5

2.6

Section 37 of
the Trade Marks
Act 1999

What can be assigned/transmitted:

Section 38 of
Any registered trade mark can be assigned or the Trade Marks
transmitted with or without goodwill.
Act 1999
Registration of assignments and transmissions:
Section 45(1) of
Any person who becomes entitled by assignment or the Trade Marks
transmission to a registered trademark should apply Act 1999
for registration of the assignment/transmission, as
the case may be, in the prescribed manner.

Requirement
from
the
subsequent
Proprietor

Prescribed form(s):
An application to register the title of a person who
becomes entitled to a registered trade mark by
assignment or transmission shall be made in Form
TM-24.
The assignor & assignee can also make a joint
request to register assignee as subsequent proprietor
in form TM-23.
Requirement Prescribed fee for TM-23/24:
from
the On application to register a subsequent proprietor in
subsequent
a case of assignment or transfer of a single trade
Proprietor
mark:

Rule 68 of the
Trade Marks
Rules 2002

Items nos. 27 &

28 of Ist
Schedule

If made within six months from the date of

acquisition of proprietorship Rs. 5000/If made after expiration of six months but before 12
months from the date of acquisition of
proprietorship Rs. 7500/If made after 12 months from date of acquisition of
proprietorship Rs. 10,000/On application to register a subsequent proprietor of
more than one trade mark registered in the same
name, the devolution of title being the same in each
case:If made within six months from the date of
acquisition of proprietorshipPage | 131

2.7

For the first mark Rs. 5000/For every additional mark Rs. 1000/If made after the expiration of six months but
before twelve months from the date of acquisition
of proprietorship:For the first mark Rs. 7500/For every additional mark Rs. 1,500/If made after the expiration of twelve months from
the date of acquisition of proprietorship:For the first mark Rs. 10,000/For every additional mark Rs. 2000/Requirement Contents of application:
Rule 69 and 75
from
the Application must contain full particulars of the of the Trade
subsequent
instrument of title.
Marks Rules
Proprietor
In addition to the above, in respect of assignment of 2002
trademark(s) without goodwill, the application must
state that(a) the trade mark had been or was used in the
business in any of the subject goods or services,
and
(b) the assignment was made otherwise than in
connection with the goodwill of that business.

2.8

2.9

Requirement
from
the
subsequent
Proprietor

Documents required:
Original or duly certified copy of the instrument of
title.
In case, the applicant does not establish his claim Rule 70 of the
under any document or instrument he shall state a Trade Marks
case setting forth the full particulars of the facts Rules 2002
upon which his claim to be proprietor of the trade
mark is based, and showing that the trade mark has
been assigned or transmitted to him.
An affidavit in Form TM-18, if the Registrar so
requires.
Requirement Requirement of directions of Registrar in case of Section 42 of
the Trade Marks
from
the Assignment without goodwill:
Act 1999; Rule
subsequent
Assignment
of
trademark(s)
without
goodwill
shall
74 of the Trade
Proprietor
not take effect unless the assignee, not later than the Marks Rules
expiration of six months from the date on which the 2002
assignment is made or within such extended period,
if any, not exceeding three months in the aggregate,
as the Registrar may allow, applies to the Registrar
for directions with respect to the advertisement of Rule 75 of the
the assignment, and advertises it in such form and Trade Marks
manner and within such period as the Registrar may Rules 2002
direct.
In case of an application for assignment of
trademark(s) without goodwill, a copy of the
directions (infra) of the Registrar to advertise the
assignment and such proof, including copies of
Page | 132

advertisements or otherwise, as required by the

office, to show that the directions have been
fulfilled for in case the directions have not been
fulfilled, the application will not be proceeded
further.
2.10

Requirement Prescribed form(s) for request for direction/

from
the extension:
subsequent
The application for directions of the Registrar of
Proprietor

2.11

Concept

Section 42 of
the Trade Marks
Act 1999; Rule
74 of the Trade
Trade Marks shall be made in Form TM-20 and it Marks Rules
shall state the date on which the assignment was 2002
made. A request for an extension of the period,
within which the application for Registrars
direction may be made, shall be made in Form TM21. The application shall give particulars of the
registration in the case of a registered trade mark,
and in the case of an unregistered mark shall show
the mark and give particulars including user of the
unregistered trade mark that has been assigned
therewith.
Restrictions against creation of multiple exclusive Sections 40 &
41 of the Trade
rights:
Marks Act 1999
The trade marks law lays down restrictions on
assignment or transmission of trademarks so as to
prevent splitting of rights over the trade mark on a
territorial basis and creating exclusive rights on
different persons to use the trademark in different
parts of India.
However, the Registrar of Trade Marks has been
empowered to approve such assignment, if he is
satisfied that it would not be contrary to public
interest.

2.12

Requirement
from
the
subsequent
Proprietor

Office
Action

Registrars certificate/notification of approval in Rule 77 of the

cases of multiple exclusive rights
Trade Marks
The proprietor of a registered trade mark who Rules 2002
proposes to make such assignment shall make an
application on form TM-17 (if multiple exclusive
rights are likely to be created in different persons in
view of their use of trademark for same/similar
goods or services) or on form TM-19 (if multiple
exclusive rights are likely to be created in different
persons in view of their use of trademark in
different parts of India ), together with a statement
of case setting out the circumstances and a copy of
any instrument or proposed instrument effecting the
assignment or transmission.
A written approval or disapproval of the proposed
assignment will be given after hearing the applicant
Page | 133

2.13

& any other person considered to be interested in

the transfer. Where an approval has been given,
application for registration of the title is to be made
within six months from the date of approval.
Requirement Registrars consent in cases of assignment / Section 43 of
from
the transmission of Certification trademark
the Trade Marks
subsequent
Act 1999; Rule
Proprietor
Certification trademarks can be assigned only after 140(2) the Trade
the consent of the Registrar is obtained thereafter Marks Rules
2002.
follows the normal process for assignment.
The application for consent must be made on form
TM-62

2.14

Requirement
from
the
subsequent
Proprietor

Prescribed Fee for TM-17/19/20/21/62:

Items nos. 23,
Fee for TM-17/19/20
24 & 25of Ist
For the first mark Rs. 2500/Schedule.
For every additional mark Rs. 500/Fee for TM-21 for direction of the Registrar for
advertisement of assignment without goodwill of
trademark in use in respect of devolution of title Not exceeding one month Rs. 500/Not exceeding two month Rs. 1000/Not exceeding three month Rs. 1500/Fee for TM-62 Rs. 1000/-

2.15

Office
Action

Disputes regarding assignment/transmission:

Section 45(3) of
In case of dispute between the parties as to the the Trade Marks
validity of assignment/transmission of trademark(s), Act 1999
the Registrar may refuse to register the
assignment/transmission until the rights of the
parties have been determined by a competent Court.

2.16

Office
Action

All
requests
for
the
recordal
of
assignment/transmission and other documents
submitted along with such requests shall be scanned
and uploaded in the system. The documents being
currently received at the Office of the Trade Marks
Registry shall be digitized and uploaded in the
system by the EDP Section, while all pending
requests and accompanied documents submitted
with such requests shall be digitized by A&R
Section.
The data entry of a request for Recordal of
assignments/transmission shall be made in PR
Entry of POST REGISTRATION module of
TMAS. Thereafter a scrutiny of the request and
scrutiny as to existence/nonexistence of supporting
documents shall be made. Then the request shall be
examined & disposed of in terms of relevant
Page | 134

provisions of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and Trade

Marks Rules, 2002.
The Officer-in-Charge of A&R Section while
disposing the aforesaid requests for the correction
or amendment shall take into account the following
facts :
1.

Whether the trade mark in respect of which

the request has been filed, is renewed and
valid;

2.

Whether the person shown to be assignor of

the trademark in the assignment deed, or the
person from whom the devolution of title in
the trademark is claimed, appears as registered
proprietor with same details as to address etc.

3.

After how much time of the assignment or of

the devolution of title, the request for recordal
is filed; the assignment deed is duly stamped
& executed and whether necessary fee is paid.

4.

In case of assignment of trademark without

goodwill, or in case of assignment likely to
create multiple exclusive rights in different
persons, or in case of assignment of
certification
trademark,
the
necessary
permission of the Registrar of trademarks is
obtained and whether conditions of the
Registrars permission are followed.

5.

Whether there exists any dispute as to the title

or as to any interest in the trademark sought to
be assigned or transmitted. An affidavit of the
assignee or of the assignor to this effect should
be called for.

In case of any objection, query letter will be

generated through the system and the same will be
sent to the applicant who has made the request, by
post.
In case an application for recordal of assignment or
transmission is allowed, the same shall be effected
in the system and communication to this effect be
sent to the applicant. All the requests allowed
during a particular period shall be compiled and
sent through the system for publication in the
ensuing Trade Mark Journal.
Page | 135

REGISTERED USERS:
3.1

Concept:

Permitted Use of a trademark Section 2(1)(r)

"permitted use", in relation to a registered trade of the Trade
mark, means the use of trade mark Marks Act 1999
(i) by a registered user of the trade mark in relation
to goods or services(a) with which he is connected in the course of
trade; and
(b) in respect of which the trade mark remains
registered for the time being; and
(c) for which he is registered as registered user; and
(d) which complies with any conditions or
limitations to which the registration of registered
user is subject; or
(ii) by a person other than the registered proprietor
and registered user in relation to goods or services (a) with which he is connected in the course of
trade; and
(b) in respect of which the trade mark remains
registered for the time being; and
(c) by consent of such registered proprietor in a
written agreement; and
(d) which complies with any conditions or
limitations to which such user is subject and to
which the registration of the trade mark is subject;

3.2

Concept

Registered user:

3.3

Requirement Application for registration of registered user:

Section 49 (1) of
from
the An Application for registration of registered user the Trade Marks
applicant
will be filed by the registered proprietor and Act 1999; Rule

3.4

Section 48 (2) of
the Trade Marks
A person other than the registered proprietor of a Act 1999
trade mark may be registered as a registered user
thereof in respect of any or all of the goods or
services in respect of which the trade mark is
registered.

proposed user jointly on form TM-28.

An Application for registration of registered user in
respect of more than one trademark may be filed in
one request.
Requirement Documents required:
from
the The application to be accompanied by the following
applicant
documents 1. Agreement in writing between the registered
proprietor and proposed user or duly
authenticated copy thereof with respect to the
permitted use of the trade mark. No application
will be entertained unless the same has been
filed within 6 months from the date of

80 of the Trade
Marks Rules
2002
Section 49 (1) of
the Trade Marks
Act 1999 and
Rule 80 of the
Trade Marks
Rules 2002

Page | 136

agreement.
2. Document and correspondence, if any
mentioned in the agreement or authenticated
copies thereof
3. An affidavit of the registered proprietor or by
some person authorized, testifying to the
genuineness of the documents accompanying
the application and containinga. the particulars and statements required
by clause (b) of sub-section (1) of
section 49;[including degree of control
to be exercised by the proprietor over
the permitted use; the fact as to whether
the proposed user shall be sole registered
user or their shall be any restriction;
terms & the duration of the permitted
use, goods/services in relation to which
registration of registered user
is
proposed, etc.]
b. the precise relationship between the
registered proprietor and proposed user,
if any,
c. a statement as to the goods or services in
which the registered proprietor is
dealing, together with details as to
whether the trade mark which is the
subject of the application has been used
by him in the course of trade before the
date of the application and if so the
amount and duration of such user.
4. Such further or other documents and
evidence/information, as the Registrar may call
for.
3.5

Requirement Variation or cancellation as registered user:

from
the
applicant
The registration of a person as registered user-

Section 50 of
the Trade Marks
Act 1999

a) may be varied by the Registrar of trademarks, as

regards the goods or services in respect of
which it has effect, on the application in form
TM-29 of the registered proprietor of the trade
mark;
b) may be cancelled by the Registrar on the
application on form TM-30 by the registered
proprietor of the mark or by any other registered
users;
c) may be cancelled by the Registrar or on the
application on form TM-31 any person on any
of the following, rounds, namely:i.
that the registered user has used the
Page | 137

trade mark otherwise than in accordance

with the agreement or in such way as to
cause or to be likely to cause, deception
or confusion;
ii.
that the proprietor or the registered user
misrepresented, or failed to disclose,
some fact material to the application for
registration
which
if
accurately
represented or disclosed would not have
justified the registration of the registered
user;
iii. that the circumstances have changed
since the date of registration in such a
way that at the date of such application
for cancellation they would not have
justified registration of the registered
user;
iv.
that the registration ought not to have
been effected having regard to rights
vested in the applicant by virtue of a
contract in the performance of which he
is interested;
d) may be cancelled by the Registrar on his own
motion or on the application in writing in the
prescribed manner by any person, on the ground
that any stipulation in the agreement between
the registered proprietor and the registered user
regarding the quality of the goods or services in
relation to which the trade mark is to be used is
either not being enforced or is not being
complied with;
e) may be cancelled by the Registrar in respect of
any goods or services in relation to which the
trade mark is no longer registered.
3.6

Requirement Prescribed Fee TM-28/29/30/31:

from
the For application under section 49 to register a
applicant
registered user of a registered trade mark in respect

Item no. 32, 33,

34, 35 & 36 of
Ist Schedule

of goods or services within the specification

thereof: Rs. 5000/For application to register the same registered user
of more than one registered trade mark of the same
registered proprietor, where all the trademarks are
covered by the same registered user agreement in
respect of goods or services within the respective
specification thereof and subject to the same
conditions and restrictions in each case:For the first mark -

Rs. 5000/-

For every additional mark of the proprietor included

in the application, and in the registered user
Page | 138

agreement - Rs 3000/For application under Section 50(1) (a) to vary the

entry of a registered user of one trademark, where
the trademarks are covered by the same registered
user in respect of each of them
For the first mark 5000/For every additional mark 2500/For application under Section 50(1) (b) to cancel
the entry of a registered user of one trademark
2500/Where the application includes more than one
trademarkFor the first mark 2500/For every additional mark 500/For application under Section 50(1) (c) or (d) to
cancel the entry of a registered user of one
trademark 5000/Where the application includes more than one
trademarkFor the first mark 5000/For every additional mark 2000/3.7

Office
Action

All requests for the registration of registered user,

requests for cancellation of registration of registered
user and documents submitted along with such
requests shall be scanned and uploaded in the
system.
The data entry of a request for registration of
registered user shall be made in REGISTERD
USER module of TMAS. Thereafter a scrutiny of
the
request
and
scrutiny
as
to
existence/nonexistence of supporting documents
shall be made. Then the request shall be examined
& disposed of in terms of relevant provisions of the
Trade Marks Act, 1999 and Trade Marks Rules,
2002.
The Officer-in-Charge of A&R Section while
disposing the aforesaid requests shall take into
account the following facts:
1. Whether the trade mark in respect of which
the request has been filed, is renewed and
valid;
2.

Whether there exists any dispute as to the title

or as to any interest in the trademark sought to
be licensed.

3.

Whether the person entering into agreement

for registered user as a registered proprietor,
actually appears as registered proprietor in the
trademark registry records, with same details
as to address etc.
Page | 139

4.

Whether registered user agreement is duly

stamped & executed.

5.

Whether terms & conditions of registered user

agreement including the tenure & conditions
of permitted use, are in conformity with the
registration of trademarks concerned.

In case of any objection, a query letter will be

generated through the system and the same will be
sent to applicants who have made the request, by
post.
In case an application for registration of registered
user or the application for variation or cancellation
of registration of registered user is allowed, the
same shall be effected in the system and
communication to this effect be sent to the
applicant. All the requests allowed during a
particular period shall be compiled and sent through
the system for publication in the ensuing Trade
Mark Journal.
4.
4.1

4.2

POST-REGISTRATION AMENDMENTS:
Concept

Amendments in the registration details:

The registered proprietor of a trade mark may apply
for correction of error or amendment as to the
name, address, description of registered proprietor
or cancelling the entry of the trademark on the
register, or for striking out any goods or services
mentioned in the registered trade mark.
In case there are registered users of the trademarks
referred in the application, the copy of such
application shall be served by the applicant on the
registered user(s).
The application for correction of error or for
amendment may also be made by the registered
user, but in such case a notice as to such application
shall be given to the registered proprietor.
Requirement Amendment as to the name or the description of
from
the registered proprietor:
applicant
A request for correction of error or for amendment
as to the name or the description of registered
proprietor shall be made on Form TM-33.
The supporting documents (like certificate from the
Registrar of Companies in case of change of name
of the company) shall have to be attached along
with the request for change of name of registered
proprietor.
The registered proprietor may file a request for
correction or amendment in the name or description

Section 58(1) of
the Trade Marks
Act, 1999; Rule
97 of the Trade
Marks
Rules
2002

Section 58(2) of
the Trade Marks
Act, 1999

Rules 91 & 97
of the Trade
Marks
Rules
2002

Page | 140

4.3

Requirement
from
the
applicant

4.4

Requirement
from
the
applicant

4.5

Requirement
from
the
applicant
Requirement
from
the
applicant

4.6

4.7

Requirement
from
the
applicant

4.8

Requirement
from
the
applicant

of the registered proprietor in respect of more than

one trade mark, in one request.
Amendment as to the address of the registered
proprietor:
The request for correction of error or for change in
the address of the registered proprietor shall be
made on Form TM-34 along with supporting
documents.
The registered proprietor may file a request for
correction of error or for change in the address of
the registered proprietor in respect of more than one
trade mark in one request.
Amendment as to the address for service of the
registered proprietor:
An application for amendment in the address for
service of a registered proprietor shall be made on
Form TM-50 alongwith supporting documents. In
case the address for service of the registered
proprietor is sought to be amended on the basis of
Power of Attorney executed in favour of an Agent,
a copy of the Power of Attorney shall also be
attached along with the request
A single application may be made for amendment
in the address of the registered proprietor in respect
of more than one trade mark.
Cancellation of registered trade mark:
An application for cancellation of registered trade
mark shall be made on Form TM-35.
Application to strike out any or some goods or
services:
An application to strike out any or some goods or
services for which a trade mark is registered shall
be made on Form TM-36.
Adaptation after amendment in Fourth Schedule:
On the classification set forth in the Fourth
Schedule being amended, the registered proprietor
of a trade mark may apply on Form TM-40 for the
conversion of the specification relating to his trade
mark, so as to bring that specification into
conformity with the amended classification.
The application shall include a request for the like
conversion of the specification in respect of any
registered users under that registration, and the
registered proprietor shall serve a copy of the
application on the registered user or users of the
trade mark, if any.
Alteration in registered trademark:
An application for making alteration in the
registered trade mark may be made by registered
proprietor on Form TM-38 alongwith 5 legible
copies of the mark as it will appear after the

Rules 91, 96 &

97 of the Trade
Marks
Rules
2002

Rules 91, 96 &

97 of the Trade
Marks
Rules
2002

Rule 97 of the
Trade
Marks
Rules 2002
Rule 97 of the
Trade
Marks
Rules 2002

Rule 101 of the

Trade
Marks
Rules 2002

Section 59 of
the Trade Marks
Act, 1999; Rule
98 of the Trade
Marks
Rules
Page | 141

4.9

proposed alteration, shall be attached with the

application.
Requirem
Prescribed fee for various amendment
ent from
applications:
the
(Form TM-33) Rs. 1000/applicant
Where the application includes more than one
trade mark
For the first trade mark is - Rs. 1,000/For every additional mark - Rs. 500/

(Form TM-34) Rs. 500/Where the application includes more than one
trade mark and where the address in each case is
the same and is altered in the same way:
For the first entry - Rs. 500/For every other entry as per the application - Rs.
200/-

(Form TM-50) Rs. 500/Where the application includes more than one
trade mark and where the address for service to
be entered/altered/substituted in each case is the
same and is altered in the same way:
For the first trade mark is - Rs. 500/For every additional mark - Rs. 200/-

(Form TM-35) - Rs. 200/-

(Form TM-36) - Rs. 200

(Form TM-40) - Rs. 1000/

2002
Items nos. 38,
39, 40, 41, 42,
43 & 45 of
Schedule-I
of
the Trade Marks
Rules 2002

In case more class(es) is/are added pursuant to

such request, class fee @ Rs 3500/- per class is
required to be paid.

4.10

Office
Action

(Form TM-38) Rs. 2500/-

Where the application includes more than one

trade mark and the addition or alteration to be
made in each case being the same For the first mark - Rs. 2500/For every other Mark as per application - Rs.
1000/All requests for the correction/amendment of the
register renewal and other documents submitted
along with such requests shall be scanned and
uploaded in the system. .
The
data
entry
of
the
request
for
correction/amendment of the register shall be made
in PR Entry of POST REGISTRATION module
of TMAS. Thereafter a scrutiny of the request and
that as to existence/nonexistence of supporting
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documents shall be made. Then the request shall be

examined & disposed of as per relevant provisions
of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and Trade Marks
Rules, 2002.
The Officer-in-Charge while disposing the
aforesaid requests for the correction or amendment
shall take into account the following facts :
1. Whether the trade mark (marks) in respect of
which requests for correction or amendment in
the Register has been filed are renewed and
valid;
2. Whether the person on whose behalf the request
for correction or error is filed, is the person who
is, at present the registered proprietor or
registered user competent to file such request, or
in case of Agent whether he is duly authorized
by the person who is at present on records of
Register;
3. If there is any change in proprietorship of the
trade mark, the application for change in the
name or details of registered proprietor cannot
be made on Form TM-33; in such case, a request
on Form TM-23 or TM-24 should be filed.
4. In case of request for alteration of goods or
services made on Form TM-36, no request shall
be allowed which would have the effect of
adding any goods or services in respect of which
the trade mark was registered;
5. In case of request for alteration in the trade mark
made on Form TM-38, no request which would
have effect of adding any distinctive feature in
the trade mark or which would have effect of
substantially affecting the identity of the trade
mark shall be allowed.
In case of any objection, query letter may be
generated through the system and the same may be
sent to the applicant by post.
In case an application for amendment in Register
details is allowed, the same shall be effected in the
system and all the requests allowed during a
particular period shall be compiled and sent through
the system for publication in the ensuing Trade
Mark Journal.

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