Trademark Registration

TRADE MARKS AND SERVICE MARKS

Trade Mark Registration in India

Trade Mark: A trade mark can be a word, logo, symbol, label, shape, smell, combination of colours etc. and acts as a source indicator and refers to the origin of goods or services. Trade mark can either be a word mark or a device mark. A word mark essentially denotes words/letters in a non stylised manner. On the other hand device mark comprises artistic features or unique colour combination

Service Mark: A trademark pertaining to services is known as service mark.

Trade Mark Classification: The Trade Mark Registry, for the purpose of registration has classified goods and services under 45 classes in accordance with the Nice Classification. Class 1 to 34 refers to goods and class 35 to 45 refers to services.

Trade Mark Search: It is advisable to conduct a pre-registration search at the Trade Mark Registry to find out about the pre existence of deceptively similar and confusing marks. The search is conducted so that the Applicant is aware of the probable objections or oppositions that may be initiated against the prospective trademark.

Trade Mark Filing: An application is to be filed under the Trademarks Act and the Trademarks Rules. The following documents are required for the filing of an Application:

1. Application for Registration- Full description of the Applicants to be provided.
2. User detail – The user date should denote the month and date of first use in India. Conversely it can be on “proposed to be used”basis.
3. Priority Claim – Priority claim in relation to foreign applications is to be filed within 6 months from the date of filing of the trade mark in the parent country.
4. Additional Representations- Refers to the document which contains further information about the Applicant.
5. Power of Attorney- To be filed along with the application duly executed by the Applicant in favour of the trademark attorney.

Opposition

• Opponent can file Notice of Opposition within 4 months from the date of advertisement or re- advertisement of the Trade mark in the Trade mark journal.
• Applicant should file a Counter Statement within 2 months from the date the Notice of Opposition is served.
• Opponent on receiving the Counter Statement ought to file Evidence in support of Opposition under Rule 50 of the Trade Mark Rules, 2002 within 2 months from the date of receiving the Counter Statement.
• Applicant must file Evidence in Support of Application under Rule 51 of the Trade Mark Rules, 2002 within 2 months from the date the Evidence in Support of Opposition is served.
• Opponent gets the opportunity of filing Evidence in Reply under Rule 52 of the Trade Mark Rules, 2002 within 2 months from the date Evidence in Support of Application is served.
• The matter is posted for hearing and the decision can either lead to registration for a period of 10 years or the opposition may be allowed and the application for registration is refused