What we do
Our work in this practice group is structured around the records, deadlines, and decisions involved:
- Preliminary trademark search and assessment.
- Assistance in selecting appropriate trademark classes.
- Proper preparation and filing of trademark applications.
- Support for examination reports and objections.
- Assistance with trademark hearings where applicable.
- Improved protection of brand identity and intellectual property.
- Guidance throughout the trademark registration process.
How the engagement works
Trademark registration in India is governed primarily by the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, administered by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM). The registration process generally involves application filing, examination, publication where applicable, and registration subject to the Act and Rules. A trademark application may be objected to or opposed, and additional responses or proceedings may be required depending on the case.
Scenario 1: A startup wants to protect its brand name before launching products or services in the market.
Scenario 2: An established business wants to register its company name, product brand, logo, or tagline as a trademark.
Scenario 3: A business is expanding into new product or service categories and needs trademark protection in additional classes.
Scenario 4: A trademark application has received an examination objection and the applicant needs professional assistance with the response.
Scenario 5: A business wants to assess the availability and registrability of a proposed brand before investing in branding and marketing.
Trademark Search
We conduct a preliminary search of relevant trademark records to identify potentially conflicting marks and assess the availability of the proposed brand.
Trademark Classification
We identify the appropriate Nice Classification classes based on the goods or services for which trademark protection is sought.
Application Preparation
We prepare the trademark application with the applicant details, mark representation, goods or services, user claim where applicable, and supporting documentation.
General questions
01What is a trademark?
A trademark is a mark capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one person or business from those of others. It may include a word, name, logo, symbol, combination of elements, or other eligible representation.
02Why should I register my trademark?
Registration provides statutory rights in relation to the registered mark and strengthens the owner’s ability to prevent unauthorized use of the mark in connection with the registered goods or services.
03What can be registered as a trademark?
Depending on the circumstances, words, names, logos, devices, symbols, combinations of colours, shapes, sounds, and other marks capable of distinguishing goods or services may be eligible for trademark protection.
04What is a trademark class?
A trademark class identifies the category of goods or services for which protection is sought under the Nice Classification system. The appropriate class depends on the nature of the applicant’s goods or services.
05How long does trademark registration take?
The timeline varies depending on examination, objections, publication, opposition, hearings, and the workload of the Trademark Registry. Straightforward applications may progress faster than applications involving objections or opposition.
06Can I register both my brand name and logo?
Yes. Brand names and logos can be protected through appropriate trademark applications. Depending on the circumstances, separate applications may be advisable for the word mark and device/logo.
07What happens if my trademark application receives an objection?
An examination objection does not automatically mean that registration is refused. The objection can be reviewed and an appropriate response can be submitted within the prescribed timeline, followed by further proceedings if required.
08Can you handle the complete trademark registration process?
Yes. We can assist with trademark search, classification, application preparation, filing, examination responses, objection handling, hearing support, registration follow-up, and post-registration compliance.
