FAQs on Trade Marks Law & Procedures

What is trade marks?

In India, trade marks is governed under THE TRADE MARKS ACT, 1999 (Act No. 47 of 1999). The Act itself provides definition of trade marks, according to Section 2(1)(zb), "trade mark" means a mark capable of being represented graphically and which is capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one person from those of others and may include shape of goods, their packaging and combination of colours; and (i) in relation to Chapter XII (other than section 107), a registered trade mark or a mark used in relation to goods or services for the purpose of indicating or so as to indicate a connection in the course of trade between the goods or services, as the case may be, and some person having the right as proprietor to use the mark; and (ii) in relation to other provisions of this Act, a mark used or proposed to be used in relation to goods or services for the purpose of indicating or so to indicate a connection in the course of trade between the goods or services, as the case may be, and some person having the right, either as proprietor or by way of permitted user, to use the mark whether with or without any indication of the identity of that person, and includes a certification trade mark or collective mark.

What are the absolute grounds for refusal of trade marks registration?

According to Section 9 of the Act: 

(1) The trade marks -

(a) 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) 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 service; (c) 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:

PROVIDED that a trade mark shall not be refused registration if before the date of application for registration it has acquired a distinctive character as a result of the use made of it or is a well-known trade mark.

(2) A mark shall not be registered as a trade mark if - (a) it is of such nature as to deceive the public or cause confusion; (b) it contains or comprises of any matter likely to hurt the religious susceptibilities of any class or section of the citizens of India; (c) it comprises or contains scandalous or obscene matter; (d) its use is prohibited under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

(3) A mark shall not be registered 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.

Explanation: For 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.

What are the relative grounds for refusal of trade marks registration?

According to Section 11 of the Act:

(1) Save as provided in section 12, a trade mark shall not be registered if, because of - (a) its identity with an earlier trade mark and similarity of goods or services covered by the trade mark; or (b) its similarity to an earlier trade mark and the identity or similarity of the goods or services covered by the trade mark, there exists a likelihood of confusion on the part of the public, which includes the likelihood of association with the earlier trade mark.

(2) A trade mark which - (a) is identical with or similar to an earlier trade mark; and (b) is to be registered for goods or services which are not similar to those for which the earlier trade mark is registered in the name of a different proprietor, shall not be registered if or to the extent the earlier trade mark is a well-known trade mark in India and the use of the later mark without due course would take unfair advantage of or be detrimental to the distinctive character or repute of the earlier trade mark.

(3) A trade mark shall not be registered if, or to the extent that, its use in India is liable to be prevented - (a) by virtue of any law in particular the law of passing off protecting an unregistered trade mark used in the course of trade; or (b) by virtue of law of copyright.

(4) Nothing in this section shall prevent the registration of a trade mark where the proprietor of the earlier trade mark or other earlier right consents to the registration, and in such case the Registrar may register the mark under special circumstances under section 12.

Explanation: For the purposes of this section, earlier trade mark means - (a) a registered trade mark 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 trade marks; (b) a trade mark which, on the date of the application for registration of the trade mark in question, or where appropriate, of the priority claimed in respect of the application, was entitled to protection as a well-known trade mark.

(5) A trade mark shall not be refused registration on the grounds specified in sub-sections (2) and (3), unless objection on any one or more of those grounds is raised in opposition proceedings by the proprietor of the earlier trade mark.

(6) The Registrar shall, while determining whether a trade mark is a well-known trade mark, take into account any fact which he considers relevant for determining a trade mark as a well-known trade mark including - (i) the knowledge or recognition of that trade mark in the relevant section of the public including knowledge in India obtained as a result of promotion of the trade mark; (ii) the duration, extent and geographical area of any use of that trade mark; (iii) the duration, extent and geographical area of any promotion of the trade mark, including advertising or publicity and presentation, at fairs or exhibition of the goods or services to which the trade mark applies; (iv) the duration and geographical area of any registration of or any publication for registration of that trade mark under this Act to the extent they reflect the use or recognition of the trade mark; (v) the record of successful enforcement of the rights in that trade mark, in particular, the extent to which the trade mark has been recognised as a well-known trade mark by any court or Registrar under that record.

(7) The Registrar shall, while determining as to whether a trade mark is known or recognised in a relevant section of the public for the purposes of sub-section (6), take into account - (i) the number of actual or potential consumers of the goods or services; (ii) the number of persons involved in the channels of distribution of the goods or services; (iii) the business circles dealing with the goods or services, to which that trade mark applies.

(8) Where a trade mark has been determined to be well-known in at least one relevant section of the public in India by any court or Registrar, the Registrar shall consider that trade mark as a well-known trade mark for registration under this Act.

(9) The Registrar shall not require as a condition, for determining whether a trade mark is a well-known trade mark, any of the following, namely: - (i) that the trade mark has been used in India; (ii) that the trade mark has been registered; (iii) that the application for registration of the trade mark has been filed in India; (iv) that the trade mark - (a) is well known in; or (b) has been registered in; or (c) in respect of which an application for registration has been filed in, any jurisdiction other than India; or (v) that the trade mark is well-known to the public at large in India.

(10) While considering an application for registration of a trade mark and opposition filed in respect thereof, the Registrar shall - (i) protect a well-known trade mark against the identical or similar trade marks; (ii) take into consideration the bad faith involved either of the applicant or the opponent affecting the right relating to the trade mark.

(11) Where a trade mark has been registered in good faith disclosing the material informations to the Registrar or where right to a trade mark has been acquired through use in goods faith before the commencement of this Act, then, nothing in this Act shall prejudice the validity of the registration of that trade mark or right to use that trade mark on the ground that such trade mark is identical with or similar to a well known trade mark.

What is the tenure of protection for trade mark?

According to Section 25 of the Act, the registration of a trade mark shall be for a period of ten years, but may be renewed from time to time.

What are the requirements for filing of trade mark?

To file a trade mark application in India, the applicant has to file either online mode or offline. There are different charges/fees for online and offline filling of trade marks application and other documents in connection thereto.

To file a trade marks application in India, log on to the official website of O/o CGPDTM, i.e. ipindia.gov.in, and register yourself in the website.

Who can register?

Registered Trade Marks Agent, Advocate as Trade Mark Attorney or Applicant.

What are the requirement for registration?

• Trade Marks Agent: Trade Marks Agent Registration Certificate

• Advocate: Bar Council Enrolment Certificate

• Natural Person: Name, address, contact details

• Organisation/Company/Startup/Educational Institutions: Organisation name, address, contact details, official website (optional).

You must have either an electronic signature or digital signature certificate to complete registration for online filing.

What are the forms required to be filed?

Form TM-A, Form TM-M (in case filed through attorney/agent).

Copy of Image of Trade marks in case of logo mark.

What is the cost to file trade marks application in India?

Regarding government charges i.e. form cost for filing trade marks application in India, as follows:

Individual/Start-up/Small Enterprise: INR 4,500 (E-Filing)

Other person not mentioned above: INR 9,000 (E-Filing)

Note 1: In case applicant wants to expedite the process of its application, then following form cost has to be paid in addition to above:

Individual/Start-up/Small Enterprise: INR 20,000 (E-Filing only)

Other person not mentioned above: INR 40,000 (E-Filing only)

Note 2: Stamp duty, Notary charges when affidavit has to be filed, such as User Affidavit in case of claiming prior use/date. 

The above cost is government charge/fee not professional fee. For professional fee contact your Attorney.

Suggested readings:

The Trade Marks Act, 1999

The Trade Marks Rules, 2017

The rules of the Bar Council of India prohibit Advocates from advertising or soliciting work through communication in the public domain. This website www.nihalip.in is not a means for advertisement or solicitation. Its sole purpose is to provide you the general information. NIHAL IP has no intention to advertise or solicit clients through this website. On visiting this website www.nihalip.in you acknowledge that the information provided in this website does not amount to advertising or solicitation and is meant only for your knowledge and information. If you do not consent to these terms, you may leave this website immediately.

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy