A registered trademark gives the owner the exclusive right to use a brand name, logo, or tagline for the registered goods and services, and the legal standing to stop infringers. Registration under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, lasts ten years and is renewable indefinitely.
About This Service
The process runs through the Trade Marks Registry: availability search across the correct classes, TM-A filing, Vienna codification for device marks, examination, show-cause hearings where objections arise, advertisement in the Trade Marks Journal, opposition watch, and finally the registration certificate.
What We Cover
- Trademark availability and deceptiveness search
- Correct class selection across 45 classes
- TM-A application drafting and filing
- Replies to examination reports
- Show-cause hearing representation support
- Journal advertisement and opposition watch
- Registration certificate and ™ to ® transition
- Renewal, assignment, and licensing support
How trademark registration works
General overview of the trademark registration process under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
- 1
Search availability
Search the Registry database and common-law sources for identical or deceptively similar marks in the relevant classes before filing.
- 2
File Form TM-A
File the application with the mark representation, user date, power of attorney where applicable, and the prescribed fee per class.
- 3
Answer the examination report
Respond to objections raised by the examiner with legal submissions and evidence of use; attend a show-cause hearing if the objections persist.
- 4
Clear advertisement and opposition
Once accepted, the mark is advertised in the Trade Marks Journal for four months, during which third parties may oppose; oppositions are contested with counter-statements and evidence.
- 5
Receive the registration certificate
If unopposed or successfully defended, the registration certificate issues and the ® symbol may be used; renew every ten years.
Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. Provisions, forms, fees, and timelines under the Companies Act and allied laws change from time to time — confirm applicability to your facts before acting.
Working with this practice
- Direct engagement with the professional handling your matter
- Proactive tracking of statutory timelines and filings
- Clear, written advice before you commit to a course of action
- Confidential handling of corporate records throughout the engagement
Certain specialised engagements may be undertaken in association with empanelled professionals where the matter requires.