TRADEMARK REGISTRATION IN INDIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Trademark registration is a critical legal procedure that enables businesses and individuals to safeguard their brand identity, logo, name, symbol, or slogan. It grants exclusive rights to use a certain mark for goods or services and prevents misuse or duplication. If a startup or big business, trademark registration online provides a convenient method for legally securing your brand.
WHAT IS TRADEMARK REGISTRATION?
Trademark registration gives the owner an exclusive legal right to use a symbol, word, phrase, design, or logo in relation to goods or services. The mark that has been registered is safeguarded by the Trademarks Act, 1999, and abuse of a registered trademark can lead to legal action.
TRADEMARK REGISTRATION ONLINE
With the development of online services, the government has simplified the process of trademark registration online through the website of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks ā www.ipindia.gov.in. The requirement for personal visits has been removed and one can easily submit an application from any location in India while searching for trademark registration near me.
TRADEMARK REGISTRATION PROCESS
The process of trademark registration consists of the following steps:
– Trademark Search: You must carry out a trademark registration search before applying to confirm that your logo/brand name is not already in use. You can perform this online through the trademark public search tool on the IP India website.
– Application Filing: File your application for trademark registration online through Form TM-A.
– Allotment of Application Number: Upon filing, an application number is assigned which assists in tracing the status of trademark registration.
– Examination by Authority: The trademark office examines the application and can raise objection in case of any problem.
– Publication in Journal: Upon acceptance, the trademark is published in the TRADEMARKS JOURNAL FOR PUBLIC OBJECTION.
– Registration Certificate: In case of no objection or successfully resolving an objection, the trademark gets registered and a certificate is issued.
-Trademark Registration Documents Required
Trademark registration documents needed are:
Applicant’s Aadhaar card and PAN card
Business registration certificate (if any)
Logo or wordmark in JPEG format
Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
Applicant’s email ID and mobile number
Proof of address of business
TRADEMARK REGISTRATION FEES
Trademark registration fees differ according to the type of applicant:
ā¹4,500 for individuals/startups (if applied online)
ā¹9,000 for companies or legal entities (if applied online)
Offline filing is slightly expensive. Government also provides 50% waiver in fees to startups, small businesses, and individual applicants.
TRADEMARK REGISTRATION STATUS & CHECK
After applying, you can check your trademark registration status online. Simply visit the IP India website and input your application number in the trademark registration check area. It keeps you informed about objections, examination reports, and publication stages.
CONCLUSION
Obtaining your trademark registration online is a wise move towards safeguarding your brand and earning consumer trust. Being aware of the trademark registration process, having your documents at hand, and doing a trademark registration status check frequently can help you secure your identity without much hassle. The modest investment of trademark registration fees provides long-term legal protection and brand worth.
