Will CGPDTM India hike the trademark fee followed by USPTO?

Trademark Fee Adjustments in the U.S.: A 2025 Overview Effective January 18, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will implement a new trademark fee structure, introducing changes to ensure the financial sustainability of its operations while aligning fees with service costs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the changes in trademark fees. Key Fee Changes The new structure replaces some existing fees, introduces additional charges for certain application behaviors, and adjusts post-registration fees. The highlights are summarized in the table below: DescriptionCurrent FeeNew FeeChange ($)Percent Change (%)Trademark Application Filing FeesPaper Application (per class)$750$850$10013%Base Application (electronic, per class)N/A$350N/AN/AApplication via WIPO (per class)$500$600$10020%Surcharge FeesInsufficient Information (per class)N/A$100N/AN/AFree-form Text Entry (per class)N/A$200N/AN/AAdditional 1,000 Characters in Free-formN/A$200N/AN/APost-Registration Maintenance FeesSection 8 Declaration...

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Why your trademark could be refused?

Trademark objections in India commonly arise due to several reasons, often identified during the examination process by the Trademark Registry. Here are some of the typical reasons: Similarity to an Existing Trademark: If the applied trademark resembles an already registered mark or a pending application in appearance, sound, or concept, the registry may object, as it may lead to consumer confusion. Descriptive or Non-Distinctive Marks: Trademarks that describe the goods or services rather than distinguishing them (e.g., "Sweet" for a candy brand) can be refused. Similarly, marks that lack distinctiveness, such as common or generic terms, are often objected to. Prohibited or Offensive Words: Marks that contain prohibited or offensive terms under Indian law, such as those that may hurt...

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Can descriptive trademarks be registered in India?

Descriptive trademarks are those that describe the characteristics, qualities, or features of a product or service. In India, descriptive trademarks can be registered under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, but are subject to certain restrictions and conditions. One of the main restrictions for registering a descriptive trademark in India is that it must have acquired distinctiveness through use. This means that the trademark must have been used for a significant period of time and has become associated with a particular product or service, such that it can be distinguished from other similar trademarks. Another restriction is that descriptive trademarks cannot be registered if they are generic or commonly used terms. For example, words like "fresh" or "natural" that are commonly...

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Things to look for when using Madrid System in India – National System vs Madrid System

[caption id="attachment_329" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Madrid-WIPO[/caption]   While it is indisputable that Madrid Trademark System brings a host of advantages for applicants wanting to register their trademark across the globe, there are a few things to be taken in to consideration to chose whether Madrid System would suit you. If you are only looking to register your brand only in a country or two, then you may have to think twice before choosing Madrid System as you may end up spending a lot more than you should. For example, if you want to get a trademark only in US, then you are better off using the national system, as opposed to Madrid System. To get a trademark in US using Madrid...

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Almost 30K TM applications pending before Trademark Registry, India

As many as 30,221 applications are pending for issuance of trademark registration certificates due to shortage of manpower, Parliament was informed Monday. "Pendency in issuance of registration certificates for applications found fit for registration as on 30th April is 30,221. The main cause of the backlog in issuance of registration certificates is insufficient manpower due to vacant posts," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, D Purandeswari said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. She said that at present, 56 of the sanctioned 130 posts relating to Trade Mark Registry are lying vacant. The minister informed that the Office of the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks has 11 offices in five cities. Of these, four are...

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What is FSSAI license and how you can get it easily online?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries and Departments. FSSAI has been created for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. [caption id="attachment_63" align="alignright" width="160"] FSSAI licence in india[/caption] FSSAI certificate has now become mandatory for all manufacturers, traders, restaurants and those who are involved in food business, commonly termed as Food Business Operators (FBOs). How to Apply Registration? For License:  FBO’s are required to have a valid personal e-mail ID and Mobile Number which should...

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