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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The Benefits of Trademark Protection on E-commerce Platforms like Amazon and Flipkart

In today's competitive e-commerce environment, platforms like Amazon and Flipkart have become essential avenues for businesses to reach a vast, global audience. These platforms provide immense growth potential, but they also bring the risk of counterfeiting, brand dilution, and unauthorized use of a company’s intellectual property. For businesses looking to build trust and stand out, obtaining trademark protection is essential. Here’s a look at the numerous benefits trademarks provide on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. 1. Brand Protection Against Counterfeits One of the most significant benefits of having a registered trademark on e-commerce platforms is the added protection it provides against counterfeiting. Counterfeit products can seriously damage a brand's reputation, as customers may associate poor quality or inferior...

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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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Whether it is correct to use registered trademark ® symbol without registration?

  Trademark registration involves several stages from application to publication before it is finally registered (see our earlier post on stages involved).  It takes upwards of 12 to 18 months for a trademark to attain registration in India, provided that there is no objection or opposition. Symbols such as TM and ® are used by trademark owner to caution general public that the mark is a registered trademark. There is no legal impediment to use TM symbol while a trademark application is pending, but to use a ® symbol one must have a valid registration. There is common misconception among significant number of population that it is okay to use ® symbol without a valid registration.  Trademark applicants tend to use...

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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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Protecting your software or application name in India?

Planning, designing, developing, implementing and deploying a software application is a herculean task, let alone the money and efforts spent in advertising, branding and marketing.  Therefore, a software application may look simple, efficient and user-friendly to the users, but does have a lot of monetary and human efforts behind it. A software developer is successful when his work is recognized and appreciated by his customers and more importantly when they give due credits to his works by purchasing it through legal means.  This is at the end-user level.  What about mischievous competitors or hackers or competitors who may involve in acts such as creating serial keys, counterfeiting, distributing through peer-to-peer networks, etc. Ways to protect to your software? Patents - Patents can prevent a competitor...

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