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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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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Weaker Trademark! Are you stuck with a descriptive name?

A trademark that is descriptive of its goods and/or services cannot be trademarked as per Section 9 of the Trademarks Act, 1999. In the old trademark act, i.e., Trade and Merchandise Marks Act, 1958, which is fully replaced by the current 1999 Act, had allowed descriptive marks in Part B of the register. In Section 9 of the 1958 Act, a mark will be registered in Part A of the register if only the mark is distinctive and Part B allows for descriptive marks but is capable of distinguishing the goods from others. It is common for people to coin names that are geographically significant as well as merely descriptive for, what is misconceived, easier recognition and recollection. However, it certainly...

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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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