The trademark examination process is an important step in the trademark registration process in India. During this process, the Indian Trade Marks Office examines the trademark application to ensure that it meets the legal requirements for registration. If the examiner finds any issues with the application, they will raise objections that must be overcome before the trademark can be registered. Being aware of the most common objections raised by the Indian Trade Marks Office during the examination process can help ensure a smooth and efficient trademark registration process. In this article we will see about the addressing objections in Indian Trademark Application.
Trademark examination points to know for overcoming the objections of Indian Trademark Office:
1. Trademark is too similar to existing trademarks
When the Indian Trademark Office raises an objection to a proposed trademark, one of the reasons they may cite is that the proposed trademark is too similar to existing trademarks. This means that the proposed trademark is too similar in appearance, sound, or meaning to an existing trademark that is already registered or pending registration.
This can create confusion among consumers and dilute the distinctiveness of the existing trademark. To overcome this objection, the applicant can demonstrate that the proposed trademark is not likely to cause confusion among consumers and that it is sufficiently distinct from existing trademarks.
This may involve providing evidence of the distinctiveness of the proposed trademark, such as evidence of use in commerce or evidence that the proposed trademark has acquired distinctiveness through secondary meaning.
Additionally, the applicant may consider making slight modifications to the proposed trademark to make it more distinct from existing trademarks.
2. Trademark is not distinctive
When the Indian Trademark Office raises an objection that a trademark is not distinctive, it means that the trademark being applied for is not unique and is too similar to existing trademarks already registered in the same or similar class of goods or services. In other words, the trademark is not capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one trader from those of another.
To overcome this objection, the applicant must provide evidence that the trademark is distinctive and capable of identifying the goods or services of a particular trader. One way to do this is by providing evidence of acquired distinctiveness, also known as secondary meaning. This can be done by providing evidence of long and extensive use of the trademark in the Indian market, which has led to the public associating the trademark with the applicant’s goods or services.
Another way to overcome this objection is by demonstrating that the trademark is inherently distinctive. This can be done by showing that the trademark is unique, arbitrary, or fanciful, and that it does not resemble any existing trademarks in the same or similar class of goods or services. For example, a made-up word or a combination of words that do not have any meaning in relation to the goods or services being offered can be considered inherently distinctive.
3. Trademark is scandalous or offensive
This refers to the fact that a trademark application may be rejected by the Indian Trademark Office if the mark contains offensive or scandalous language or imagery. This is in line with the Indian Trademark Act, which states that a trademark shall not be registered if it is “scandalous or of such a nature as to deceive or cause confusion.”
For example, if a trademark application contains explicit or vulgar language, it may be considered offensive and rejected by the Indian Trademark Office. Similarly, if the mark contains imagery or language that is discriminatory or promotes hate speech, it may also be rejected.
To overcome objections from the Indian Trademark Office on the grounds of a trademark being scandalous or offensive, the applicant can argue that the mark is not in fact offensive and that it is not intended to deceive or cause confusion. They can also provide evidence that the mark has been used in a positive and non-offensive manner in the past. Additionally, the applicant can propose to modify the mark to make it less offensive or scandalous.
Overall, it is important for the applicant to understand the Indian Trademark Act and the guidelines set by the Indian Trademark Office to ensure that their trademark application is not rejected on the grounds of being scandalous or offensive.
4. Trademark is not being used or proposed to be used in a bona fide manner
This point refers to the idea that the trademark in question is not being used or intended to be used in good faith. This can be used as a reason to overcome objections from the Indian Trademark Office when registering a trademark.
For example, if a company is attempting to register a trademark that is similar to an existing trademark and the company has no intention of actually using the trademark in the course of their business, the Indian Trademark Office may object to the registration on the grounds that it is not being used in a bona fide manner. In this case, the company would need to provide evidence that they do intend to use the trademark in a legitimate and honest way in order to overcome the objection.
Whereas in another scenario, if a company is using a trademark in a way that is misleading or deceptive, the Indian Trademark Office may object to the registration on the grounds that it is not being used in a bona fide manner. In this case, the company would need to take steps to correct the misleading or deceptive use of the trademark in order to overcome the objection.
Overall, this point is used to ensure that trademarks are being used in a legitimate and honest manner and to prevent the registration of trademarks that are not being used in a bona fide manner.
5. Trademark is not in compliance with the Trade Marks Act, 1999
This point refers to the fact that the trademark in question does not adhere to the guidelines and regulations set forth in the Indian Trade Marks Act, 1999. This Act lays out the rules and regulations for registering and protecting trademarks in India.
If the Indian Trademark Office raises objections to a trademark application, it may be because the proposed trademark does not comply with certain provisions of the Act. For example, the trademark may be too similar to an existing registered trademark, it may be considered descriptive or generic, or it may not be registrable as a trademark under the Act.
In order to overcome these objections, the applicant must provide evidence and arguments to show that their trademark is in compliance with the Trade Marks Act, 1999. This may involve providing additional information or documentation to demonstrate that the trademark is unique, or it may involve making changes to the trademark to make it compliant with the Act. It is important to address all the objections raised by the Indian Trademark Office in order to have the best chance of successfully registering the trademark.
Conclusion
The trademark examination process in India is an important step in the trademark registration process. Being aware of the most common objections raised by the Indian Trade Marks Office during the examination process can help ensure a smooth and efficient trademark registration process.
Overcoming these objections may require providing additional evidence or making changes to the trademark application. It’s always recommended to consult a professional trademark attorney for guidance on the examination process and to ensure the best outcome for your case.
