File Trademark Opposition to secure your brands’ exclusivity
What is a Trademark Opposition?
Trademark Opposition in India comes at a stage after the registrar has approved the trademark application on the distinctiveness factor and publishes the trademark in the journal for the third-party opposition. Anyone can oppose the published trademark within a period of 3 months which can be extended for a month more (3+1); beginning from the day it was first published. If the mark is opposed, an opposition proceeding is initiated. After which, both the parties involved need to come to a conclusion and the decision is taken. The decision whether the mark can be registered or abandoned would be made. There is no restriction on filing an opposition. Anyone who believes that the published mark might create confusion among the public can file for the opposition while the onus of defending the trademark lies in the hands of trademark registrant.
Benefits of filing Trademark Opposition
Highly effective remedy for TM owner
Trademark opposition plays a very eminent role as it is a chance for the registered trademark owners to stop any other mark that can hinder/ dilute their brand or cause any possible confusion in the mar
Public consultation
As the brand is created through the public popularity and demand, it is very important to consult the public for approval about the registrability of the applied trademark.
Documents required to file a Trademark Opposition
Details of applicant
Name, Address, Nationality, etc of the applicant. Body corporates/other categories need to provide with registration certificate
Affidavit
Affidavit with the basic information about the trademark and its user date and proof of use
Details about the opposed mark
Detailed information about the mark against which the opposition is to be filed, i.e. name and basic grounds for filing the opposition
Power of Attorney
It allows the attorney to file the trademark opposition on your behalf
Grounds for Applying for Opposition
File TM Opposition in 3 Easy Steps
1. Follow Quick Process
- Spare less than 10 minutes to fill our online Questionnaire
- Upload all the required documents
- Make payment through secured payment gateways
2. Experts are Here to Help
- Dedicated Relationship Manager
- Consultation regarding the Trademark opposition application
- Provide the required documents
- Provide Application No. & TM Registration Certificate(if any)
- Preparation & filing of the application
3. Your Trademark Opposition Application is ready
- All it takes is 15-20 working days*
Trademark Opposition Process
Day 1 - 2 Collection
- Discussion and collection of basic Information
- Provide required documents
Day 3 - 7 Execution
- Drafting of Opposition application by Professionals
Day 8 - 9 Submission
- Filing of online TM-O application
Explore Trademark Opposition
Any individual who thinks his/her brand name or reputation of the company may be damaged in any way by the registration of a certain mark may choose to oppose such registration by filing the notice of opposition.
The notice of opposition can be filed within three months, extendable by one month (3+1) from the date on which the trademark was published in the Trade Marks Journal. If the notice of opposition is filed after three months but before the expiry of four months, then it must be accompanied by a request for an extension by one month, giving sufficient reasons for the delay in filing the opposition
In India, anyone can file for the Trademark Opposition. Usually, it is initiated by a person who is the owner of an earlier trademark or a mark that deals with similar goods/services; or that has a possibility of creating confusion or harm an existing mark can file an opposition, even if its own mark is not registered.
Through a common law of rights of passing off, one can file an opposition even if the Trademark application is pending or already in use if not registered. This law prevents any person from selling his goods/services as that of another and benefiting from it.
The next step is taken by the Registry. The registrar serves the copy to the opponent so that they can file a counter statement. This has to be filed within 2 months of the receipt of the notice of opposition. If it is not filed it is believed to be abandoned.
In a case where the notice of opposition is filed on the use of the mark, it is essential to show that the disputed mark or logo has become distinctive and is recognized that of the plaintiff’s goods and services. Hence, any mark that can cause confusion among the consumers cannot be registered as it would harm the already existing users’ business.
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