Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Registration Check in India

1. Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Registration Status Check in India In today’s competitive marketplace, building a unique identity for your brand is more crucial than ever. One of the most effective ways to protect your brand legally is by registering a trademark. Once you've applied for trademark registration in India, it becomes essential to keep track of its progress. This is where a trademark registration status check becomes important. In this blog post, we’ll take you through a detailed, step-by-step guide to checking the status of your trademark registration in India, including why it's important, how often you should check, and what each status means. What is Trademark Registration? A trademark is a unique sign, logo, name, word, or symbol used by a business to distinguish its products or services from those of others. Trademark registration grants the owner exclusive legal rights to use the mark in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered. This helps in protecting the brand against unauthorized use, infringement, or duplication. In India, trademarks are registered by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Importance of Checking Trademark Registration Status After filing for trademark registration, the application undergoes multiple stages of scrutiny before final approval. Failing to monitor its status can lead to delays, missed objections, or even rejection. A timely trademark registration status check ensures: ● You stay updated on the progress of your application. ● You can respond promptly to objections or opposition. ● You avoid missing any deadlines or legal notices. ● You ensure that your brand is adequately protected. Ideally, you should check the status at the following key stages:

2. ● Within 2-3 weeks after submitting the application. ● Monthly or bi-monthly to track progress. ● Immediately upon receiving any communication from the Trademark Registry. ● Before using the ® symbol, which is only permitted after final registration. How to Check Trademark Registration Status in India: Step-by-Step Guide The Trademark Registry has made it easy to check your application status online through the IP India website. Follow the steps below: Step 1: Visit the IP India Website Go to the official website of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks: ?https://ipindia.gov.in Click on the "Trademarks" tab, and then select "Related Links". Under this section, click on "Trademark Application/Registered Mark". Or you can go directly to: ? https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx Step 2: Choose the Correct Search Type On the search page, you'll see multiple tabs. To check the trademark registration status, click on the “National IRDI Number” tab or select “Trade Mark/Application Number”—depending on how you want to search. Most applicants use the application number they received during filing. Step 3: Enter the Application Number ● Enter your Trademark Application Number (typically a 7 or 8-digit number). ● Type the Captcha shown on the screen for verification. ● Click on "View" or "Submit" to proceed. Step 4: View the Application Details Once submitted, the system will display a table containing details of your trademark application, including:

3. ● Application Number ● Class (the category of goods/services) ● Status ● Applicant Name ● Mark Image (logo or wordmark) ● Dates of filing, examination, hearing, etc. Step 5: Click on the Application Number to See Full Status Report To get a detailed view, click on the Application Number. A new window will open with comprehensive information, including: ● Status flow with date-wise action ● Documents submitted and received ● Examination Report ● Any objections or oppositions ● Hearing details (if applicable) ● Final decision or registration certificate (if completed) Understanding Common Trademark Registration Statuses Here are some of the most frequently seen statuses during the trademark registration process: 1. New Application Your application has been successfully submitted and is awaiting further processing. 2. Formalities Check Pass The initial documentation and format check have been approved. 3. Formalities Check Fail

4. There may be missing documents or discrepancies in the application. Immediate action is required. 4. Marked for Exam The application has been assigned to an examiner for a detailed check. 5. Objected The examiner has raised concerns under the Trademark Act. You will need to respond to the examination report. 6. Advertised before Acceptance The application is published in the Trademark Journal for public objection before final approval. 7. Opposed Someone has filed an opposition against your trademark during the journal publication stage. 8. Registered Congratulations! Your trademark has been successfully registered. You may now use the ® symbol. 9. Abandoned The application is considered abandoned due to lack of response within the specified time. 10. Refused The application has been rejected after examination or opposition. What to Do If the Status Shows "Objected" or "Opposed"? ● Objected: Download the examination report, understand the reasons for objection (usually under Section 9 or 11), and file a well-drafted reply within 30 days. ● Opposed: You must file a counter-statement within two months from the date of receiving the notice of opposition. In both cases, it’s highly recommended to seek assistance from a trademark expert or legal professional.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid While Checking Status 1. Entering the wrong application number – Always double-check the digits. 2. Not checking regularly – Missing deadlines for objections can delay or cancel your application. 3. Ignoring legal terminology – Misinterpreting statuses like “Objected” or “Opposed” can lead to serious issues. 4. Delaying response to reports – Time is of the essence in all trademark-related proceedings. How Online Legal India Can Help You Keeping track of your trademark registration status check can be tedious, especially if you are not familiar with legal processes. That’s where Online Legal India comes in. We offer end-to-end support for: ● Trademark registration filing ● Monitoring trademark status ● Handling objections and oppositions ● Renewing trademarks ● Legal consultations With our expert legal team, you can ensure that your brand is well-protected without dealing with legal complexities yourself. Conclusion Conducting regular trademark registration status checks is an essential part of safeguarding your brand identity. With the rise of counterfeit products and brand impersonation, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your trademark application proceeds smoothly through all stages—from filing to final registration. By following this step-by-step guide and staying proactive, you can significantly improve your chances of successfully registering your trademark in India. And remember, if you're unsure about any part of the process, professional help is always just a click away.