Best Practices for Expedited Trademark Registration in India

In the dynamic business realm, trademarks serve as invaluable assets, enabling enterprises to distinguish their offerings and establish uniqueness in the market. But sometimes, getting a trademark registration can take a long time, even years. But businesses sometimes need a shortcut to get their trademark faster. Addressing this need, the Indian government came in with a faster way to register trademarks, called the expedited examination system. With this system, trademark applications are checked and processed in three months, which is way quicker than the usual 18 to 24 months.

Remember, using the fast track is a smart choice to keep your brand safe and get your trademark faster. And if you need help, IndiaFilings is here to guide you through the Expedited Trademark Registration process. Just contact us, and we will make it easy for you!

Expedited Trademark Registration

Introduced in 2018 as part of the government's initiative to streamline trademark registration, the expedited examination procedure for trademarks in India is commonly called the "Fast Track Examination" process. This innovative approach enables businesses to secure trademark registrations more expeditiously than the standard route.

The regular examination process traditionally entails 18-24 months for the Trademark Registry to scrutinize a trademark application. In contrast, the expedited examination process dramatically accelerates this timeline, with trademark applications undergoing examination within 3-4 months of filing. This expedited procedure empowers businesses to obtain trademark registration swiftly, providing enhanced safeguards for their brand identity and preempting unauthorized trademark use.

Eligibility Criteria for Expedited Trademark Registration

Anyone who has filed a trademark application in India can request an expedited examination. For expedited examination of trademarks in India, the applicant needs to meet specific eligibility criteria, as outlined below:

Eligible Applicants

The expedited examination process is available to the following categories of applicants:

• Individuals
• Start-ups
• Small Enterprises
• Women Entrepreneurs
• MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)
• Educational Institutions
• Government Departments

Online Filing

Applicants must file their trademark application using the online filing facility provided by the Trademark Registry. This digital submission ensures efficient processing and tracking of applications.

Expedited Examination Fee

To opt for expedited examination, the applicant must pay an expedited examination fee. This fee is higher than the standard examination fee and is essential to expediting.

Valid reasons for filing Expedited Trademark Registration

The following are the good reasons for filing an expedited examination request for a trademark application in India:

• Potential trademark infringement or misrepresentation
• Ongoing legal disputes
• Necessity for registration to secure funding or investments
• Requirement for registration to engage in trade fairs or exhibitions
• Essential for licensing or franchising purposes

Expedited Trademark Registration Timeline

As mentioned above, it can take a long time, sometimes even years, to get a trademark registered. But expedited examination and processing can significantly cut the wait time. In India, using this fast track - Expedited Trademark Registration, the whole process can be finished in just 3-4 months from when you apply.

Benefits of expedited trademark registration

The expedited trademark registration process offers businesses a quicker and more efficient way to secure legal protection for their brand identity.

• Faster Brand Protection: The expedited process allows businesses to obtain trademark registration faster than the standard procedure.
• Support for Smaller Entities: Start-ups and small businesses often have limited resources and need swift brand protection to establish themselves in the market.
• Resource Allocation: The expedited process is precious for entities with constrained budgets.
• Educational and Government Entities: Educational institutions can leverage this process to shield their brand identity related to various programs and initiatives.

Validity of Expedited Trademark Registration

A trademark registration obtained via expedited examination in India holds the same duration as a regular examination – 10 years from the registration date. It can be perpetually renewed upon payment of the designated fee.

Procedure for Expedited Trademark Registration in India

The process of expedited trademark registration begins with submitting a trademark application. Here's an overview of the steps involved:

Trademark Application Submission:

The process commences with submitting a trademark application to the relevant authority, such as the Trademark Registry in India.

The application should include all necessary details about the trademark, its owner, and the goods or services it will be associated with.

Objection and Response:

After the application is filed, it goes through an examination process by a trademark examiner.

If objections or issues are raised during the examination, the applicant will receive an examination report outlining these concerns.

Request for Expedited Examination:

If the applicant wishes to expedite the process due to specific circumstances, such as potentially irreparable harm, they can request expedited examination and the prescribed fee.

Examination Report and Response:

Once the request for expedited examination is filed, the examination report is typically issued within a month.

The applicant must then respond to the examination report within a month, addressing any objections raised.

Advertisement and Acceptance:

If the trademark is found acceptable after reviewing the response, it will be advertised in the trademark journal.

The advertisement allows third parties to raise objections, if any.

If no objections are raised or successfully resolved, the trademark can proceed to acceptance.

Hearing (If Necessary):

A hearing may be required during the expedited examination process in some instances.

The applicant must attend the hearing and present their case before the trademark examiner.

Final Decision and Registration:

Following the hearing (if applicable) and considering all evidence presented, the trademark examiner issues a final decision.

If the decision favors the applicant, the trademark is accepted for registration, and the registration certificate is issued.

The decision to opt for expedited examination depends on the applicant's specific circumstances and the need for swift trademark protection.

Ready to Expedite Your Trademark Registration?

If you run a business in India and want to keep your brand safe, consider using the fast trademark check process. This way, you make sure your brand is safe and set for success in the challenging Indian market. If you're eager to secure your brand identity with expedited trademark registration, IndiaFilings will seamlessly guide you through the process. Our experienced team ensures efficient filing, proactive legal support, and timely progress tracking, allowing you to protect your brand identity confidently.

Expedited Trademark Registration with IndiaFilings

IndiaFilings offers invaluable assistance in streamlining the Expedited Trademark Registration process, ensuring efficient and effective brand protection. Here's how they can guide you:

• Trademark Search Expertise: IndiaFilings conducts thorough trademark searches to identify potential conflicts before filing, ensuring a smooth application process.
• Proactive Legal Guidance: Our legal experts provide step-by-step guidance, clarifying the complexities of expedited registration and ensuring you comprehend each stage.
• Document Preparation: IndiaFilings assists in meticulously preparing and filing all required documents, adhering to the Trademark Registry's standards.
• Application Submission: We manage the online submission of your expedited examination request and trademark application, guaranteeing accurate and comprehensive filings.
• Timely Progress Tracking: IndiaFilings monitors your application's progress, promptly addressing any required actions during the examination phase.
• Effective Representation: In cases of objections or hearings, our legal team offers advice and representation, ensuring your rights are upheld.
• Supporting Documentation: If additional evidence is needed during the examination, IndiaFilings aids in compiling and presenting the necessary documentation.
• Renewal Guidance: Post successful registration, we guide you through the renewal process, extending your brand's protection beyond the initial period.
• Cost-Effective Efficiency: Leveraging IndiaFilings' expertise optimizes your time and resources, making expedited trademark registration hassle-free.

With IndiaFilings as your partner, expedited trademark registration becomes a seamless process, allowing you to safeguard your brand identity confidently.

Don't wait - reach out to us now and experience hassle-free trademark registration!