What is the difference between a "User Claim" trademark and a "Proposed to Be Used" trademark?

A "User Claim" trademark indicates that the mark is already in commercial use before the filing date, while a "Proposed to Be Used" trademark means the applicant intends to use the mark in the future but has not yet begun commercial activities at the time of filing.

When should I choose to file a "User Claim" trademark application?

You should choose to file a "User Claim" trademark application when you have clear and continuous evidence of use for your mark, and you want to establish stronger rights based on the earliest use date. This is ideal when your brand is actively selling goods or services.

What documentation is required for a "User Claim" trademark application?

For a "User Claim" trademark application, you must provide a User Affidavit stating the date of first use, along with samples of actual use, such as product labels, advertisements, website listings, invoices, or social media posts showing active use of the mark.

Can I file a "Proposed to Be Used" trademark application if my product or service has not officially launched?

Yes, the "Proposed to Be Used" trademark filing is ideal when your product or service has not officially launched, and you want to lock in rights before going to market. This option is particularly useful for startups developing branding, manufacturing, or pre-launch operations.

How does the examination process differ for "User Claim" and "Proposed to Be Used" trademark applications?

The examination process for both filings is similar, but "User Claim" applications may face fewer objections if the evidence clearly supports prior use. "Proposed to Be Used" applications rely entirely on the inherent distinctiveness of the mark during examination.

Is there a specific timeline for using a mark after filing a "Proposed to Be Used" trademark application?

While there is no strict timeline requirement in India for commencing use after a "Proposed to Be Used" filing, it is advisable to start using the mark within a reasonable period to avoid vulnerability to non-use cancellation under Section 47 after registration.

Can I switch from a "Proposed to Be Used" filing to a "User Claim" filing if I start using the mark before registration?

Yes, if you start using the mark before registration after initially filing a "Proposed to Be Used" application, you can submit a User Affidavit and evidence of use to convert the filing basis to a "User Claim" application.

How important is seeking guidance from trademark professionals when choosing the filing basis?

Seeking guidance from trademark professionals is highly recommended when choosing the filing basis, as they can help you avoid avoidable objections, protect your mark from future conflicts, and maintain compliance with legal timelines, ensuring long-term protection for your brand.

Does the Indian Trade Marks Registry treat "User Claim" and "Proposed to Be Used" filings differently during examination?

No, the Indian Trade Marks Registry evaluates both filings similarly, considering factors such as distinctiveness, conflicts with existing marks, and compliance with statutory requirements. However, the strength of the evidence provided in each case can influence the examination outcome.

Can I file a "User Claim" trademark application if I have only used the mark on social media or my website?

Yes, use on social media or a website can be considered acceptable evidence of use for a "User Claim" trademark application, as long as it demonstrates active commercial use of the mark before the filing date.

Karthiga

Expert

Published on: Aug 11, 2026

Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASK)

The Unique Identification Authority of India has started the online appointment booking to avail Aadhaar services at Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASK). This centres will provide

Aadhaar related services like new enrolment, name update, address update, etc. Currently, these services are provided by Unquie Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in selected government offices, post offices and banks.

Facilities in ASK

Aadhaar Seva Kendra is similar to the

Passport Seva Kendra where the applicants will be given with token to avail Aadhaar related services, and then the documents will be verified by the verifier. Once the verification is completed, the applicant has to make payment of Rs.50 at the cash counter for updating Aadhaar card. Also, the entire token movement is visible to the applicant via digital display screens for effective queue management.

Online Appointment Booking

The existing Aadhaar cardholders, as well as new Aadhaar card applicants, can book for an appointment at an ASK for availing the following services:

New Aadhaar enrolment
Name update
Address update
Mobile number update
Email id update
Date of Birth update
Gender update
Biometric (fingerprints + iris + photo) update

Requirements for online booking of appointment

A mobile number and the details of the relevant valid documents is required for booking an appointment. In case of enrolling for a new Aadhaar card, there will not be any charges to be paid at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra. For updating, any detail in your existing Aadhaar card, a fee of Rs.50 will be charged at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Procedure for Online Appointment Booking

To book an online appointment for availing Aadhaar related services, follow the steps given below:

Visit UIDAI Portal Step 1: Visit the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) portal to book an appointment. My aadhaar Step 2: Now, click on " My Aadhaar" option from the menu bar, which is displayed on the homepage of the portal.

Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASK) - Image 1 Book an Appointment at UIDAI run Aadhaar Seva Kendra Step 3: Select "Book an appointment" option and a new web page appears. Step 4: Click on "Book an appointment" at UIDAI run Aadhaar Seva Kendra option if the applicant belongs to the cities like Patna, Delhi, Banglore, Lucknow, Agra, Bhopal, Chennai, Vijaywada, Hisar and Chandigarh. Select the City/Location Step 5: On the next page, select the respective "City or Location" and then click on "Proceed to book an appointment" button. Step 6: Once you have selected the 'City or Location', and then you will be redirected to a next page.

Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASK) - Image 2 Select Aadhaar services options Step 7: Then, the applicant will have to select from the Aadhaar services options displayed on the current page. The options are "Aadhaar Update" or "New Aadhaar" or "Manage Appointment".

Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASK) - Image 3 New Aadhaar Step 8: For new application, the applicant has to click on "New Aadhaar" option. Update Aadhaar Step 9: If the applicant wants to update details select the 'Aadhaar Update' option and enter the updated mobile number, captcha code and generated a valid one-time password (OTP) so that the applicant will have to verify the application by entering the OTP received in the registered mobile number.

Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASK) - Image 4 Receive OTP Step 10: Upon successful OTP verification, the applicant needs to fill the online form, which consists of appointment details, personal details, Aadhaar number, regional language, state, city and Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASK) - Image 5 Select the Time slot Step 11: After filling appointment details, personal details, the applicant needs to select the time slot for booking the appointment.

Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASK) - Image 6 Verify the Appointment Details Step 12: Check your appointment details and in case of any discrepancy, click on "Previous" button and correct the mistakes if the details are valid then click on "Submit" button to complete the online booking of your appointment.

Aadhaar Sewa Kendras (ASK) - Image 7 Receive Appointment Booking Number Step 13: After the submission of details, the confirmation message, along with an appointment booking number, will be sent to the applicant registered mobile number.

Time Limit

The appointment can be booked by choosing a particular date and time slot. According to the UIDAI, these Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) will maintain up to 1,000 enrolments and update requests every day. ASKs will be available for six days in a week including weekends from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) will remain closed on Tuesdays and public holidays.

Back to Learn

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

For a new Aadhaar enrolment at an ASK, you will need to bring valid proof of identity and proof of address documents as specified by UIDAI. The ASK staff will verify these documents before processing your enrolment.

To book an appointment online, visit the UIDAI portal, click on "My Aadhaar" and select "Book an appointment." Then choose your city, the desired service (new enrolment or update), enter required details like mobile number, select a convenient time slot, and submit the form. You'll receive a confirmation with the appointment booking number.

No, there is no fee charged for new Aadhaar enrolment at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. The charges apply only for updating existing Aadhaar details, which costs Rs. 50 to be paid at the ASK.

Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs) are open six days a week, from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, including weekends. They remain closed on Tuesdays and public holidays.

Yes, you can update your registered mobile number for your Aadhaar card by visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. However, you need to pay the prescribed fee of Rs. 50 for updating Aadhaar details at the ASK.

The entire token movement and queue status is visible to applicants via digital display screens at Aadhaar Seva Kendras for effective queue management. This allows you to track the status of your token or appointment easily.

According to UIDAI, Aadhaar Seva Kendras will maintain up to 1,000 enrolments and update requests every day to ensure efficient service delivery.

The article does not provide specific information about rescheduling or cancelling appointments online for Aadhaar Seva Kendras. However, most appointment booking systems offer this functionality, so you may be able to manage your ASK appointment through the UIDAI portal.

Aadhaar Seva Kendras are similar to Passport Seva Kendras in that applicants are given tokens to avail services, their documents are verified by staff, and they make payments at a cash counter after verification is completed. The entire token queue is digitally displayed for queue management.

The article does not explicitly mention if appointments can be booked for multiple family members together at Aadhaar Seva Kendras. However, most appointment systems allow booking slots for multiple applicants, so this option may be available when scheduling ASK appointments online.