What is Trade Mark Opposition ?

Trademark opposition is a legal process where a third party challenges the registration of a trademark after it has been published in the Trademark Journal. During the opposition period, typically lasting four months in India, any party who believes that the registration of the trademark would harm their business interests can file an opposition. The opposition process allows for a fair hearing where both the applicant and the opposing party present their arguments and evidence. This process helps prevent the registration of trademarks that may cause confusion, infringe on existing rights, or otherwise conflict with established trademarks.

Benefits

The benefits of trademark opposition include:

  • Protection of Brand Identity : Trademark opposition helps protect existing brands from infringement by preventing the registration of confusingly similar or identical trademarks.
  • Legal Safeguard : It serves as a legal safeguard for businesses, allowing them to challenge trademarks that could negatively impact their market position or dilute their brand’s value.
  • Prevention of Unfair Competition : Opposition proceedings help maintain fair competition by ensuring that trademarks are distinct and not misleading to consumers.
  • Strengthening Trademark Rights : Successfully opposing a trademark can reinforce the strength and exclusivity of your own trademark, securing your market presence.
  • Cost-Effective Dispute Resolution : Resolving potential conflicts during the opposition stage can be more cost-effective and quicker than dealing with trademark disputes after registration.

PROCESS/ STEPS

The process for trademark opposition in India involves several steps:



01

Publication in the Trademark Journal

Once a trademark application is accepted by the Registrar, it is published in the Trademark Journal. This publication marks the start of the opposition period.

02

Filing an Opposition

Any third party who believes that the registration of the trademark could harm their interests has four months from the publication date to file an opposition. The opposition must be filed using Form TM-O, along with the required fees, and must include the grounds for opposition and supporting evidence.

03

Notice of Opposition

Once an opposition is filed, the Registrar issues a notice of opposition to the trademark applicant, informing them of the opposition.

04

Filing of Counter-Statement

The trademark applicant has two months from the receipt of the notice to file a counter-statement using Form TM-O. The counter-statement should address the claims made in the opposition. Failure to file the counter-statement within this period can result in the trademark application being deemed abandoned.

05

Evidence Submission by Opponent

After the counter-statement is filed, the opponent has two months to submit evidence in support of the opposition, usually in the form of an affidavit, or they can choose to rely on the opposition notice.

06

Evidence Submission by Applicant

The trademark applicant then has two months to submit their evidence in support of their trademark application, also typically in the form of an affidavit.

07

Rejoinder by Opponent

The opponent may file additional evidence in reply to the applicant's evidence within one month, although this step is optional.

08

Hearing

After the submission of evidence, the Registrar schedules a hearing. Both parties present their arguments and evidence before the Registrar. Legal representatives can also appear on behalf of the parties.

09

Decision by the Registrar

After considering the evidence and arguments, the Registrar makes a decision to either uphold the opposition and refuse the trademark registration or dismiss the opposition and allow the trademark to proceed to registration.

010

Appeal (if applicable

If either party is dissatisfied with the Registrar's decision, they may appeal to the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) within three months of the decision.

This opposition process is crucial for ensuring that only trademarks that are distinctive and non-conflicting are registered, thereby protecting existing trademark rights and maintaining fair competition.

Documents Required

In India, if you wish to file a trademark opposition, several key documents are typically required. Here’s a list of the necessary documents:

  • Notice of Opposition : The primary document, which must be filed within four months of the trademark being advertised in the Trademark Journal. It should include the grounds for opposition, such as prior use, likelihood of confusion, or descriptiveness.
  • Power of Attorney : If the opposition is filed through an attorney or trademark agent, a Power of Attorney must be submitted, authorising them to act on behalf of the opponent.
  • Affidavit in Support of Opposition : This affidavit should detail the evidence supporting the opposition, including any documents that demonstrate the opponent's prior rights, use of the trademark, reputation, or any other relevant factors.
  • Exhibits/Supporting Documents : These may include :

    • Copies of earlier registered trademarks or applications.
    • Documents showing the use of the trademark (e.g., advertisements, invoices).
    • Market research or survey evidence demonstrating the public association of the mark with the opponent.
    • Any other documents proving the opponent's claim over the trademark.
  • Details of the Opponent : This includes information about the opponent, such as name, address, and the capacity in which the opposition is filed (e.g., as an individual, company, etc.).
  • Statutory Fee : Payment of the official fee for filing the opposition, which varies depending on the mode of filing (online or physical).
  • Covering Letter : A letter outlining the submission of the above documents and any other formalities.

The opposition process is time-sensitive, so it's crucial to ensure that all documents are accurate and submitted within the prescribed timelines.

Our Support?

As SS Auditors and Tax Consultants, our firm provides comprehensive support for trademark opposition in India. Here’s how we can assist you:

Consultation and Strategy Development :
  • Initial Assessment : We will review the trademark application you wish to oppose and advise on the strength of your case. This includes analysing potential grounds for opposition such as prior use, similarity, or descriptiveness.
  • Strategy Formulation : Based on our assessment, we will develop a tailored strategy to maximise the chances of a successful opposition.
Preparation and Filing of Notice of Opposition :
  • Drafting the Notice : We prepare the Notice of Opposition, ensuring all legal grounds and relevant facts are clearly articulated. Our team will ensure that the notice is comprehensive and adheres to the legal requirements.
  • Filing with the Trademark Office : We handle the timely submission of the Notice of Opposition to the Trademark Office, ensuring compliance with all deadlines.
Documentation and Evidence Collection :
  • Evidence Compilation : We assist in gathering and organising all necessary documents, such as proof of prior use, market research, and other supporting evidence that strengthens your case.
  • Affidavit Preparation : Our experts will draft the Affidavit in Support of Opposition, ensuring it is detailed and legally sound.
Legal Representation and Liaison :
  • Representation : If the opposition proceeds to a hearing, our legal team will represent you before the trademark authorities, arguing your case effectively.
  • Liaison with Authorities : We act as a liaison with the trademark authorities, handling any queries or additional submissions required during the opposition process.
Post-Opposition Support :
  • Monitoring : After the opposition, we will monitor the status of the trademark application and keep you informed of any updates or further actions required.
  • Further Appeals or Actions : If necessary, we will assist in filing appeals or taking further legal actions based on the outcome of the opposition.
Tax Advisory and Compliance :
  • Financial Implications : We provide advice on the tax implications related to your trademark and intellectual property rights, ensuring you are fully compliant with Indian tax laws.
  • Cost Management : Our team will help manage and forecast the costs associated with the opposition process, optimising your financial planning.

By leveraging our expertise, we ensure that your trademark opposition process is handled efficiently, legally sound, and aligned with your business interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a full range of services including consultation, strategy development, preparation and filing of the Notice of Opposition, documentation and evidence collection, legal representation, and post-opposition support.

We draft a legally sound Notice of Opposition, ensuring it includes all necessary grounds and facts, and handle its timely filing with the Trademark Office.

Yes, we help compile and organise all required evidence, such as proof of prior use, market research, and other relevant documents to strengthen your case.

Absolutely, our legal team can represent you before the trademark authorities during hearings and manage all interactions with the authorities on your behalf.

We monitor the status of the trademark application post-opposition, provide updates, and assist with any necessary appeals or further legal actions. Additionally, we advise on the tax implications related to your intellectual property.