A trademark objection is an official communication from the Trademark Registry indicating concerns or issues with your trademark application. It’s not an outright rejection but a preliminary query raised by the examiner, requiring the applicant to clarify or resolve the highlighted issues.

The objection is conveyed through an Examination Report, and applicants typically get 30 days to respond.

• Lack of distinctiveness: Too generic, descriptive, or common.
• Deceptive marks: Likely to mislead the public about the nature or origin of goods/services.
• Offensive or immoral content: Scandalous, obscene, or against public policy.
• Statutory violations: Contravening specific laws like the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

• Similarity to existing marks: Identical or deceptively similar to a registered trademark.
• Likelihood of consumer confusion: Creating misunderstanding about the product’s source or affiliation.
• Exploitation of well-known marks: Attempting to benefit from another brand's established reputation.

• Incorrect applicant name, address, or trademark form.
• Missing mandatory documents like Form TM-48 (Power of Attorney).
• Improper specification of goods/services.
• Issues with translation or transliteration of non-English terms.

• Authorization Form (TM-48)
• Examination report or application number
• Applicant’s ID and address proof
• Invoices or bills showing trademark use
• User affidavit detailing usage history
• Advertisements and promotional materials
• Product packaging, labels, business cards, and letterheads
• Government registrations (like MSME, FSSAI)
• Screenshots of online listings/social media presence
• Formal written reply addressing objections

• 1. Visit ipindia.gov.in
• 2. Click on 'National/IRDI Number'
• 3. Enter your application number and captcha
• 4. Click 'View' to see current application status and details

• It won’t have the legal protection of a registered trademark.
• You must respond to the objection within the specified timeframe.
• Not replying or resolving the issue can lead to application abandonment.

• The examiner reviews it.
• If satisfied, the application proceeds for journal publication.
• If not, you may receive a show-cause notice or a hearing may be scheduled.
• Post-publication, it stays open for 4 months for opposition.
• If no opposition is filed or resolved, the mark proceeds for registration.

• Professional fees (for a trademark attorney or consultant) may apply.
• Minor administrative charges (e.g., for affidavits, documentation) might be incurred.

• Conduct a thorough trademark search before applying.
• Use a distinct and unique mark.
• Avoid similarity with existing or well-known marks.
• Do not use common or generic terms.
• Avoid names of geographical locations.
• Invent a new word or coined term.
• Draft applications carefully, without any errors.
• Avoid marks that may be offensive or controversial.
• Perform additional online and industry-specific searches.
• Get expert advice from a trademark attorney.