Registrar’s Decision

• After the hearing, the Registrar evaluates the oral arguments and submitted documents.
  
• If satisfied, the Registrar issues an order of acceptance for the trademark application.
  
• The order is recorded in the official database of the Trade Marks Registry.
  
• The application status is updated on the IP India portal as “Accepted & Advertised.”
  

Publication in Trademark Journal

• The accepted trademark is published in the Trademark Journal for public notice.
  
• This publication is done to invite any potential opposition from third parties.
  
• The journal entry includes the mark, applicant details, and class of goods/services.
  
• The publication starts the opposition window of four months.
  

Opposition Period

• During the four-month period from journal publication, any third party can file a Notice of Opposition.
  
• If no opposition is filed, the application proceeds directly to registration.
  
• If opposition is filed, the matter moves into an adversarial proceeding for resolution.
  
• The applicant must defend their mark if opposed, through written submissions and hearings.
  

Registration of the Trademark

• If no opposition arises or if the opposition is resolved in the applicant’s favor, the trademark is registered.
  
• A Registration Certificate is issued by the Trade Marks Registry.
  
• The status changes to “Registered” and the applicant gains exclusive rights over the mark.
  
• The trademark is then protected under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 for ten years.
  

Post-Registration Obligations

• The registered trademark must be renewed every 10 years to maintain protection.
  
• The mark must be used actively in trade to prevent cancellation due to non-use.
  
• The owner can initiate infringement proceedings against unauthorized users.
  
• Any changes in ownership or assignment must be updated with the Registry through appropriate filings.