Trademark has helped many companies to establish a strong brand identity and prevent others from using their business’s identity. Trademark registration is an essential process for protecting a business’s identity and intellectual property, especially for Startup Company. In India, the process of trademark registration and renewal is governed by the Trademarks Act, 1999, which replaced the earlier Trademarks Act, 1958. A trademark is a unique symbol, word, or phrase that represents a business or its products and services. It serves as an identity mark and distinguishes a business from its competitors. Let’s discuss the importance and process of trademark registration and renewal in India.
Trademark registration in India
Trademark registration and renewal in Delhi is vital for businesses for several reasons. First, it gives the owner of the trademark the exclusive right to use the trademark for their products or services. It prevents others from using a similar or identical mark and protects the business’s identity and reputation. Trademark registration also provides legal protection against infringement and unauthorized use. If someone tries to use a registered trademark without permission, the owner can take legal action against them.
According to the Indian Trademark Statistics Report 2020-21, the total number of trademark applications filed in India increased by 13.3% from the previous year, with a total of 3,30,637 applications filed.
Additionally, a registered trademark can add value to a business. It can increase brand recognition and consumer trust and help establish a strong brand identity. It also makes it easier for a business to expand its operations and enter new markets.Trademark registration also serves as proof of ownership as per accounting services in India. If there is a dispute over the ownership of a trademark, registered owner can use the registration certificate as evidence of ownership.
The Process of Registering Trademark in India
The process of trademark registration and renewal in Delhi involves several steps:
- Conduct a trademark search: Before applying for a trademark, it’s essential to conduct a trademark search to ensure that the desired mark is not already registered or similar to an existing trademark. This can be done through the Indian Trademark Official website.
- File the trademark application: Once the trademark search is complete, the application for trademark registration can be filed online or offline. The application should include the details of the applicant, the trademark, and the products or services for which the trademark will be used.
- Examination of the application: After the application is filed, it will be examined by the Trademark Registrar to ensure that it meets the legal requirements for registration. If there are any objections or discrepancies, the applicant will be notified, and they will have a chance to respond.
- Publication of the trademark: If the application is accepted, the trademark will be published in the Trademark Journal. This allows the public to object to the registration if they believe it infringes on their rights.
- Issuance of the registration certificate: If there are no objections or oppositions, the trademark will be registered, and a registration certificate will be issued.
Whether it is about startup company registration or registering an enterprise, consulting an accounting service in Delhi is what one truly needs to guide one from start to finish of the entire trademark registration process.
The Process of Trademark Renewal in India
A startup company registration or any business entity trademark registration in India is valid for ten years from the date of filing the application. After ten years, it can be renewed for another ten years by following the process below:
- File a renewal application: The renewal application should be filed six months before the expiry of the trademark registration.
- Examination of the application: The renewal application will be examined to ensure that it meets the legal requirements for renewal.
- Issuance of the renewal certificate: If the renewal application is accepted, a renewal certificate will be issued.
It’s essential to renew the trademark on time to maintain legal protection and avoid any disputes or infringement issues. Failure to renew the trademark can result in the loss of exclusive rights to the trademark. So, a good accounting service in Delhi can prove beneficial in guiding a business.
Conclusion
Trademark registration and renewal is crucial for protecting a business’s identity and intellectual property in India. It’s important to follow the proper procedures and maintain the trademark to avoid any legal issues or disputes. Registering a trademark can add value to a business and help establish a strong brand identity. Therefore, businesses operating in India should take the necessary steps to register and renew their trademarks to protect themselves from any copyright infringement.According to the Indian Trademark Statistics Report 2020-21, the total number of trademark renewals filed in India increased by 19.9% from the previous year, with a total of 1,73,092 renewals filed.
