What is a trademark?
A trademark is a visual symbol, collection of alphabets in form of names/labels, combination of colours, signature, device or any combination such of them. A trademark is used to carry out trade and commerce under a distinctive mark. This distinctive mark helps customers to identify the source of the product/service received. A trademark is given protection only if it is distinctive from other marks in the same category of goods and services. A trademark, once registered is valid for a span of 10 years from the date of application. A trademark, unlike copyright and patent can be renewed perpetually. The registration of a trademark allows an individual to prove prior use of a mark in situations of conflict. In India, even if a trademark is not registered, protection can be sought by availing common law remedies. Trademarks Act, 1999 and Trademark Rules, 2017 govern aspects of trademark registration and protection in India.
Who can file for registration of a trademark?
Any legal person who claims to be the proprietor of a trademark, which is already in use or is scheduled to be used in the future can apply in writing by filing appropriate forms and by paying prescribed fees. The application can be made either physically or through e-filing methodology.
Where can it be filed?
In India for the purpose of facilitating the registration of trademarks, Indian Trademark Office functions from five locations:
Chennai: Trade Mark Registry Chennai Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, G.S.T. Road, Guindy, Chennai-600032 Phone: 044-22505200 Extn.: 311 Fax: 044-22502046 Email: tmrchennai@nic.in
Mumbai: Trade Mark Registry Mumbai Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, S. M. Road, Antop Hill, Mumbai - 400 037 Phone: 022-024101148 Fax: 022-24140808 Email: mumbai.tmr@nic.in
Delhi: Trademarks Registry, New Delhi Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, Plot No. 32, Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi-110078 Phone: 011-28032406 /100, 011-28032382 Fax: 011-28032381 Email: hodel.tmr@nic.in
Kolkata: Trade Marks office Kolkata 7th Floor, Nizam Palace, 234, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata - 700 020 Email: ratan.shalya@nic.in
Ahmedabad: Trade Marks Registry, Ahmedabad Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, Near Chanakyapuri overbridge, Besides AMC City Civic Centre, Ghatlodia, Ahmedabad - 380061 Phone: 079-27601782 Fax: 079-27601779 Email: ahmedabad.tmr@nic.in
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