The trademark registration process in Coimbatore (or anywhere in India) is governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Smartcorp is one of the popular agencies offering trademark registration services. Here’s a general step-by-step process of trademark registration in Coimbatore through Smartcorp:
- Trademark Search and Availability Check
- Preliminary Search: Before filing for registration, Smartcorp will conduct a trademark search to check if the proposed trademark is already in use or registered. This is done by searching the trademark database maintained by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks.
- Result Interpretation: If there are no conflicting trademarks, Smartcorp will guide you to move forward with the application.
- Filing the Trademark Application
- Prepare Documents: You will need to provide the following documents:
- Logo or word mark you want to trademark.
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.) and Address Proof of the applicant (individual/company).
- Power of Attorney: If Smartcorp is filing on your behalf.
- Description of Goods/Services: The goods or services your trademark will be used for, categorized under classes from the NICE Classification (there are 45 classes for goods and services).
- Filing: Smartcorp will file the application on your behalf with the Trademarks Registry online, through the IP India portal.
- Examination of Application
- Trademark Examination: The Trademarks Registry will examine your application to ensure that it complies with all legal requirements. This includes checking for conflicts with existing trademarks and whether the mark is distinctive.
- Examination Report: If any issues are found, you’ll receive an examination report. Smartcorp will assist you in responding to the report and overcoming objections, if any.
- Publication in the Trademark Journal
- After the examination, if there are no objections or once objections are resolved, the trademark will be published in the Trademark Journal. This allows others to oppose the registration if they believe the trademark infringes on their rights.
- Opposition Period: There is a 4-month window for third parties to oppose the registration of your trademark. If no opposition is filed, the registration process moves forward.
- Issuance of Registration Certificate
- Trademark Registration: If there is no opposition or if opposition is successfully overcome, the trademark will be registered, and a registration certificate will be issued by the Trademarks Registry.
- The registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
- Renewal
- After 10 years, the trademark must be renewed to maintain its validity. Smartcorp can help with the renewal process as well.
Advantages of Trademark Registration
- Exclusive Rights: It gives the owner the exclusive right to use the trademark in connection with the goods/services it represents.
- Legal Protection: Registered trademarks can be legally protected against infringement.
- Brand Recognition: Trademark registration in Coimbatore helps in enhancing the value of the brand.
- Deterrence of Infringement: It serves as a deterrent to potential infringers.
Timeline and Cost
- Timeline: The trademark registration process typically takes 12–18 months to complete, depending on whether any objections or oppositions arise.
- Cost: The cost of trademark registration varies, but Smartcorp offers affordable packages, including filing, legal advice, and follow-up.
Smartcorp Services
- End-to-End Assistance: Smartcorp offers end-to-end trademark registration services, including consultation, search, application filing, and handling legal issues.
- Expert Advice: Their team of legal experts ensures proper classification of the trademark and handles objections or oppositions.
- Post-Registration Services: They also provide services like trademark monitoring, renewal, and other intellectual property rights consultations.
If you’re based in Coimbatore or elsewhere in India, reaching out to Smartcorp will streamline the trademark registration process with expert guidance.