Filing Requirements:
1. Power of attorney, legalized. A general power may be used for subsequent filings.
2. 15 prints of the mark for each application.
* Documents 1 and 2 may be submitted within 3 months from filing date.
Classification:
The International Classification of Goods and Services (8th Edition) is followed. A separate application is required for each class.
Opposition:
Trademark applications accepted by the Registrar are published in the Official Gazette. Oppositions may be filed within 3 months from publication date.
Extension Of Time:
Extension of time for oppositions/counter oppositions or for responding to office actions is possible.
Protection Term:
Trademark registrations are valid for 7 years from filing date and are renewable for period of 14 years each. There is a grace period of 1 month for late renewals with payment of a surcharge.
Documents Required For Renewal:
- Power of attorney, legalized.
Use Requirements:
Use of a trademark is not required for registration or renewal of a mark. However, a trademark is vulnerable to cancellation by any interested party if there has been no effective use of the mark for a period of 2 years preceding date of filing for cancellation.
Search:
An official search may be conducted for word marks and devices. It takes approximately 3 to 4 working days for the results to be available. A separate application is required for search in each class. The search report discloses similar and identical trademark registrations.
Assignment:
* Registered trademarks may be assigned only with the goodwill of the business concerned.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney from the assignee, legalized.
- Deed of Assignment, notarized.
Change Of Name/Address:
* A change of name/address may be recorded for trademark registrations only.
* Documents required:
- Power of attorney, legalized.
- Certificate of change of name/address, legalized.
Licensing:
* No provisions
Marking:
Marking is not compulsory.
Cancellation:
A trademark is subject to cancellation by any interested party within 5 years from registration date.
Registration Time Frame:
The time frame for completing the registration process is 2 to 3 years.
Three Dimensional Trademark Applications:
Unacceptable.