Trademark Opposition Process in Nagaland: Complete Guide

Updated on October 19, 2024 12:18:22 PM

Trademark opposition is the crucial step in Nagaland while doing the trademark registration process. TM opposition in Nagaland provides security to their unique brand identity on their solo right to prevent piracy. This legal process also helps to make the uniqueness and advertise to perform differently in a competitive marketplace

Whether you are a business owner or an individual you should have a complete understanding of this process and this helps you to protect your brand reputation in the market. In this article, you will walk through every step of this procedure and will also know the purpose.

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Trademark Opposition in Nagaland - Overview

Sections 9(1), 11, and 21 of the Trademark Act, 1999, provide for objections or oppositions to be filed against a trademark application. The problems occur during the actual registration process when the registrar or examiner finds that the applied trademark is too similar to a previously registered trademark.

The opposition in Nagaland can be filed by any third party after the publication of the trademark in the Official Journal. Any person or company that may be affected should file an opposition within four months from the date of such publication. This is mainly designed to counter intellectual property rights violations and to protect the existing rights against possible infringement.

Grounds for Trademark Opposition in Nagaland

There are numerous reasons why Trademark Opposition raises in Nagaland. Some of the grounds for Trademark Opposition in Nagaland are given below:

    1. Confusing mark: If the applicant applied for a Trademark that already exists or is registered and may cause confusion among customers, that mark can be opposed by the third party.

    2. Genericness: Any mark consists of the generic term, that determines any goods or service that can be denied or objected to.

    3. Geographical Indication: If the applied Trademark indicates any geographical term such as any place name, that can’t be registered as a Trademark and can be opposed.

    4. Well-Known Mark: Many brands in the marketplace have established a unique identity and have a well-known mark, and if an applicant applied for that mark so it is a high probability of objection.

    5. Prohibited Symbols: if the applicant applied for a Trademark that denotes a national symbol, can raise an objection and it can’t be registered as a Trademark.

    6. Famous Personality: Most of the marks or names symbolise many famous personalities. These types of names can be raised as Opposition because this mark can harm the reputation of that personality.

    7. Prior User: That Trademark which is used by someone else whether it is registered or not but if they are the prior user of that mark, can raise objections for the applied mark that seems similar.

The Trademark Opposition Process in Nagaland

The Trademark Opposition in Nagaland includes many steps that are given below:

Step 1: Filing Opposition Notice

When the trademark has been published in the journal that is open for the opposition. If anyone finds some issue so they can raise opposition against the applied trademark.

Here the opponent or third party has to fill Trademark opposition that is basically called “TM-O”. The opponent has to clear the ground of opposition and with this TMO the opponent has to attach all the supportive documents.

Step 2: The Counter-Statement or Notification to the Applicant

When the opponent files the notice of opposition, the applicant will get a notification regarding the opposed Trademark Registration. The applicant gets a copy of the opposition statement and other related documents from the opponent side.

It depends on the applicant that they want to proceed with the procedure otherwise they can refuse or abandon that applied trademark.

Step 3: Filing the Evidence

Within 2 months the applicant has to submit the counter statement in reply to the opposition. In this statement, they have to submit all the related documents in favour of their statements. The opponent also provides a copy of every piece of evidence to the applicant.

The applicant can also submit their relatable documents to the registrar as well as the opponent also. After that, the opponent will provide further documents to make their strong side.

Step 4: Hearing

After receiving the evidence from both sides (opponent and applicant) the registrar will conduct the hearing. In this hearing, the registrar will give the equal opportunity to both parties to prove their sides. If the applicant will not present at the day hearing so the applied trademark will be abandoned and rejected.

Step 5: Rejected or Registered

After examining all the related evidence of the applicant and the opposition, the registrar decided whether the applied mark was registered or not. If the registrar is satisfied with the statements submitted by the applicant, the trademark will be accepted and registered. Otherwise, the applied trademark will be rejected or abandoned.

Purpose of Trademark Opposition in Nagaland

There are several purposes of Trademark Opposition in Nagaland some of these are given below:

    1. TM Opposition in Nagaland helps to protect the existing trademark rights.

    2. TM Opposition in Nagaland also prevents confusion among consumers that may be caused by a similar trademark.

    3. There are several businesses that are in a race in the market and want to enhance their unique brand identity. Here TM Opposition in Nagaland promotes fair competition among the traders or businesses.

    4. Some product or brand has strong consumer reach and the confusing brand mark can lose that reach therefore the TM Opposition in Nagaland aids to protect consumers’ interest.

    5. The TM Opposition in Nagaland helps in enhancing transparency. This helps another applicant while registering their trademark.

How to Avoid Trademark Opposition in Nagaland

Trademark Opposition in Nagaland can be a stuck point for your registration process. It can increase the chance of refusal or rejection. There are some points mentioned below that help to avoid the chance of a Trademark Opposition in Nagaland:

    1. The applicant has to conduct a comprehensive TM search before going to apply for the trademark application. TM search helps to give clarification about the availability of the trademark and aids to avoid the chance of objection and opposition during the registration.

    2. To avoid the chance of trademark opposition, the applicant must hire a TM Attorney. This attorney has years of experience and they help to inform you of the complete procedure. “Litem Legalis” can be the best choice as your TM attorney.

    3. When an individual or business wants to create a unique identity they must choose a strong and distinct mark as a trademark. It also helps to avoid the chance of opposition.

    4. Once the trademark is completely registered, the owner must renew the trademark timely. Otherwise, that trademark can be abandoned and a chance for infringement. Timely renewable increases the chances of the future expansion of a business.

Why Litem Legalis?

Trademark Registration is a long process and higher chance of trademark opposition. Here, “Litem Legalis” will help you to get your TM registration in an easier and hassle-free way. “Litem Legalis” will be your best choice because of:

Free Legal Advice

Free Legal Advice

Expert Lawyers

Expert Lawyers

Lowest Fees

Lowest Fees

Quick Process

Quick Process

Conclusion

Trademark opposition in Nagaland is one of the important parts of the trademark registration process. It began with the TM opposition form being filed, counter statements filed by both parties replies to them, and hearings. TM opposition is a crucial step and it is very important for the Protection of existing trademark rights and provides an opportunity for any individual or business to oppose a trademark that could affect their brand identity.

However,all necessary documentation needs to be provided by applicants during the registration process. If they are opposed, they must submit relevant and supporting statements to the registrar. But to simplify all these legal procedures and also prevent complications, applicants can leverage on the experience of a professional trademark attorney which will ensure they navigate through the process easily and effectively secure their registration.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cost of Opposition filing in Nagaland?

The cost of the trademark opposition filing in Nagaland is ₹2700 for e-filing.and ₹3000 for physical filing.

What is the purpose of the Trademark Opposition in Nagaland?

The Trademark Opposition in Nagaland has many purposes such as preventing the solo rights of existing Trademarks, preventing confusion, promoting fair competition, protecting consumer interests and also enhancing transparency.

What is the timeline for Trademark Opposition in Nagaland?

When the registrar publishes the Trademark in the journal, the opponent has to file an Opposition within four months of the advertisement.

What is the process of Trademark Opposition in Nagaland?

The Trademark Opposition in Nagaland includes many steps such as filing the notice of Opposition, counter-statements, evidence in support of the Opposition, hearing process and registration or rejection.

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