Trademark Registration in Karnataka- Complete Process, Fees and Documents

The complete process of Trademark Registration in Karnataka can be clear by the below steps:

• Step 1: Conduct a thorough TM Search: When an applicant decides to register the trademark, they must conduct a thorough TM search. TM search is an initial step to clarify the availability of the trademark. This search makes a low probability of rejection.
• Step 2: Filing the TM Application: After conducting a thorough TM search the applicant goes for the application filing. During this step, the applicant must fill out an appropriate Trademark class. This class defines the nature and origin of the product or service. All the goods come under class 1 to 34 and services come under class 35 to 45.
• Step 3: Examine the TM Application by Department: After filing the TM application, that goes for the examination. Department inspection for similarities, deceptiveness, and absolute grounds for refusal of the Trademark according to sections 9 and 11 of "The Trademark Act, 1999". If the registrar finds any similarity during the Trademark Registration in Karnataka, the application will send a reply. And if they accept the application, they will advertise in a journal.
• Step 4: Reply to Examination Report: At this step, the applicant gets a notice of similarities in trademark and the applicant gets time to provide all the related statements to prove themselves. This step is not mandatory, but in case of any similarity or any objection, the applicant has to reply to the examination report and submit a favourable statement to prove their side.
• Step 5: Advertise in Journal: At this step when the registrar gets satisfied and there are no similarities with other trademarks, the Trademark will be advertised in the journal. Here the trademark will be published and if any third party has any issues related to the trademark they can raise opposition within four months.
• Step 6: Opposition Process: After publishing the Trademark any other brand or third party has issues with the trademark, an opposition may be filed by the third party. At this step, the department gives equal opportunity to both parties to prove their side. If the third party succeeds in proving the similarities of TM with their mark, the application will be rejected. But if the applicant makes a relatable statement and the registrar gets satisfied then the trademark will be completely registered.
• Step 7: Registration certificate: This is the last step of the TM Registration procedure. At this step, the applicant receives the registration certificate of the trademark. After that, they get permission to use the symbol ® in front of their logo or brand name. This symbol determines that the brand is legally registered. It helps to give a unique identity to the brand and also provides several exclusive rights over the brand name.