Trademark Registration Process: Key Stages and Timelines Explained

A trademark carries the identity of a business. With trademark registration, you can protect your brand name, logo, or even a label that sets products or services apart from the rest. To obtain the final certificate, a trademark application undergoes a lengthy series of checks. Each step matters, and missing one can cause the application to be rejected or removed from the register altogether.

However, before registering your application, it is advisable to check whether your brand name is available. Go through our guide to learn the process to check the trademark availability and register your brand without stress: How to Check if Your Trademark is Available in India

Here is an overview of how the trademarking process moves and what each stage means for your TM application.

1. Filing the Trademark Application

A trademark application is filed through the online portal, so the applicant’s physical location no longer affects the filing process. However, jurisdiction still matters for record purposes, but the application itself is submitted digitally. All examinations are handled centrally by the Mumbai office of the Trade Marks Registry.

Once filed, two things happen:

• The Registry digitizes the application
• The form is checked for basic completeness and documents

After this, the application is examined to see:

• If the mark can truly identify the applicant’s goods or services
• If the mark is barred under any law.
• If there is a risk of confusion because of an earlier identical or similar mark

Even though different offices handle filings, every application is finally routed to the Head Office in Mumbai for detailed examination.

Learn about all the new changes the government has introduced for trademarking: Trademark Rules in India 2025: Key Changes & Process Updates

2. Examination and Acceptance of Trademark

After centralisation, the Registrar reviews the application. Evidence of use and distinctiveness may help at this stage.

If the Registrar believes the mark is suitable for registration, the application is accepted. The accepted mark is then published in the weekly Trade Marks Journal. This Journal appears on the official website and serves as public notice.

However, if you face opposition from the examiner for your trademark, it is better to start preparing the trademark objection reply, and failure to do so can lead to the application being abandoned: How to file a Trademark Objection

3. The Opposition Window of the Trademark

Publication opens the door to objections from the public. Anyone who feels the mark clashes with their rights can file an opposition within four months. And before you tackle this, it is essential to understand the trademark opposition; this will help you to be prepared for your next step, if the situation arises.

Here is how the opposition process usually unfolds:

• The applicant receives the notice of opposition
• Must file a counter-statement within two months
• If the applicant misses this deadline, the application becomes abandoned
• The opponent files evidence first
• The applicant files evidence next
• The opponent then submits a final rebuttal

Once all evidence is in place, the Registry schedules a hearing. A Hearing Officer reviews both sides and gives a decision. If a party disagrees with the result, the matter may be taken to the High Courts and Commercial Courts

4. Why Tracking the Stages Matters in the TM Registration Process

Trademark registration is not a single-step process. It is a chain of actions that demand constant attention. With online filing now common, most notices, objections, and updates appear on the Registry’s portal.

Missing even one update may cause:

• Delays
• Abandonment
• Refusal

To stay in control, applicants must follow each stage closely.

Once done with the trademark application, here’s your well-researched guide on the process of checking the status of your application: How To Do a Trademark Registration Status Check Online

5. Common Trademark Application Stages Explained

When tracking a trademark application, you will see several status updates. Each stage has a purpose and often a small action point for the applicant.

1. New Application/Online New Application

The application has been filed and basic details are entered into the system.

Why it matters: Check that your application number is correct and keep it handy, as it becomes your reference for the entire process.

2. Sent to Vienna Codification

Visible only for logos, labels, or artistic marks.

Why it matters: The Vienna code helps classify the visual elements of your mark. Errors here may slow down examination, so verify that the coded design matches your actual logo.

3. Formalities Check Pass

All required documents are in order.

Why it matters: If something is missing, the Registry usually raises it at this point. Clearing this stage means your application can safely move forward without basic paperwork delays.

4. Marked for Examination

The file reaches the examiner for a detailed legal and technical check.

Why it matters: This is often the longest waiting period. Keep a close watch so you can respond within 30 days if the examiner raises objections.

5. Objected/Exam Report Issued

The examiner has concerns and issues an examination report.

Objections may relate to:

• Minor corrections
• Clarifications
• Proof of use
• Lack of distinctiveness
• Similarity with earlier marks

Why it matters: A strong, well-reasoned reply can push the application toward publication. A weak response can lead to refusal, so this step often requires expert attention.

6. Refused

The application is rejected after examination or hearing.

Why it matters: Refusal is not the end. Many applicants choose to appeal if they have solid grounds or strong evidence of distinctiveness.

In case you are not sure on what basis the government can refuse your application, we have created a guide for you. Understand the grounds of refusal for trademark registration: Relative Grounds for Refusal of Registration of Trademark

7. Advertised Before Accepted

The mark is placed in the Journal before receiving final acceptance.

Why it matters: This allows the public to review the mark while the examiner waits for minor clarifications. Applicants must send any pending revisions quickly to avoid delays.

8. Opposed

A third party has filed an opposition within the four-month period.

Why it matters: Opposition proceedings can be lengthy. A well-structured counter-statement and timely evidence help keep the application alive.

9. Abandoned

The applicant missed a deadline for replying to an objection or notice.

Why it matters: Abandonment is final. Monitoring status updates is essential to avoid losing a mark due to oversight rather than merit.

10. Withdrawn

The applicant voluntarily withdraws the application.

Why it matters: Withdrawal is usually done when the applicant decides to file a new, corrected application or settle a dispute.

11. Removed

The mark is taken off the Register.

Why it matters: This stops the mark from moving toward registration and may require a fresh filing if the applicant still wants the protection.

12. Registered

The trademark is approved and the certificate is issued. After that, you can download the trademark certificate with just a few easy steps.

Why it matters: Registration grants legal protection, enforcement rights, and long-term brand security. It also lets the holder use the ® symbol.

Building a Remarkable Brand? LegalWiz.in Helps You Protect It

A strong brand deserves solid protection. Once your name, logo, or tagline gains recognition, the safest move is to secure exclusive rights.

You can register much more than a name or logo. The Trademark Act of 1999 also protects slogans, colour combinations, product shapes, packaging styles, and even certain sounds or scents.

LegalWiz.in makes this process simple. Our online trademark registration service is built for speed, clarity, and accuracy.

What we offer:

• A complete TM search and filing process handled by experts
• Clear guidance at every step
• Accurate documentation to reduce objections
• Regular updates so you never miss a deadline
• TM filing completed within three working days

You focus on growing your brand. We make sure it stays protected.

Conclusion

A trademark application may seem simple, yet it goes through several careful checks before it earns legal protection. Understanding these stages helps you follow the progress with clarity and handle notices or objections on time. When applicants are attentive and respond quickly, the mark gets the “Registered” status without any stress. If you want a more efficient and reliable approach, LegalWiz.in can handle the whole procedure for you. Our team ensures that your trademark is registered without any issue. They track important dates for your application, are ready with responses, and are handling the documentation.