Trademark Opposition

Any individual who thinks his/her brand name or reputation of the company may be damaged in any way by the registration of a certain mark may choose to oppose such registration by filing the notice of opposition.

The notice of opposition can be filed within three months, extendable by one month (3+1) from the date on which the trademark was published in the Trade Marks Journal. If the notice of opposition is filed after three months but before the expiry of four months, then it must be accompanied by a request for an extension by one month, giving sufficient reasons for the delay in filing the opposition

In India, anyone can file for the Trademark Opposition. Usually, it is initiated by a person who is the owner of an earlier trademark or a mark that deals with similar goods/services; or that has a possibility of creating confusion or harm an existing mark can file an opposition, even if its own mark is not registered.

Through a common law of rights of passing off, one can file an opposition even if the Trademark application is pending or already in use if not registered. This law prevents any person from selling his goods/services as that of another and benefiting from it.

The next step is taken by the Registry. The registrar serves the copy to the opponent so that they can file a counter statement. This has to be filed within 2 months of the receipt of the notice of opposition. If it is not filed it is believed to be abandoned.

In a case where the notice of opposition is filed on the use of the mark, it is essential to show that the disputed mark or logo has become distinctive and is recognized that of the plaintiff’s goods and services. Hence, any mark that can cause confusion among the consumers cannot be registered as it would harm the already existing users’ business.