Trademark Glossary
Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll run into during trademark registration.
- Glossary
What Is the Nice Classification?
The Nice Classification is the international system of 45 classes used to categorize goods and services in a trademark application.
- Glossary
What Is a Trademark Opposition?
A trademark opposition is a third party's formal challenge to a published application, filed within four months of journal publication.
- Glossary
What Is Passing Off?
Passing off is a common-law claim that protects an unregistered brand's goodwill against misrepresentation, independent of trademark registration.
- Glossary
What Is a Show-Cause Hearing?
A show-cause hearing is where you or your advocate argue in person before the Registrar why a trademark objection shouldn't block your application.
- Glossary
What Is Form TM-A?
Form TM-A is the application to register a trademark in India, filed electronically with the Trade Marks Registry. Here's what it requires.
- Glossary
What Is Form TM-M?
Form TM-M is India's catch-all miscellaneous application form, used for requests like extensions of time and hearing requests during trademark filing.
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What Is Form TM-O?
Form TM-O is used to file a trademark opposition, a counter-statement, or a rectification application before the Indian Trade Marks Registry.
- Glossary
What Is Form TM-R?
Form TM-R is the application used to renew a registered trademark in India for a further 10-year term before it expires.
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What Is a Trademark Assignment?
A trademark assignment transfers ownership of a mark to another party. It must be recorded with the Trade Marks Registry to take legal effect.
- Glossary
What Is the Trademark Journal?
The Trade Marks Journal is the Registry's official publication of accepted applications, opening a four-month window for third parties to oppose.
- Glossary
What Is a Well-Known Trademark?
A well-known trademark gets broader legal protection in India, even across unrelated goods and services, once it's recognized as such by the Registrar.
- Glossary
What Is a Trademark Examination Report?
A trademark examination report is the Registry's written objection to your application. Learn who issues it, common grounds, and the response deadline.