The Registrar may either uphold the opposition and reject the application or dismiss the opposition and allow the application to proceed to registration.

You cannot oppose the mark after the 4-month window, but you may explore cancellation or rectification proceedings later.

While not mandatory, professional legal drafting and representation increase the chances of success.

You must file a counter statement within 2 months and then defend your application with evidence and legal arguments.

Similarity with an existing trademark, lack of distinctiveness, bad faith filing, and potential to mislead consumers are common grounds.

Yes. Even unregistered trademark users with prior usage rights can oppose a mark if they can prove usage and goodwill.

If the applicant does not respond within the deadline, the trademark application is treated as abandoned.

On average, the opposition process may take 1–2 years, depending on the complexity of the case and hearings.

The applicant receives a copy of the opposition notice and must file a counter statement within 2 months; otherwise, their application will be considered abandoned.

Documents such as the details of the opposed mark, proof of prior use, identity of the opponent, Power of Attorney (if filed through a consultant), and supporting evidence like invoices or advertisements are required.

If no opposition is filed within 4 months of publication, your application proceeds toward registration and issuance of the certificate.

An objection is raised by the Trademark Examiner during examination, while an opposition is filed by a third party after the mark is advertised in the Journal.

An opposition must be filed within 4 months from the date of publication of the trademark in the Trademark Journal.

Any individual, business owner, or organization who believes that the applied trademark will harm their brand or cause confusion in the market can file an opposition.

Trademark opposition is a legal challenge raised by a third party against a trademark published in the Trademark Journal if they believe it conflicts with their rights or may mislead consumers.