Beware of Misleading Online Trade Mark Services in India

The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has recently issued a public notice Link : IP India website warning stakeholders about misleading and illegal advertising practices by certain online platforms offering “guaranteed” or “assured” Trade Mark registration services in India.

This notice is an important reminder for entrepreneurs, startups, MSMEs, and brand owners to be cautious while choosing service providers for Trade Mark registration.

Why “Guaranteed Trade Mark Registration” Is Misleading

No one can legally guarantee Trade Mark registration because:

·         Each application is examined by the Trade Marks Registry

·         Objections may be raised based on similarity, descriptiveness, or legal grounds

·         Third parties can oppose the mark after publication

 Therefore, claims such as “100% guaranteed registration” or “assured approval” are misleading and unethical.

Important Points:

·         Only Registered Trade Mark Agents or Advocates (as per the Advocates Act, 1961) are legally authorized to represent clients before the Trade Marks Registry.

·         Any other entity claiming to provide trade mark registration or protection services is not authorized and may be misleading or illegal.

·         Stakeholders and business owners are advised to verify credentials before engaging any service for Trade Mark registration.

Always check the official list of registered Trade Mark Agents on the IP India website before hiring any service.

Protect your brand the right way, and avoid falling prey to misleading online offers!

Trademark public Notice: https://ipindia.gov.in/uploads/7e14c707-4fb5-48c7-9748 05934c4a4a00_Public%20Notice%20Misleading%20and%20Illegal%20Advertising.pdf