Can a trademark registration be canceled in India?

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Answer By law4u team

Yes, a trademark registration can be canceled in India under certain circumstances. The Trade Marks Act, 1999 provides provisions for the cancellation or removal of a trademark from the register. The following are the main grounds on which a trademark registration can be canceled: 1. Non-Use of the Trademark: If a trademark has not been used for a continuous period of five years or more from the date of registration, it may be liable for cancellation. However, the trademark owner may defend this on the grounds of valid reasons for non-use (e.g., due to business constraints or force majeure). 2. Misrepresentation or Fraud: If the trademark was registered by fraudulent means or if there was misrepresentation of facts during the application process, the registration may be canceled. This can include providing false information or forging documents. 3. Generic or Descriptive Nature: A trademark can be canceled if it is found to be generic (common term for goods or services) or descriptive (describes the goods/services in a common way) and thus does not meet the criteria of a distinctive trademark. 4. Likelihood of Confusion: If a trademark is registered that is identical or similar to an earlier registered trademark for the same or related goods/services, and there is a likelihood of confusion among consumers, the trademark may be canceled. 5. Dilution or Deceptiveness: A trademark can be canceled if it is deceptive or has the potential to mislead the public. For example, if a trademark is found to be deceptive as to the nature, quality, or geographical origin of the goods/services. 6. Non-Compliance with Legal Requirements: If a trademark does not meet the legal requirements as outlined in the Trade Marks Act, it may be subject to cancellation. This can include failure to submit required documents or misclassification of goods/services. 7. Abandonment: A trademark registration can be canceled if it is abandoned by the owner, meaning there is no intention to use the trademark or no commercial activity under the trademark for a prolonged period. 8. Obtained in Bad Faith: If the trademark was obtained in bad faith or with malicious intent, such as to block competitors or deceive the public, it can be canceled. Process of Cancellation: The process to initiate the cancellation of a trademark involves filing a petition for cancellation with the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) or the Trademark Registrar. A third party or an interested party can file the petition. The trademark owner will be given an opportunity to defend their registration. The tribunal or registrar will then decide on the matter. In conclusion, a trademark registration in India can indeed be canceled under various conditions, and the process involves legal proceedings where the parties involved can present their arguments and evidence.

Answer By Anik

Dear Client, A trademark registration can be canceled in India under some certain conditions, as per Trademark Act, 1999, they are as follows: 1. A trademark if not in the use for more than 5 years continuously, but a trademark owner can defend this by giving proper reason of not using it for 5 years. 2. If the registration was obtained via fraud or misrepresentation. 3. If the trademark is not descriptive in nature, it should meet all the criteria of the trademark for the purpose it was granted. 4. If there is already similar trademark is existing since before. 5. If a trademark is not meeting the legal requirements and going against the law. 6. If a trademark is abandoned by the trademark holder, then it can be cancled. 7. If it was granted in bad faith and to deceive people. 8. If it is not following the terms and conditions of the Trademark Act, 1999. 9. If Judiciary will pass an order to cancle it due to some illegal activities. To conclude yes, a trade mark registration will stand cancled in India if a trade mark holder is not meeting certain conditions. I hope this helps.

Answer By Ayantika Mondal

Dear Client, As per Trademark Act, 1999. A trademark registration can be canceled in India under some certain conditions, they are as follows: • If a trademark is not in the use for more than 5 years continuously, but a trademark holder can defend this by giving proper reason of not using it. • If the registration was obtained via fraud or misrepresentation. If any false or fake information was given while registration then later the trademark will stand void. • If the trademark is not descriptive in nature, it should meet the criteria of the trademark for the purpose it was granted. • If an already similar trademark is existing since before. • If a trademark is not meeting the legal requirements and going against the law. • If a trademark is abandoned by the trademark holder, then it can be cancled. • If it was obtained in bad faith and to deceive people. • If it is not following the terms and conditions of the Trademark Act, 1999. • If a court will pass an order to cancle it due to some illegal activities. To conclude yes, a trade mark registration can be cancled in India if a trade mark holder is not meeting certain conditions. I hope this helps.

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