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What Happens When the Registrar Isn't Satisfied with your Reply to Examination Report?

Trademark registration is a crucial step in protecting your brand identity and intellectual property. However, the journey is not always smooth, and obstacles can arise during the examination process. In this blog, we'll delve into what happens when the status page of your trademark application signals an "Alert: Ready for show cause hearing." This alert indicates that the Registrar finds your response to the examination report insufficient, and we'll explore the subsequent steps you need to take. The Show Cause Hearing Alert

When the status page of your trademark application displays "Alert: Ready for show cause hearing," it's a clear signal that the Registrar does not consider your reply to the examination report to be satisfactory or convincing. This alert serves as a pivotal moment in the trademark registration process, prompting the need for further action.

The Hearing Process

After the alert, you can expect that, in a few months, the date of the hearing and the name of the hearing officer will be reflected on the status page. This signifies that your application has been officially listed for a show cause hearing. You'll be pleased to know that there's no need to continuously check the status page, as you will receive an email notification regarding the date of the hearing only one month before the actual date of the hearing. The order of the hearings is based on the sequence in which the applications were filed, with older applications taking precedence.


In preparation for the Show Cause Hearing, it's crucial to note that you must file the necessary documents and evidence in support of your case at least 2 days before the scheduled date of the hearing.


The Registrar's Decision

Following the hearing, the Registrar shall pass an appropriate order, taking into account the submissions made during the proceedings. There are several possible outcomes:

  1. Acceptance without Conditions: One possible outcome is that the Registrar is completely convinced by your submissions and accepts the application for advertising without the need for any additional compliance.

  2. Acceptance with Conditions: In some cases, the Registrar or the hearing officer may be willing to accept your application, provided you comply with certain directions or requirements. If such conditions are communicated to you during the hearing, immediate compliance is necessary. If the Applicant's trademark application is accepted after the hearing, but the Applicant has not yet complied with the directions given by the Registrar during the hearing, it's essential for the Applicant to understand that non-compliance is not an option. The Registrar retains the authority to withdraw the acceptance, as outlined in Section 19 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and Rule 38 of the Trade Mark Rules, 2017.

  3. Rejection: If, after the hearing, the Registrar remains unsatisfied and decides not to accept your application, you have the right to appeal this decision.

Appealing the Decision

If your application is not accepted by the Registrar, you have the option to file Form TM-M within 30 days of receiving the Registrar's decision. This form allows you to require the Registrar to provide a written statement outlining the grounds and materials used in arriving at the decision.


Consequences of Non-Appearance

It's crucial to understand that failing to appear at the scheduled hearing date can lead to adverse consequences. If you are unavailable for the hearing on the scheduled date, you can file a Form TM-M by paying the requisite fee to postpone the hearing, ensuring that you have another opportunity to present your case.


Hearing Officer Is Unavailable or the Hearing Is Postponed

Should you discover, on the date of the hearing, that the hearing officer is on leave or that the hearing has been postponed for any reason, including administrative issues, you have the option to file a letter with the Registry. In this letter, you can notify the Registry about the situation and request that your application be rescheduled for a hearing as soon as possible.


The trademark registration process in India can be intricate and requires careful attention to detail. If the Trade Mark Registrar is not satisfied with your response to objections raised in the examination report, a hearing is a pivotal step to address these concerns. Understanding the consequences of non-compliance and the option to appeal decisions is essential. Navigating these aspects of the process with diligence and expertise can help ensure the successful registration of your trademark.

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