Got a Trademark Objection? Here's How to Reply

If your trademark application receives an examination report under Section 9 (absolute grounds) or Section 11 (relative grounds), you have 30 days to file a reply.

Section 9 objections (descriptiveness, lack of distinctiveness) require evidence of acquired distinctiveness — invoices, ads, social media reach, awards.

Section 11 objections (similar prior marks) require legal argument distinguishing your mark from cited marks on phonetic, visual and conceptual grounds.

Missing the 30-day deadline causes the application to be deemed abandoned. Restoration costs ₹2,500 and a fresh examination.

If the Registrar is not satisfied with the written reply, a show-cause hearing is scheduled. Our advocates appear at Chennai TM Registry hearings regularly.

Success rate matters: a poorly drafted reply often dooms a recoverable mark. Always have a TM attorney draft the response.