🇮🇳 South Asia

India — IP Filing Guide

Paris ConventionPCT MemberMadrid Protocol
File Form 1 (application) + Form 2 (specification) at IPO
Publication after 18 months (or earlier on request)
Request for Examination (Form 18) within 48 months of filing
First Examination Report (FER) issued — 6 months to respond
Hearing with Controller if requested
Grant of Letter Patent; annuities due from 3rd year
Expedited examination (Rule 24C) available for startups, small entities, PPH
DPIIT-recognised startups: 80% rebate on all official fees
File at Trade Marks Registry (online)
Examination issued within 3–4 months
Reply to examination report within 30 days
Hearing if Registrar unsatisfied
Publication in Trade Marks Journal — 4-month opposition window
Certificate of Registration issued; renewal every 10 years
Multi-class filing permitted (all 45 classes)
Madrid Protocol designations accepted; India TM used as basic mark
Applications filed at the Design Office (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata)
Examination for novelty, originality, and non-prior disclosure
Convention priority claim within 6 months
Initial term: 10 years; renewal for further 5 years (total 15 years)
Locarno Classification used
Following NEC Corporation v. Controller (Calcutta HC 2026): GUIs are registrable designs
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