Trademark Status Accepted – Everything You Need to Know

Understand what “Trademark Status Accepted” means in India. Learn its implications, next steps, opposition period & how to secure your trademark registration.

When you apply for a trademark in India, one of the most crucial milestones is seeing the status update as “Accepted” on the IP India Trademark Registry website. But what exactly does “Trademark Status: Accepted” mean? Is your trademark now fully protected? What are the next steps?

In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about this trademark status, its implications, and what you should do after receiving it.

✅ What Does Trademark Status Accepted Mean?

When the status of a trademark application shows as “Accepted”, it means that the Trademark Examiner has reviewed your application and found it to be compliant with the legal requirements under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

More specifically:

• There are no objections under Section 9 or Section 11 of the Act (which deal with absolute and relative grounds for refusal).

• The mark is considered distinctive, non-generic, and not deceptively similar to any existing trademark.

• The Registrar has accepted the application for advertisement in the Trademark Journal.

🚨 Does “Accepted” Mean Your Trademark is Registered?

No. “Accepted” does not mean that your trademark is registered. It simply means that the Registrar has approved the application for advertisement in the official Trademark Journal. This stage invites the public to file an opposition (if any) within a period of 4 months from the date of publication.

📢 What Happens After Your Trademark is Accepted?

Once your trademark is accepted:

1. Publication in the Trademark Journal: Your mark will be advertised in the official journal to inform the public.

2. Opposition Period: Any third party can file an opposition within 4 months from the date of journal publication.

3. No Opposition? If no one opposes your mark within this time frame, it moves to the registration stage.

4. Opposition Filed? If there is opposition, the matter will proceed to a quasi-judicial hearing before the Trademark Office.

🔍 How to Check Trademark Status Online in India

Follow these steps to check the status of your trademark:

1. Visit the IP India Trademark Status website 

2. Click on Trade Marks Application / Registered Mark

3. Click on National IRDI Number or International Registration Number

4. Enter Trade Mark/Application Number and Enter the code shown on the screen

5. Click on View

You will be able to see whether the status reads “Accepted”, “Objected”, “Advertised”, or “Registered”, among others.

🧾 Documents Required to Reach “Accepted” Status

Typically, to reach the “Accepted” stage, you need:

• Properly filled TM-A form

• Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)

• User Affidavit (if prior usage is claimed)

• Proof of usage (optional but recommended)

• Clear trademark image/logo (if applicable)

💡 Tips to Ensure Your Trademark Gets Accepted

• Conduct a trademark search before applying to ensure uniqueness.

• Avoid generic or descriptive terms.

• Ensure your mark is not similar to existing trademarks.

• Hire a trademark lawyer for expert filing and representation.

📌 Common Misconceptions About “Accepted” Status