List of Trademark Status in India with Meaning

Understand every trademark status in India, from New Application to Registered and Removed. Learn what each stage means and how to respond to objections or oppositions effectively.

When you file a trademark application in India, the application goes through several stages before it is either registered or rejected. Each stage reflects a specific status on the official trademark website, and understanding what these statuses mean can help you stay informed and take timely action.

Regularly checking your trademark status is crucial to knowing where your application stands and what action is needed. The Indian Trademark Registry updates specific trademark statuses at each stage of the application lifecycle – some straightforward, others more technical.

This article explains all important trademark statuses in India, including rare ones like “Send to Vienna Codification” and “Advertised Before Acceptance”, so you never miss a step.

🔍 Why Trademark Status Matters

• Helps track your application’s progress

• Alerts you to required legal action (reply, hearing, etc.)

• Prevents abandonment due to missed deadlines

• Indicates when you’ve successfully secured exclusive rights

• Helps plan business and brand strategy

You can check your trademark status in India on the official portal: 👉 IP India eRegister

Trademark Status in India and their Meaning

Trademark status refers to the current stage or condition of a trademark application or registration in the trademark registry system. It tells you where your application stands in the trademark lifecycle – from filing to examination, opposition, registration, or removal.

It’s a real-time indicator of how far your trademark has progressed in the legal registration process.

Whether you’re a business owner, legal professional, or entrepreneur, here’s a breakdown of trademark application statuses in India and what each one means:

1. New Application

Trademark status new application, what does new application mean in trademark?

It means that your trademark application has been successfully filed with the Indian Trademark Registry and is awaiting its first round of review.

Next steps: At this stage, no action is needed from your side. Wait for the Registry to complete preliminary formalities.

2. Formalities Check Pass

Trademark status Formalities Check Pass, what does Formalities Check Pass mean in trademark?

It means that your application has passed the basic formal requirements. This includes correct documentation, fees, and filing format.

Next steps: No immediate action is required. The application will move forward to examination.

Tip: Curious about the Formalities Check Pass trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

3. Send to Vienna Codification

Trademark status Send to Vienna Codification, what does Send to Vienna Codification mean in trademark?

It means that the logo/image marks and the application is being classified under the Vienna Codification System—an international standard for figurative elements.

Next Steps: No action needed; this is internal to the Trademark Office

Tip: Want to know more about the Send to Vienna Codification trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

4. Marked for Exam

Trademark status Marked for Exam, what does Marked for Exam mean in trademark?

It means that the trademark application has now been assigned to an examiner for a detailed examination under the provisions of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Next steps: The examiner will check for distinctiveness, similarity to existing marks, and compliance with legal standards.

Timeline: This stage typically takes a few months. You’ll soon receive an examination report.

Tip: Want to know more about the Marked for Exam trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

5. Objected

Trademark status Objected, what does Objected mean in trademark?

It means that the Trademark Examiner has raised objections. These can be under absolute grounds (e.g., lack of distinctiveness) or relative grounds (e.g., similarity with an existing mark).

Next steps: You need to respond to the Examination Report with a reply to examination report within 30 days. A hearing may also be scheduled.

Common causes:

• Descriptive or generic names

• Similarity with an existing registered mark

• Use of prohibited words or emblems

Tip: Want to know more about the Objected trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

6. Awaiting Reply to Examination Report

Trademark status Awaiting Reply to Examination Report, what does Awaiting Reply to Examination Report mean in trademark?

It means that an objection has been raised, and your reply is awaited.

Next Steps: Submit a reply immediately to avoid abandonment.

Tip: Want to know more about the Awaiting Reply to Examination Report trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

7. Ready for Show Cause Hearing

Trademark status Ready for Show Cause Hearing, what does Ready for Show Cause Hearing mean in trademark?

It means that the examiner has reviewed your reply to the objection and is not fully satisfied. A “Ready for Show Cause Hearing” status indicates that the application has reached a stage where the Registrar requires a personal hearing with the applicant (or their attorney) to explain why the trademark should be accepted and advertised in the Trade Marks Journal.

Next Steps:

• Prepare thoroughly with legal counsel

• Attend the hearing on the scheduled date

• Submit supporting documents, usage proof, and case law if applicable

Note: If you fail to appear, the application may be abandoned or refused.

Tip: Want to know more about the Ready for Show Cause Hearing trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

8. Hearing

Trademark status Hearing, what does Hearing mean in trademark?

It means that a hearing has been officially scheduled before the Registrar. A trademark hearing is a procedural stage during the examination of a trademark application where the Registrar of Trademarks requires further clarification or argument before deciding on the fate of your trademark application.

Next Steps: Appear on the scheduled date or request an adjournment in time.

Tip: Want to know more about the Trademark Hearing? Click here for a detailed explanation.

9. Accepted

Trademark status Accepted, what does Accepted mean in trademark?

It means that The examiner has accepted the application either without objections or after successful resolution of objections.

Next steps: The trademark is now ready for publication in the Trademark Journal.

Tip: Want to know more about the Trademark status Accepted? Click here for a detailed explanation.

10. Advertised Before Acceptance

Trademark status Advertised Before Acceptance, what does Advertised Before Acceptance mean in trademark?

It means that the trademark is advertised in the Journal before formal acceptance, to invite public opposition.

Next Steps: Monitor for opposition. If none, it may be accepted post-publication.

Tip: Want to know more about the Advertised Before Acceptance trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

11. Accepted and Advertised

Trademark status Accepted and Advertised, what does Accepted and Advertised mean in trademark?

It means that the trademark has been published in the Trademark Journal, which is a public record. This allows any third party to file an opposition.

Opposition period: 4 months from the date of advertisement.

Next steps: If no opposition is filed within this window, the mark proceeds to registration.

Tip: Want to know more about the Accepted and Advertised trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

12. Opposed

Trademark status Opposed, what does Opposed mean in trademark?

It means that a third party has opposed your trademark application, usually citing reasons like similarity to an existing mark or prior usage.

Next steps: You must file a counter-statement within 2 months of receiving notice. A legal hearing may follow.

Tip: Get legal assistance for handling oppositions effectively.

Tip: Want to know more about the Opposed trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

13. Registered

Trademark status Registered, what does Registered mean in trademark?

It means that the trademark has been successfully registered with the Trademark Registry. You now have exclusive legal rights over its use for 10 years (renewable).

Next steps: Use the ® symbol and monitor the market for any infringement.

Tip: Want to know more about the Registered trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

14. Refused or Abandoned

Trademark status Refused or Abandoned, what does Refused or Abandoned mean in trademark?

Refused means that the application was formally refused after examination or hearing.

Abandoned means that the application was dropped due to non-filing of a response or missed deadlines.

Next steps: You may consider filing a fresh application with the necessary improvements or filing an appeal before the High Court against the refusal order issued by the Trademark Registrar.

Tip: Want to know more about the Refused or Abandoned trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

15. Withdrawn

Trademark status Withdrawn, what does Withdrawn mean in trademark?

It means that the applicant has voluntarily withdrawn the application, possibly due to a change in business strategy or legal advice.

Next steps: No further action unless you want to refile a new trademark.

Tip: Want to know more about the Withdrawn trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

16. Removed

Trademark status Removed, what does Removed mean in trademark?

It means that the registered trademark has been removed from the official register. This typically happens due to non-renewal or upon request.

Next steps: If the removal was unintended, you may apply for restoration within 1 year from the date of expiry.

Tip: Want to know more about the Removed trademark status? Click here for a detailed explanation.

Conclusion

Understanding each trademark status in India empowers you to take timely legal steps, avoid abandonment, and speed up registration. Whether you’re at the examination, objection, or hearing stage, knowing the meaning behind the status ensures your brand is never left vulnerable.

Pro Tip: You can check the status of your trademark at the IP India Trademark Search Portal.

Common Legal Actions Based on Status

📞 Need Help with Trademark Objection or Opposition?

If you’re unsure about your application status or face objections/oppositions, it’s best to consult a trademark attorney. Reach out for a consultation today!

This content is for general information only, not a legal advice. For specific legal concerns, contact Lawfluencers at hello@lawfluencers.com!