Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

22-August-2012 15:31 IST

As on 31st March, 2012, the Trademarks Registry has;

(i) 2,38,944 applications pending at the examination stage

(ii) 2,74,963 applications pending at the objection stage

(iii) 1,35,874 applications pending at the opposition stage

Registration of Trade Marks is a quasi judicial process which tends to be time consuming as it involves a number of steps, inter alia, examination of application, show cause hearings and completion of opposition proceedings. In addition, backlog has also arisen because of approximately 100% increase in the applications filed since 2001-02 and due to lack of adequate manpower Registration agencies have been requested to hasten the recruitment process in order to fill up the vacant posts in the Trade Marks Registry. Other steps such as introduction of free search facilities and digitization of records, streamlining of office procedure have been taken with a view to improve efficiency and transparency and thereby hasten the process of registration.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

DS/GK

Trademark registration backlog due to doubled filings and staffing shortfalls; administrative measures aim to speed processing. Registration of trade marks is a quasi-judicial process involving examination, show-cause hearings and opposition proceedings; as of 31 March 2012 the Trademarks Registry reported substantial pendency across examination, objection and opposition stages. The backlog is attributed to a near doubling of applications since 2001-02 and inadequate staffing. Administrative measures proposed include expedited recruitment, free search facilities, digitisation of records and procedural streamlining to improve efficiency and hasten registration.