All IP India Trademark Status Codes — Complete Reference
| Status | Meaning | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| New Application | Recently filed, awaiting formalities check | Wait. No action needed. |
| Send for Formalities Check | Registry is verifying documents and completeness | Respond to any deficiency notice within 30 days. |
| Send to Vienna Codification | Logo mark being classified (device marks only) | Wait. Process takes 2–6 weeks. |
| Examination Report Issued | Examiner reviewed — either approved or raised objections | If objected: file reply within 30 days. |
| Objected | Examiner raised Section 9 or Section 11 objections | File detailed reply within 30 days of report date. |
| Awaiting Hearing | Examiner scheduled a hearing after your reply | Attend hearing. Engage attorney. |
| Accepted | Examiner approved the application for publication | Wait for journal publication. Good news! |
| Accepted & Advertised | Published in Trade Marks Journal — 4-month opposition window open | Monitor journal. Celebrate — almost there! |
| Opposed | Third party filed opposition during the 4-month window | Engage attorney immediately. Counter-statement due within 2 months. |
| Registered | Trademark fully registered — certificate issued | Use ® symbol. Enrol in Brand Registry. Set renewal reminder. |
| Abandoned | Application lapsed — missed reply or renewal deadline | Consider restoration application or refile. Consult attorney. |
| Refused | Formally rejected after examination and hearing | Appeal to IPAB or file fresh application with stronger mark. |
| Removed | Cancelled after registration (rectification, non-use) | Mark is no longer protected. Refile if needed. |
| Withdrawn | Applicant voluntarily withdrew the application | Mark abandoned by choice. Refile if circumstances change. |
Understanding 'Registered' Status
Registered is the final, fully protected status. It means:
- The trademark is valid and in force for 10 years from the filing date
- The proprietor has exclusive nationwide rights to use the mark in its registered classes
- The ® symbol can now legally be used
- The owner can file infringement suits and seek criminal prosecution
- The mark is transferable, licensable, and can be used as security
To maintain registered status: use the mark in commerce (non-use for 5 years makes it vulnerable to cancellation), and renew every 10 years via Form TM-R (₹9,000/class).
Understanding 'Objected' Status — Most Common Concern
Objected is the most anxiety-inducing status for applicants, but it is NOT a rejection. Over 50% of Indian trademark applications receive at least one objection. An objection means the examiner has raised concerns and requires you to address them.
Two types of objections:
- Section 9 — Absolute Grounds: The mark is descriptive, generic, deceptive, or lacks distinctiveness. Example: "Best Quality Cement" for a cement brand is descriptive.
- Section 11 — Relative Grounds: The mark is identical or similar to an existing registered or filed mark. The examiner found a potential conflict.
⚠ 30-Day Deadline
From the date of the Examination Report, you have exactly 30 days to file a reply. Missing this deadline results in automatic abandonment of your application.Understanding 'Accepted & Advertised'
This is excellent news. It means your mark passed examination and is now published in the IP India Trade Marks Journal. Third parties have 4 months from the publication date to file an opposition.
If no opposition is filed during this window, your mark proceeds to registration automatically. Most marks published in the journal do proceed to registration — only a small percentage face opposition.
How to Check Your Trademark Status
1
Go to ipindiaonline.gov.in → Trade Marks → Public Search → Wordmark Search or Application Number Search.
2
Enter your application number or brand name and search.
3
Click on your application in the results to see the full status and status history.
4
Download the Examination Report if the status is "Objected" — the full objection details are in the report PDF linked in your application details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 3–6 months for standard applications. After this, the status changes to either 'Accepted' (no issues) or 'Objected' (issues raised). With expedited examination, this stage is reduced to 30 working days.
It is a processing step only for logo/device marks. The registry's Vienna Codification team classifies the figurative elements of your logo. This takes 2–6 weeks and does not affect your overall timeline significantly.
Yes — the IP India trademark search is a public database. You can search any company's trademark applications and check their status. This is useful for competitive intelligence.
Not always — if the abandonment is recent, you may be able to restore the application with a Show Cause response or apply for restoration. Consult an attorney immediately if your application shows Abandoned status.
Download and save your registration certificate from the IP India portal. Note your registration number and the 10-year expiry date (calculated from filing date). Enrol in Amazon/Flipkart Brand Registry. Start using ® on all brand materials. Set a calendar reminder for renewal 9.5 years from your filing date.
Get Expert Trademark Help
Our specialists handle search, filing, objection replies, and follow-up. Fixed pricing, no surprises.