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March 25, 2019

How To Register For Trademark in USA From India

Overview

A Trademark, which gives protection to the Brand name, logo, word, symbol or any combination thereof used with respect of business or in respect of certain products or services.

Trademark is given in the country in which it is filed, and to file in another country we have to comply with laws of the other countries.

Where United States of America is one of the economically leading country, and to apply trademark over there from India, or from their native countries, it has to be complied with the centralized governing authority called as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Benefits of filing US Trademark Application

Registering Trademark in US has following benefits and they are as follows:-

Legal ownership throughout all States i the US.
A USPTO Trademark registration confers the highest degree of protection for a Brand name.
Exclusive usage right.
Right to refrain others from using your Trademark.
The trademark gets listed on the USPTO Trademark database ( Trademark electronic search system)
Right to use R symbol.
A USPTO trademark registration increases valuation of the Brand name as well as the business.
Rights o take legal action against infringers and counterfeits.

How to register Trademark in US

In order to take or Register Trademark in US, following steps are neede to be taken, and they are as follows-

US Trademark search

A thorough search of the similar trademark from the database is required to be done before filing of the4 Trademark Application in USPTO. This gives preliminary assurance that your Trademark is not confusing or similar to the already existing mark. And it also reduces the chances of objection or third party opposition.

Identification of Class

Based on the description or service of the product, accordingly class of that product is decided i.e. based on the description of the goods or services, exact class or classes from among 45 classes is being decided.

Comprehensive specification Drafting

The Trademark specification or description should be provided carefully, and the same should be the acceptable entries of the ID manual provided by the USPTO.

Trademark filing basis (Sec 1A, 1B, 44D, 44E)

This is the crucial step of Trademark filing process as the Applicant is required to select the filing basis for the Trademark application, from among intent to use, use in commerce, foreign application/claiming priority ( within 6 months from the date of filing date of the foreign trademark Application) and foreign registration.

Specimen of use

If the Trademark is being filed in which usage of the mark is being claimed, corroborating and acceptable specimen of use (documents establishing the use) must be provided.

Final Application

Once the Application is applied, then a serial number will be provided by the USPTO.

March 18, 2019

Assignment of copyright in India

Copyright is a unique kind of Intellectual property Rights. It gives exclusive right to a person to reproduce the work or that person can authorise another person to reproduce the work by way of assignment. But there should be some amount of creativity and originality in the said artistic work.

Crucial points that are included in case of Copyright assignment and they are as follows-

The ownership of the copyright may be transferred wholly or partially.
While transferring the copyright to third person, then the owner must specify the amount of copyright assignment.
The assignment of copyright is valid only when it is in writing and signed by the assignor or his authorized agent.
The rights of the assignor of the copyright shall be diluted to the extent of the rights assigned to the third parties.
The rights of the assignor in the copyright shall be diluted to the extent of the rights assigned to the third party.
The assignment deed shall specify the territorial extent of such assignment.
The assignment deed must specify the assigned rights and royalties to be paid.
The assignment agreement shall be subject to revision, extention or termination on terms mutually agreed upon the parties.
If the assignor fails to exercise his rights within one year of the assignment, then it is deemed to assignment deed to be lapsed.
In case the assignment undertaken is in contrary to the terms and conditions of the rights already assigned to a copyright society to which creator is a member, it shall be deemed void.
In case of a manuscript, a copyright is a personal property of the owner, that can be transmitted through testamentary disposition.
The equitable assignment is just the agreement to assign and not the assignment.
After the assignment the assignee will get the rights of translation, abridgement, adaptation, dramatic and filmmaking in the work.
To repeal the work the creator is required to give the notice of the same in the prescribed format along with the prescribed fees to the registrar of copyright or by way of public notice. As soon as the registrar will receive this notice, he is required to publish it n the official gazette. Within 14 days of publication, the registrar shall post the notice on the official website of the copyright office, so that such notice remains in the public domain for not less than three years. Such right shall cease to exist from that day of notice.

Contact BIATConsultant for online copyright registration in India .

March 3, 2019March 3, 2019

Procedure For Restoration of the expired Trademark In India

Trademark helps to establish a brand name or image in the mind of the people. Trademark is very crucial process after checking similar existing trademark then only, registry finalises or issued the Trademark. Trademark is given for a period of 10 years after which it has to be renewed by an Applicant or through his/her Attorney the same can be renewed.

Following steps shall be taken to renew the trademark when it gets expired-

Initially, the owner has to fill TM-R form in order to get Trademark renewed within 6 months from the expiry of the trademark.
Then once an application is accepted then it has to be advertised in order to inform the concerned person about its restoration and invite objection from the people.
In case there are no objection received within the specific time, then the Trademark is registered and enclosed within Trademark information.

Procedure for Trademark renewal of Associate in nursing Trademark in India-

In case the owner himself does not make an application for the renewal of the Trademark within 3 months from the expiration of the Trademark. Otherwise Trademark registry can themselves intimate their agents or applicants about their expiration.
In case no requisite fees is given to the registry then the Trademark of the Applicant expires.
An application for the restoration is filed within 1 year from the expiration of the Trademark.
Then the mark is advertised in Trademark journal, and registry invirtes objection.
If no objection is received then trademark ios the applicant is restored and if objection is received then hearing is conducted for bth of the parties.
If someone else apply for registration of the terminated Trademark then the bsiness man needs to file associate in nursing objection against third party who has applied for registration of terminated trademark.

March 3, 2019

Sound Trademark in India

Any musical notes or sans or words can be trademarked in India. Earlier only sound Trademark was done in the West i.e. mostly in United States of America, then before few years only the same has been adopted in india and from now in India also sound of a particular product or any sound which is unique is eligible for its Trademark in India. Although the cases of registered sound Trademark are very rare.

There are certain clauses which describes that how sound Trademark can be registered.

First and foremost an Applicant must mention in its application that the application is for the protection of sound mark and not for anything else otherwise like other applications it will be considered as same word and device mark unless mentioned in the Application form.

Registration of a sound mark depends on whether the said sound mark is unique or not, and on the basis of its uniqueness only the registry will decide on its registration. Registry will see everything like by registering ones sound mark it must not hamper any other person’s mark or right.

Now in this blog we have discussed that what sound Trademarks can be registered by the Registry, now we will understand and look the sound marks which cannot be registered by the Registry and they are as follows-

All those simple pieces of music comprising just one or two notes.
Common songs used as chimes
All forms of popular music already in use in entertainment industry and other services
Nursery rhymes for children cannot be marked for product and services aimed at children.
Music which is closely associated with a particular region or country for a unique set of goods or services native to that area.

February 2, 2019

What Is International Copyright And How To Register International Copyright

Copyright is a protection which is given to people or entiuties who want to take protection under Literary work, cinematographic work, Sound recording, Artistic work or in computer software in India or outside India. It encourages development of culture, science and innovation., along with assiting audiences with acess to the entertainment or knowledge they seek.

For those people who wants to seek copyright protection outside India, for those there is one Treaty named Berne Convention which is signed by various countries according to which copyright protection can be taken in various countries by filing single application.

According to Berne Convention for the protection of Literary and Artistic Work.- which was adopted globally in the year 1886. This safeguards the rights of creative individuals with regard to the work they produce.

There is anither convention named Universal Copyright Convention (UCC) which was adopted global;ly in the year 1952 in geneva and serves as an alternative to the Berne convention for the sttes which did not sign it but invested in participating in the multilateral copyright protection.

Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Property rights or TRIPS is global agreement overseen by the world Trade Organization. It lays minimum satndards for many forms of Intellectual proerty organization that is applicable to the citizens belonging to other WTO members.

Then again we have Indian Copyright Laws in place too they only provide pcopyright protectionh to the person in India only i.e. within the geographical and political borders of India.

January 16, 2019January 16, 2019

Difference Between Trademark Objection and Trademark opposition In India

Trademark objection and Trademark Opposition are two different things where trademark opposition is raised by the Registry itself after seeing the Deceptively similar Trademark Under Section 11 or Section 9 of the Trademarks Act, 1999, whereas Trademark opposition is raised by the third party when Brand name is published in a journal after accepting the Trademark by registry then for three + one month it is open for third parties to raise opposition if they find that Trademark to be deceptively similar with their Trademarks or there is a chance of causing confusion amongst the consumers then third parties can raise opposition by filing TM-O form followed by the prescribed fees.

Trademark objection is a part of Trademark examination process. In this process trademark examiner examines your trademark examination and issues Trade,mark examination report against your mark. In most of the cases objection is being raised by the registry whose reply is to be given within the specific time i.e. within 30 days calculated from the date of issuance of the examination report. Whereas trademark opposition is filed by the Third party, and it is mainly done after the advertisement of the acceptance of the mark, from the Trademark registry in trademark Journal.

What is Trademark objection?

Trademark objection is a form of preliminary negation which is issued by a Trademark examiner after examination of the trademark Application and which is raised by the registry on the mark which is deceptively similar or having lack of distinctiveness with the already registered mark. These objections are very common which is raised by the registry in almost every Application but can be clear by giving the proper representation before the Examiner.

For better guidance to clear Trademark objection it is recommended to take advice or hire a professional or trademark Attorney to represent your case, unless you know what you are doing. It is advised not to use sample format which is available online as it may result in rejection of your Trademark a sit does not give good impression in the mind of the registrar. It is advised to respond the Trademark reply within 30 days.

What is trademark opposition?

Trademark opposition is a legal proceeding which is instituted by Third Parties. It is like stealing or using somebody’s exclusive right or idea. It is to be raised within three months of publishing in a journal. Opposition is a third party action done by people having genuine interest in the Trademark or by a person who feels that Trademark Registration of that Trademark would be the decorum, market, or any affect related to the business of that person.

Opposition is the activity which is being increasing and easier than ever before. In case you applied for a Trademark, even though a Trademark examiner reviewed and approved it. Trademark opposition is a serious matter which should be kept in mind while registering a Trademark. Oppositions can sometimes lead to accusations and claims of infringement and monetary damages.

In case Trademark of an applicant is being objected then he/she should reply or respond to that within 2 months of the receipt of communication from the registrar of Trademarks.

While under Trademark objection there is no fees involved in replying whereas in filing of Trademark opposition there is prescribed fees is to be submitted t the registry. Objection reply should be filed within 1 month whereas counter statement of Opposition to be submitted within 2 months. Under trademark Objection process is under trademark registry only whereas under trademark opposition there is separate process from trademark registration. Under trademark objection no response will lead to removal or no appeal lies against rejection and acceptance is published in Trademark journal whereas in trademark opposition no response of Trademark opposition can lead to removal or appeal lies against the judgement,m and the judgement is communicated to the Parties.

For any further assistance take help of Trademark Attorney from BIAT consultant.

January 16, 2019January 16, 2019

D.M. entertainment Vs. Baby Gift House & ors. (MANU/ DE/ 2043/ 2010)

Daler Mehndi a famous Pop star from Punjab has created a niche audience and is immensely famous amongst Punjabi- Pop music lovers. And Appellant company was registered in 1996 to manage artist’s escalating career.

In this case Defendants were engaged in selling of miniature toys of Daler Mehndi which was causing heavy loss to the Plaintiffs. Therefore plaintiff company filed suit for permanent injunction for infringing artist right of Publicity and false endorsement leading to Passing Off.

The Plaintiff company had been assigned all the rights, titles, and interest in the personality of the artist along with the Trademark. And it was contended by the Plaintiff’s company that Defendants were illegally using the unassigned and unlicensed product and sold it to the consumers which creates confusion in the mind of consumers that the mark is somehow related to the Plaintiff and which commercially exploits the plaintiff’s economy and reputation. And hence, it was submitted that such a use leads to Passing off. It was further submitted that such use was committed without the permission from the Person or any other person authorized by him. And it clearly shows the intention of the Defendant to commercially exploit the Plaintiff.

Section 29 of the Trademarks Act, 1999 ( hereinafter the Act) lays down the aspect of infringement of trademark. It elucidates that when a person is using , in course of any Trademark, which identical or deceptively similar to a registered mark which he is not entitled or licensed to use shall be deemed to infringe on the rights of a lawful person who has the lawful right over the mark.

The Act does not give a specific description of Passing off as a result it has been derived through Judicial precedents, common law. Passing boff plea could be taken when mark is created which is deceptively similar mark and is created to create confusion in the mind of the consumers that results in the loss damage or loss of the business for the person or company who/which is the lawful owner of the trademark.

Character merchandising is an area of law which is unexplored in India. The first case that dealt in this was Star India Private Limited Vs. Leo Burnett India Pvt Ltd.. the courts in India in these earlier cases had not dealt with publicity rights. I this Compensatory cost of rs.1 Lakh was given to the plaintiff and in this the intent of the judiciary was clear.

January 13, 2019January 13, 2019

What is Patent Cooperation Treaty(PCT)

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). PCT system makes it possible for every Patent holder to obtain its Patent protection in several countries by just filing single application through PCT.

The granting of patents remain under the national or regional legislation of the national or regional Patent offices. It is called the “ national Phase”.

In the national phase, each patent office is responsible for processing the application in accordance with its national patent laws, and for deciding whether to grant patent protection.

Advantages of Patent Cooperation Treaty

Applicants and patent offices of contracting states benefit from uniform formality requirements, international search, supplementary international search and preliminary examination reports, and centralised international publication.

Who can file PCT application

The visegrad Patent Institute is appointed as an international Searching Authority ( ISA) and an International Preliminary Examination Authority (IPEA) under the PCT system for applicants who are nationals or residents of Czech republic, Hungary, The republic of Poland and the Slovak republic. The two letter code representing the visegrad Patent institute is XV.

How to file your PCT Application

Requests must be made on a printed form or be presented as a computer printout, unless the receiving office or WIPO’s website. A special programme for electronic (E-PCT) filing is available from WIPO.

Where to file your PCT Application

Applicants who wish to file an international PCT application have to use the national office (which acts as a receiving office) in the country of which they are national or resident or the international bureau as a receiving office.

December 21, 2018

How to copyright a logo and a name in India

In India Copyright can be protected by either Copyright Registration or Trademark Registration process. There are different sets of steps which are required to be followed for obtaining the Trademark and Copyright Registration which we will discuss in the course of this blog.

By obtaining Copyright Registration and Trademark registration Brand value of a product is being protected. How to copyright a logo is itself confusing among the consumers.

Let us first clear the biggest misconception that logo and names can be protected with the copyright registration. Although the Brand name and a logo can be registered under a Trademark Act. therefore Copyright Registration cannot be sought or done with the Name of the Brand, but the logo can be done or protected under both Copyright and a Trademark, since it comes under Artistic work and therefore it can be protected under both Copyright and Trademark.

Let us discuss the procedure of obtaining the Trademark registration in India for the Brand name and the logo. Here are the steps which are involved in this procedure-

Firstly we do Free Trademark search of the Brand name to check that whether that brand name name is available or not. A name is available when a similar name or logo is not already registered.
Then Application is to be made by our professionals for the Trademark Registration and shall be filed with the department.
The there is mandatory waiting of 30 days in which in case of any discrepancies objections can be raised from the registry side.
Then once the Application is accepted by the registry the it will be published in the Journal for a total period of 4 months. During this period the third party opposition will be invited.
Then finally Trademark Registration is being done by the Registry if there is no Opposition from the third party.

In the same way you can make application for the protection of the logo under Trademark laws. After getting Trademark registration following steps has to be taken for Copyright Registration of the Logo. for Copyright registration following steps has to be taken:-

Firstly Copyright search has be conducted.
Then Application is to be made for Copyright Registration.
The same 30 days mandatory wait is to be done for objections to come from the Registry.
In case no objection the application is further forwarded to the examiner.
If no discrepancy is found then registration of copyright is approved.
Finally certification of registration of Copyright is granted to the Applicant.

Conclusion

In any case you are required to obtain the Trademark registration in India for both the logo and the name. But of you believe that your logo consist of some unique creation make sure to protect it with Copyright Registration in India.

December 15, 2018

How does a Corporate Debtor File Petition For Insolvency Petition

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 is meant to make sure that the Corporate Debtors and Financial/Operational Creditors pay their dues in a fair and efficient manner.

Corporate Debtor is a Corporate Applicant

Lets before discussing the Filing of Petition by Corporate Debtor, first discuss about what is Corporate Applicant. Corporate Applicant can be referred to any of the following person-

A Corporate Debtor
A Person who is partnered up with the Corporate Debtor who is given right to file for Insolvency Resolution Procedure under the MOA and AOA of the Company.
A person who is given the chance of handling the operations and resources of the Corporate Debtor.
A person who holds control and supervises the financial operations of the Corporate Debtor.

The Process of filing the insolvency Application

Filing the Application in the form prescribed under the IBC, 2016- This form should be prepared and submitted to the Adjudicating Authority along with the Fees of Rs. 25,000/-.

Along with the Application following documents have to be provided as well-

Information pertaining to the account books for the prescribed period.
Information pertaining to resolution professional as an Interim resolution professional.
A resolution that has to be passed by about 3/4th of the Partners/Shareholders of the Company Debtors that approve the Insolvency resolution Professional

For initiating the insolvency Resolution Process form 6 has to be filed by the Applicant and the documents and information should be attached along with this.
If the Petition is filed for initiating the Insolvency resolution Process (in NCLT), then within 14 days , the authority has either accept and admit the application or reject it. Once the application is admitted then the Insolvency Resolution process begin.
If the application suffers from either misInformation or Missing application then the adjudicating authority shall reject the application.
If the application is rejected by the adjudicating authority then they will be given 7 days to correct the errors. If the errors is rectified then after the prescribed period adjudicating authority is going to accept the application. And if not then the application is rejected without any retries.

Necessary voting is needed in order to file the application, and the way to submit the application is very easy.