Ease of Doing Business Gets Serious Attention from the Policymakers

“The Trade Mark Rules, 2017 have been notified and have come into effect from 06th March, 2017. These Rules, which replace the erstwhile Trade Mark Rules 2002, will streamline and simplify the processing of Trade Mark applications,” the Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a statement.

Under the revamped rules, the applicants will get 10 per cent concession for online filing and based on stakeholders feedback, the fees for Individuals, Start-ups and Small Enterprises have also been reduced to Rs 4,500 as against Rs 8,000 for e-filing of TM applications proposed at the draft stage.

Over all fees have been rationalized by reducing the number of entries from 88 to just 23 and modalities for service of documents from applicants to the Registry and vice-versa through electronic means have been introduced to expedite the process; e-mail has been made an essential part of address for service to be provided by the applicant or any party to the proceedings so that the office communication may be sent through email.

Under the new rules, hearing through video conferencing has also been introduced and number of adjournments in opposition proceedings has been restricted to a maximum of two by each party, which will help dispose off matters in time.