Trademark Application Status “Send Back to EDP”: Meaning & Next Action

Last Updated on September 18, 2026

Trademarks filed in India are followed up by the applicants using the IP India website. “Send back to EDP” (or “Sent Back to EDP”) is one of the internal statuses that may appear when doing so. “Send back to EDP” status creates some confusion since it is not clear if it requires any action from the applicant.

The EDP abbreviation stands for Electronic Data Processing, which is an internal section of the Registry involved in data entry and scanning. If your trademark application has “Send Back to EDP” status, it usually means that your file has been sent back for processing, updating or rechecking the scanned documents and data entered.

This guide provides an explanation of the meaning of the “Send Back to EDP” status, its place in the trademark procedure, applicant’s actions (non-actions), timeline, possible reasons for having such a status and tips to avoid delays associated with it.

What Does “Send Back to EDP” Mean in Trademark Status?

“Send Back to EDP” is a status shown in the Indian trademark application workflow and generally indicates that the application has been returned to the Examination/EDP stage for further processing or action. If you plan to register a trademark or have already filed an application, understanding this status and the next action is important to avoid delays. The exact next step depends on the remarks and current status displayed for the application.

Accordingly, the EDP is the department dealing with:

• Data entry of the applications and documents in the EDP module.
• Scanning and uploading of device marks and other documents.
• Verification of data entry by the Officer-in-charge of the Receipt and EDP Section.
• Digitisation of the incoming papers and documents and uploading the same in the respective modules.

In the context of the applicant, “Send Back to EDP” status signifies that:

• The application is at the pre-examination or processing stage.
• The Registry is doing internal correction and/or verification of the data/documents.
• A legal objection or examination has not necessarily taken place yet.

Thus, “Send Back to EDP” is an internal routing status, and in itself does not mean that the application is objected to, defective, or abandoned. It generally means that the file needs internal correction of data or documents before further processing.

Why Is Understanding “Send Back to EDP” Status Important?

Incorrect interpretation of “Send Back to EDP” status as final and/or adverse may cause undue panic, or conversely, complacency, especially when there is a deficiency notice somewhere else. Understanding this as a merely internal administrative status will help applicants react appropriately.

Trademark owners always plan their branding, packaging, marketing and licensing based on the pending trademark. Any delay that can be caused by any data or document-related problems will impact:

• Timelines for launch.
• Enforcement against infringements.
• Confidence of investors or partners.
• Approval of brand registry on e-commerce and other marketplaces.

Therefore, understanding this status will help applicants:

• Not miss other deadlines (like “Formalities Check Fail” or “Objected” statuses).
• Maintain accurate records of the application process.
• Coordinate properly with trademark agents and lawyers.

While “Send Back to EDP” itself usually requires no reaction from applicants, ignoring deficiency notices or leaving the application in this status for too long without making any inquiries will put applicants at risk of:

• Examination delays.
• Application being considered abandoned in case of formal deficiency.
• Loss of priority in case of conflicting trademarks.

Who is Affected by “Send Back to EDP” Trademark Status?

1. New Trademark applicants – A new applicant, not aware of various laws, might misunderstand it as rejection of the application due to being unaware of this term.
2. Applicants with device or logo trademarks – Trademarks involving device marks, logos, labels, or colour trademarks need some additional work of scanning and uploading the same, thereby increasing the chances of deficiency in EDP.
3. Applicants applying through agents – Trademark applicants who use agents to file for their trademark should make sure that their agent keeps track of status and checks for any deficiency intimation or examination report.
4. Applicants with old applications -Old applications that have been in the system for quite some time will appear as sent back to EDP due to system migration or upgrades.

Where Does EDP Fit in the Trademark Application Workflow?

1. Application filing, either physical or E-Filing.
2. Digitisation (EDP): Application arrives at the office, Device marks scanned and uploaded, Data entries done into EDP.
3. Formality Check: Formalities such as form, fees, classification, and documents are checked for satisfaction.
4. Examination: Examination of the mark as per Sections 9, 11, and 13 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
5. Examination Report: If there are any objections, then the same will be conveyed to the applicant.
6. Reply to examination report and further proceedings.
7. Acceptance, journalization, opposition, if any and registration.
8. “Send Back to EDP” is done generally in relation to the digitisation and formality check stage.

Common Reasons for “Send Back to EDP” Status

• Errors made in data entry in relation to the application (like the name of the applicant, class, good/services etc.).
• Problems associated with the scanned device marks/logo (like image quality, wrong format or no colour scanning).
• Inconsistencies between the document uploaded and the data entry made.
• Quality control issues necessitating re-checking of data entries by the concerned officer of the Receipt and EDP Section.
• Corrections made during the process of digitisation or uploading of documents.
• Back-end corrections when migrating data or upgrading the system.
• It is usually administrative in nature and, in itself, does not raise any objection to the mark.

Related Trademark Statuses You Might Also See

Status	Meaning
Send to PRAS	Pre-Registration Amendment Section: an amendment was filed before registration
Marked for Exam	Application assigned to an examiner for the examination report
Accepted and Advertised	Published in the Trade Marks Journal; no action needed
Opposed	A third party has filed opposition within the 4-month window
Ready for Show Cause Hearing	Examiner unsatisfied with your reply; a hearing date will follow

Eligibility and Requirements When Status Shows “Send Back to EDP”

There is no specific eligibility for this trademark status as it is one of the steps in the process of a trademark registration application. Nevertheless, applicants must ensure that:

• The application has been filed in the prescribed format (TM-A) with all details.
• The proper fee has been paid.
• The representation of the trademark is clear and fulfils the size and quality criteria.
• The specification of goods/services is properly classified.
• All documents as required (power of attorney, user affidavit, priority document) have been properly uploaded where applicable.
• If the formal requirement is not met, then the deficiency intimation can be sent by the Registry, or the application status can be marked as “Formalities Check Fail”.

Documents to Keep Ready for “Send Back to EDP” and Related Notices

While “Send Back to EDP” itself usually does not require immediate action, applicants should keep the following ready in case a formal deficiency or examination report is issued later:

1. Copy of the trademark application (TM-A) and filing receipt.
2. Representation of the trademark (word, label, device, logo, etc.).
3. Power of attorney or authorisation for the trademark agent, if applicable.
4. Affidavit of use and supporting documents, if use is claimed.
5. Priority document and translation/transliteration, if priority is claimed.
6. Identity and business-proof documents of the applicant.
7. Email communications and notices from the Registry.

Need help with documentation? Get expert assistance in arranging trademark-related documents and responses.

Step-by-Step Process: What to Do When Status Is “Send Back to EDP”

1. Check the exact status description – Sign in to the IP India trademark website and see the status description and date.
2. Understand the procedure – Ensure that ‘Send Back to EDP’ is just a data-processing internal stage.
3. Check for deficiency intimation – Check whether there is any intimation of ‘Formalities Check Fail’ or deficiency through mail or website. Note the response time in case there is any deficiency intimation.
4. Keep checking the status – Keep checking the status from time to time (e.g., once a week) for the change in status to “Formalities Check Pass”, “Marked for Exam”, “Objected”, etc.
5. Contact your agent – If you have appointed any trademark agent, ask him to see the internal remarks and deficiency details, if any.
6. Status inquiry if status does not change – If the status “Send Back to EDP” remains constant for a prolonged time without any other status update, you or your representative can consider:

• Sending an inquiry about the status to the concerned Trademark Office.
• Filing an inquiry regarding the status from the e-filing portal.

7. Get ready for possible further action – Prepare yourself for taking prompt action in case the status is changed to:

• “Formalities Check Fail” (correct the deficiency within the notice period).
• “Objected” (file your reply to the examination report within 30 days).
• “Abandoned” (consider restoration/condonation, if any).

Fees and Costs Related to “Send Back to EDP” Status

Government fee

There is no government fee specifically related to the “Send Back to EDP” procedure. It is an internal process.

For context, the base government filing fee for Form TM-A is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups, and small enterprises (e-filing), and ₹9,000 per class for other applicants. This is unrelated to the “Send Back to EDP” stage itself, but worth knowing since it’s the underlying application cost this status sits within.

Professional fee

In case you employ the services of a trademark agent or lawyer for:

• Tracking the status.
• Interacting with the Registry.
• Preparing deficiency replies and examination report replies.
• You might have to pay professional fees according to their fee schedule.

Determining the overall cost

• The number of trademarks in the portfolio.
• Complexity of the mark (word, device, colour, 3D, sound).
• Presence of the user claimed in the trademark application and preparation of evidence.
• Problems during the opposition period.

Timeline: How Long Does “Send Back to EDP” Status Last?

Stages

• The status “Send Back to EDP” is likely to be shown shortly after the application has been submitted or during back-office processing.
• The status could take from several days to several weeks as data or document corrections are made.
• In some instances, particularly for older applications or during system migrations, it may take longer.

Factors that affect duration of time:

• The workload of the Registry.
• The complexity of the mark and of the documents.
• Errors in data or scanning.
• Systems upgrades or data migration.

Reasons for delays:

• Scan issues with the device mark.
• Data mismatch with the uploaded documents.
• A large number of applications at the Registry.

Compliance Requirements After “Send Back to EDP” Status

1. Check for formal deficiency: Even when “Send Back to EDP” does not require any action on the part of the applicant, they will need to follow a formal deficiency notice or an examination report, if it comes in subsequently.
2. Mailing and email address: Make sure that your mailing and email address (address for service) is updated to receive all notices from the Registry.
3. Documentation: Keep a record of all the documents filed, receipts, status screenshots and correspondence.

Penalties and Consequences of Ignoring Related Notices

• Risk of abandonment: Where a formal deficiency is issued (for example, Formalities Check Fail) and the deficiency is not cured by the applicant within the stipulated period, the application can be considered abandoned.
• Loss of priority: Abandoned applications lose their filing date and priority. A new application would have to be filed.
• Legal and Business Risks:
• Non-enforceable trademarks.
• Risk of registration by a third party of similar trademarks.
• Disruption of branding and marketing strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with “Send Back to EDP” Status

• Thinking that “Send Back to EDP” means rejection of the application.
• Not being aware of the status and not checking for any change in the status.
• Not looking out for deficiency or examination report status.
• Not making sure that the address of service or e-mail is updated.
• Lapse in responding to “Formalities Check Fail” or “Objected” statuses.
• Only depending on third-party websites and not on the official IP India website.
• Not coordinating with the trademark attorney.

Difference Between “Send Back to EDP” and “Formalities Check Fail”

These are often confused because both can follow shortly after filing, but they mean different things:

Aspect	Send Back to EDP	Formalities Check Fail
Nature	Internal data/document processing issue	Formal procedural deficiency in the application itself
Applicant action required	Generally none	Yes, must cure the deficiency within the notice period
Risk if ignored	Low; it’s a routine internal correction	High: uncured deficiency can lead to abandonment
Typical cause	Data entry error, scan quality, image format	Missing POA, missing translation, incomplete Form TM-A

When to Contact IP India About “Send Back to EDP” Status

Contact the Registry (directly or through your trademark agent) if:

• The status hasn’t changed for more than 4-6 weeks with no other update
• You’ve separately received a deficiency notice or email that contradicts the “no action needed” default
• Your application is time-sensitive (approaching a priority deadline or a business launch date)
  Use the IP India e-filing portal’s status inquiry option, or a written request citing the application number, rather than relying solely on repeated manual status checks.

Benefits of Monitoring Trademark Status Closely

• Identification of actual problems (deficiency, objection, opposition).
• Responding to the examination reports or hearings on time.
• Effective planning regarding branding, licensing and enforcement.
• Avoidance of rejection or abandonment due to delays.

“Send Back to EDP” Practical Scenario

An upcoming company applies for registration of a logo mark (device mark) for its mobile app. Two weeks from the date of filing, the status of the application is “Send Back to EDP”, and the founders fear that their application has been refused.

Their trademark agent informs them that:

• This is due to some internal correction being done to the scanned images or the entered information of the logo.
• No action is needed on behalf of the applicant now.
• The agent will keep track of the status and look for deficiency intimation, if any.
• After three weeks, the status is changed to “Formalities Check Pass” and then “Marked for Exam”. There is no abandonment and priority is not lost, as the application goes through to the examination stage.

How Can Kanakkupillai Help with “Send Back to EDP” Status?

1. Monitoring Trademark Application Status:

• The Kanakkupillai team monitors your trademark application status on the IP India portal, such as “Send Back to EDP”, “Formalities Check”, “Objected” and many other important statuses.
• We will update you regarding changes in the status of your trademark application that need action, such as deficiency intimation or examination report.
• We will keep the status dashboard of all your trademark applications updated to avoid missing deadlines.

2. Interpretation of EDP & Other Statuses:

• We interpret what “Send Back to EDP” or other internal statuses mean.
• We help you understand which status is administrative and which one requires a formal reply.
• We give you a complete picture of where your application stands in the overall trademark process.

3. Assistance with Deficiencies and Examination Reports:

• If there is a “Formalities Check Fail” or deficiency intimation, we will find out the exact deficiency and the correction needed.
• We assist in preparing replies to examination reports, including arguments, evidence of use and affidavits.

4. Co-ordination with Trademark Agents:

• We coordinate with your appointed trademark lawyer or agent for consistent communication with the registry.
• We help in collating necessary documents, including POA, priority documents, etc., to facilitate responses.
• We ensure we follow up on internal comments/queries which may not necessarily be visible on the public portal.

5. Trademark Portfolio Management:

• We keep a consolidated record of all your trademarks’ filing information, statuses, and renewals.
• We periodically update you on the health of your portfolio and any possible areas of concern.
• We help you plan out new filings, renewals, and recordals in a systematic manner.

6. Guidance for Compliance after Status Updates:

• We guide you regarding maintenance of address for service and update of contacts with the registry.
• We help in monitoring oppositions, renewals and compliance after registration of your trademark.
• We help you sync your trademark status with branding/licensing/enforcement policies.

Conclusion

“Send Back to EDP” is an internal status at IP India for trademark applications that have been sent back to the Electronic Data Processing section for correction of information/documents. This status is mostly temporary and does not require any action on the part of the applicant in most cases. However, the applicants need to follow the status closely and respond to any deficiency/report intimation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does “Send Back to EDP” mean in trademark status?

It means the trademark application has been returned to the Electronic Data Processing section of the Trade Marks Registry for correction or verification of data entries or scanned documents.

2. Is “Send Back to EDP” a rejection of my trademark application?

No. It is an internal administrative status and does not, by itself, indicate rejection, objection or abandonment.

3. Do I need to take any action when the status shows “Send Back to EDP”?

Usually, no immediate action is required. Applicants should monitor the status and check for any separate deficiency intimation or examination report.

4. How long does the “Send Back to EDP” status last?

It varies. The status may change within a few days to a few weeks. If it remains unchanged for more than a month, you or your agent may consider inquiring with the Registry.

5. What is the difference between “Send Back to EDP” and “Formalities Check Fail”?

“Send Back to EDP” is an internal data-processing status. “Formalities Check Fail” is a formal deficiency that requires the applicant to cure the defect within a specified period.

6. Can my trademark application be abandoned due to “Send Back to EDP”?

Not directly. However, if a formal deficiency is issued and not cured in time, the application may be treated as abandoned.

7. Some sources claim I must respond to “Send Back to EDP” within a deadline; is that true?

Not according to the prevailing, more consistent guidance: this status is an internal EDP correction step, not a deficiency notice with a response clock. If you see a specific deadline or required response, it will come as a separate, distinctly labelled notice (such as “Formalities Check Fail”), not from the “Send Back to EDP” label itself.