The term “Intellectual Property Rights” refers to the benefits and rights associated with intellectual property ownership. These rights protect intangible property from theft or unauthorized use. Realize that the inventor’s rights are provisional and only provide a limited period of exclusivity. An owner’s power to control when and how their creations are used is granted by intellectual property rights. We will discuss the Importance of Renewing Trademark, especially the trademark renewal under section 9 in detail.
Indian Trademark Law
A trademark is defined lawfully as a unique mark that can be graphically represented and distinguishes the goods or services of one firm from those of another under Section 2(1)(zb) of the Trademark Act of 1999. A variety of elements, such as colors, shapes, packaging, and combinations, are included in this definition.
In short, a trademark simply defends characters, colors, forms, words, or other elements associated with a good or service.
Importance of Renewing Trademark
A trademark renewal has several benefits,
- Upon registration, the owner of a trade mark is granted several legal rights.
- In case of such a situation, it shall ensure that trademark violation is avoided and compensated.
- It establishes your own identity and provides commercial opportunities.
- Moreover, it gives the owner of the Trademark the freedom to transfer it to any other person or company at any time. As long as the proprietor of the trademark has registered it, licensing can be acquired since a registered trademark carries great financial worth.
Section 9: Renewal of Trademarks As per the 1999 Trademark Act
Since Section 9 of the TM Act outlines the sole justifications for rejecting a trademark, Section 9 trademark renewal is necessary. This stage of the trademark registration process in India is crucial
According to Trademark Act of 1999 Section 9(1)(a):
Section 9 Trademark Renewal prohibits the registration of trademarks that lack uniqueness. About the assertion, if a trademark cannot distinguish the products or services of one company from those of another, it cannot be registered.
According to Trademark Act of 1999 Section 9(1)(b):
Trademarks that are descriptive or lack uniqueness cannot be registered under this section. It includes signals or clues mostly consisting of descriptors pertaining to the kind, caliber, amount, purpose, standards, provenance, or timing of the creation of the items.
According to Trademark Act of 1999 Section 9(1)(c):
All signals and indications that are widely used in the trade and are accessible to anyone who so chooses are strictly forbidden under this provision.
Analysis of section 9 (2)(A) of the Trademark Act, 1999:
The trademark office registrar is not permitted to register a trademark under this section if the goods or services are misrepresented in terms of their attributes or as having been manufactured in a certain location when, in reality, they were not. To put it another way, if a trademark contains a false component, customers might get confused.
Analysis of section 9 (2)(B) of the Trademark Act, 1999:
This clause prohibits the registration of trademarks having any content that would offend the religious beliefs of any class or group of Indian citizens. This particular phrase is particularly significant since, in India, a country with a diverse population with respect to both culture and religion, religious symbols and individuals are often used as trademarks.
Analysis of section 9 (2)(C) of the Trademark Act, 1999:
It is prohibited to register a trademark containing scandalous or unsuitable material, as stated in section 9(2)(C) of the trademark renewal law. Trademarks that are regarded obscene or that transgress moral standards are obviously prohibited to be registered. The schedule of the aforementioned act lists the names and insignia that are forbidden. Furthermore, the Central Government may add to or alter the schedule and notice such changes in the official gazette in accordance with Section 8 of the Act.
Analysis of Section 9(2)(D) of the Trademark Act, 1999:
Trademarks incorporating names or symbols banned by the Emblems and Names Act of 1950 are disqualified from registration under this regulation. The schedule of the aforementioned act lists the names and insignia that are forbidden. Furthermore, the Central government may add to or alter the schedule in accordance with Section 8 of the Act, and it may also announce such modifications in the official gazette.
In Conclusion
In terms of trademark law, a Section 9 Trademark Renewal is a process that trademark owners must follow to preserve their exclusive rights over their registered marks. Because of this Section 9 Trademark Renewal, their intellectual property will continue to be shielded. Indian trademark applications are valid for ten years at first, after which holders of trademarks must reapply to keep their rights. To renew, applicants need to provide the necessary records and pay the relevant fees. Owners can preserve their brand awareness, market exclusivity, and legal defense opposing the violation by using Section 9 Trademark Renewal.
