Trademark Status Decoder
Checked your application on the IP India website and got a cryptic status like “Send to Vienna Codification” or “Objected”? Paste it below to see what it means — and exactly what to do next.
New Application
InformationalFilingYour application has been filed and assigned an application number, but the Registry has not started processing it yet.
What to do next
Nothing to do — wait for the formalities check and examination. Note your application number and filing date.
Send to Vienna Codification
InformationalPre-examinationYour mark contains a figurative element (a logo/device, not just words), so its visual elements are being classified under the WIPO Vienna Codification before examination. This is a routine, automatic step.
What to do next
No action needed. It simply means your mark has a design element and is queued for examination.
Formalities Chk Pass
On trackFormalitiesYour application passed the formalities check — the forms, fees, and power of attorney (TM-48) are in order. It will now move to examination.
What to do next
No action needed. Wait to be marked for examination.
Formalities Chk Fail
Action neededFormalitiesA formal deficiency was found — commonly a missing power of attorney (TM-48), an incorrect fee, an unsigned form, or a missing translation/transliteration.
What to do next
Fix the flagged deficiency promptly (e.g. file TM-48 or pay the balance fee). Unresolved formality failures can stall or invalidate the application.
Marked for Exam
InformationalExaminationYour application has been assigned to an examiner. An examination report assessing it against the Trade Marks Act will follow.
What to do next
No action yet. Watch for the examination report — once issued, you usually have 30 days to respond.
Objected
Action neededExaminationThe examiner raised objections in the examination report — typically under Section 9 (the mark is descriptive/non-distinctive — 'absolute grounds') and/or Section 11 (it conflicts with earlier similar marks — 'relative grounds').
What to do next
File a written reply to the examination report, ideally within 30 days, arguing distinctiveness and distinguishing the cited marks. Missing the deadline risks abandonment.
Exam Report Issued
Action neededExaminationThe examination report has been issued. It either accepts the mark or raises objections you must answer.
What to do next
Read the report. If it raises objections, file a reply (within ~30 days). If it's clear, the mark proceeds toward acceptance.
Ready for Show Cause Hearing
Action neededHearingThe Registrar was not satisfied by your reply to the examination report and has scheduled a hearing where you must show cause why the mark should be registered.
What to do next
Attend the hearing (in person or via video) with submissions and evidence of use/distinctiveness. Non-appearance usually leads to refusal or abandonment.
Accepted
On trackAcceptanceYour mark cleared examination and has been accepted. It will be advertised in the Trade Marks Journal next.
What to do next
No action needed. Wait for advertisement, then for the 4-month opposition window to pass.
Accepted & Advertised
On trackAdvertisementYour mark has been published in the Trade Marks Journal. A 4-month window is now open for any third party to oppose it.
What to do next
Watch for any opposition during the 4-month window. If none is filed, the mark proceeds to registration.
Advertised before Acceptance
InformationalAdvertisementThe Registrar chose to advertise your mark in the Journal before formally accepting it (allowed under Section 20). The 4-month opposition window applies.
What to do next
No action needed unless an opposition is filed. The mark proceeds if unopposed.
Opposed
AdverseOppositionA third party filed a notice of opposition (Form TM-O) during the advertisement window, contesting your registration. This begins adversarial proceedings.
What to do next
File a counter-statement (TM-O) within 2 months of receiving the notice — failing to do so means the application is treated as abandoned. Then both sides file evidence.
Abandoned
AdverseClosedThe application has been treated as abandoned — almost always because a required response was not filed in time (e.g. no reply to the examination report, or no counter-statement to an opposition).
What to do next
Check whether a deadline was missed. In some cases abandonment can be challenged or the mark re-filed. Going forward, docket every deadline.
Refused
AdverseClosedThe Registrar refused registration, typically after a hearing where the objections were not overcome.
What to do next
You can appeal the refusal (now to the High Court) within the prescribed period, or re-strategise and file afresh with a stronger mark/specification.
Withdrawn
InformationalClosedThe applicant voluntarily withdrew the application.
What to do next
No action. If withdrawal was a mistake, you would need to file a fresh application.
Registered
On trackRegisteredCongratulations — your trademark is registered. It is protected for 10 years from the date of application and can be renewed indefinitely.
What to do next
Use the ® symbol, and diarise renewal: it's due 10 years from the application date. Renew before expiry to avoid surcharge or removal.
Removed due to Non Renewal
Action neededLapsedThe registration lapsed because it was not renewed before (or within the grace period after) its 10-year term ended.
What to do next
You can apply to restore and renew the mark (Form TM-R) within 1 year of expiry, with a surcharge. Act quickly — after that the mark is fully removed.
Rectification
Action neededPost-registrationA third party has applied to rectify or cancel your registered mark — for example alleging non-use or that it was wrongly registered.
What to do next
File a response/counter-statement defending the registration with evidence of use. Ignoring a rectification can cost you the registration.
Restoration
InformationalLapsedAn application to restore a removed/lapsed registration is in progress.
What to do next
Track the restoration application; once allowed and the renewal fee with surcharge is paid, the mark is restored.
Suspended
InformationalExaminationExamination of your mark is on hold — often because the cited conflicting (Section 11) mark is itself an unresolved pending application or subject to proceedings.
What to do next
Usually no immediate action; the matter resumes once the blocking mark's status is settled. Monitor the cited mark.
Never miss a status change again
Novipra tracks your marks on the live registry and alerts you the moment a status moves.
A plain-English guide to registry statuses, not legal advice. Always confirm against the official record and act on stated deadlines.
See your own mark’s live status
Paste an application number into Novipra and it pulls the live IP India status and auto-dockets every deadline — objection replies, oppositions, renewals — with email reminders.
The Indian trademark journey, status by status
Every trademark application in India moves through a predictable lifecycle, and the public registry shows a short status label at each step. After filing, a mark with a logo goes to Vienna Codification, passes a formalities check, is marked for examination, and then either sails through or comes back objected.
If objected, you reply to the examination report; the Registrar may then accept the mark or call a show cause hearing. Once accepted, the mark is advertised in the Trade Marks Journal for a 4-month opposition window. Clear that window and the mark becomes registered — protected for 10 years and renewable.
The two statuses that cost applicants their marks are “Objected” and “Opposed”: both carry strict response deadlines, and missing one turns the status to “Abandoned.” If you have live applications, it pays to monitor them and track every deadline.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Send to Vienna Codification' mean?
It means your mark contains a figurative element (a logo or device, not just words), so the Registry is classifying its visual elements under the WIPO Vienna Codification before examination. It's a routine, automatic step that requires no action from you.
What does 'Objected' mean for my trademark?
The examiner raised objections in the examination report — usually under Section 9 (the mark is considered descriptive or non-distinctive) and/or Section 11 (it's similar to earlier marks). You must file a written reply to the examination report, generally within 30 days, or the application risks being abandoned.
What does 'Marked for Exam' mean?
Your application has been assigned to an examiner who will assess it against the Trade Marks Act and issue an examination report. No action is needed yet — watch for the report.
My trademark says 'Abandoned' — what happened?
An application is treated as abandoned almost always because a required response was missed — for example, no reply to the examination report within the deadline, or no counter-statement to an opposition. Check which deadline lapsed; in some cases it can be challenged, otherwise you may need to re-file.
What is the difference between 'Accepted' and 'Registered'?
'Accepted' means the mark cleared examination and will be advertised in the Trade Marks Journal, starting a 4-month opposition window. 'Registered' means that window passed (or any opposition was won) and the mark is now protected for 10 years from the application date.
Is this status decoder official or legal advice?
No. It's a plain-English guide to the statuses shown on the IP India registry. Always confirm the exact status and any deadlines against the official record, and consult a trademark professional for adversarial matters like objections, oppositions, or rectifications.
Track every mark’s status automatically
Novipra watches your applications on the live Indian registry and alerts you the moment a status changes or a deadline approaches.