Someone published a mark that looks like yours. Don't wait for the four months to run out.
SSATAX drafts and files trademark opposition notices, counter-statements, and evidence for brand owners and applicants across India — with a dedicated case manager, not a call centre queue.
Complete Opposition Filing, Documentation & Legal Representation
What's changed
Trademark opposition, updated for 2026
The Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 still govern the opposition process — but the Registry keeps modernising how it's filed, searched and tracked. Here's what's relevant this year.
AI-assisted public search
The Trade Marks Registry has rolled out an AI/ML-based public search tool, making it easier to spot conflicting or deceptively similar marks before they slip through to registration — we use this at the pre-opposition strategy stage.
New well-known mark module
A dedicated online module for well-known trademark applications is now live, which strengthens the evidentiary hand of brand owners opposing a similar mark on reputation grounds.
E-filing stays the default
Notice of opposition, counter-statement and evidence continue to move through the online portal. We track your docket and flag deadlines proactively — you're never relying on a portal notification alone.
Know your remedy
Opposition, objection, rectification, or infringement?
These four terms get mixed up constantly — and filing the wrong one wastes your four-month window. Here's the real difference.
| Remedy | Who files it | When | Filed against |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trademark Opposition | Any third party | Within 4 months of journal publication | A pending application, pre-registration |
| Examination Objection | Trademark Examiner | During scrutiny, before publication | The applicant's own filing |
| Rectification / Cancellation | Any aggrieved person | Any time after registration | An already-registered trademark |
| Infringement Suit | Registered proprietor | Once unauthorised use is discovered | Ongoing use in commerce (civil court) |
The docket
How a trademark opposition actually moves
From journal publication to the Registrar's final order — here's the sequence, and where SSATAX steps in at every stage.
Mark published in the Trade Marks Journal
Mark published in the Trade Marks Journal
Day 0Notice of Opposition — Form TM-O
We draft the grounds of opposition (similarity, bad faith, non-use, deceptive resemblance, etc.), attach evidence, and file Form TM-O with the Registry.
2Within 4 monthsRegistry serves the applicant
The Registrar forwards the opposition notice to the trademark applicant, starting their response clock.
~3 monthsCounter-statement
The applicant must reply on Form TM-O. Miss this, and the application is treated as abandoned — we draft this side of the case too, when you're the applicant.
2 monthsEvidence in support & in reply
Both sides file supporting evidence and rebuttal evidence, building the documentary record the hearing officer will rely on.
Sequential roundsHearing before the Registrar
We prepare submissions and represent your side at the hearing, referencing the filed evidence and legal grounds.
Hearing notice, min. 1 month aheadRegistrar's decision
The Registrar decides whether the opposed mark proceeds to registration, is refused, or is registered with conditions.
Post-hearingAppeal
Either party can challenge the order before the appropriate appellate forum — we assist with appeal drafting on request.
If aggrievedFormalities
Documents & Details You'll Need
Keep these ready and your opposition or counter-statement goes out without back-and-forth delays.
Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
Authorises SSATAX to file and act on your behalf before the Trademark Registry.
Opponent / Applicant Details
Full name and address, including an Indian address for service if you're based outside India.
Grounds of Opposition
Similarity, deceptive resemblance, bad faith, descriptiveness, non-use, or prior rights clearly stated.
Proof of Prior Rights
Existing trademark registration/application numbers or evidence of prior use for common-law rights.
Licensee / Successor Authorisation
If filing as a licensee or successor-in-title, provide proof of authorisation to oppose.
Well-Known Mark Evidence (If Claimed)
Recognition evidence and details of jurisdictions where the trademark is recognised as well-known.
What We Actually Do Differently
Most firms sell you a filing. We stay on your trademark opposition matter until the final decision. Here's what makes us different.
One Case Manager, Start to Finish
You won't have to explain your case repeatedly. A dedicated case manager handles your trademark opposition from notice to hearing and final decision.
Flat Fee, No Government Fee Markup
We clearly separate our professional charges from official Trademark Registry fees, ensuring complete transparency with no hidden costs.
Custom Drafting, Never Templates
Every opposition notice and counter-statement is prepared specifically for your trademark, evidence, and legal grounds—not copied from generic templates.
Proactive Deadline Tracking
We monitor all filing, counter-statement, evidence, and hearing deadlines so nothing is missed and your rights remain protected.
Free Opposition Strength Review
Before filing, we evaluate the strength of your case and provide an honest assessment so you can make an informed decision.
Hearing Representation Included
Our service includes legal submissions and representation before the Trademark Registrar, without charging separately for hearing support.
Transparent pricing
Choose how you need help
Government fees are payable separately to the Registry and vary by applicant type (individual/startup vs company) — we confirm the exact current fee before filing.
Opposition Strength Review
- Review of the published mark
- Grounds & evidence assessment
- Clear go / no-go recommendation
File Notice of Opposition
- Drafting of Form TM-O with grounds
- Evidence compilation support
- Filing & docket tracking
- Deadline alerts through the process
Counter-Statement & Hearing
- Counter-statement drafting & filing
- Evidence in support
- Hearing preparation & representation
- Post-decision appeal guidance
Questions, answered
Trademark opposition FAQ
The questions we're asked most, before someone files or responds to an opposition.