Trademark Registration in Meghalaya - The Complete Guide

• Step 1: Conduct Thorough Trademark Search
  The Trademark should be searched with much precaution to check its availability prior to its application so that no party receives any copyright infringement notice, and the application is not rejected. Therefore, professional services may be engaged to conduct an in-depth search of Trademarks.
• Step 2: File the Trademark Application
  Filing the application is the first step for Trademark Registration in Meghalaya. At this stage, the applicant needs to provide all detailed information about their product or service. Also, a good understanding of the product or service has to be made along with choosing appropriate Trademark classes. Chances of rejection are high when the classes provided are wrong.
  
  When the application is filed, the applicant can begin using the ™ symbol with their brand, which means that a Trademark Registration has been initiated. This symbol points out that the applicant is claiming rights to the Trademark.
• Step 3: Examination by the Trademark Department
  Once the process for application is complete, the application enters the examination process with the Trademark Department, more formally known as the Controller General of Patent, Design & Trademark.
  
  At this point, the Department examines the application to check for any similarities with previously used marks. If the registrar detects any such similarity, a notice for reply will be sent out. If no such similarity is found, the application will be forwarded for advertisement in the journal.
• Step 4: Advertisement in the Journal
  By now, the Trademark Application is advertised in the journal. It is now public. At this time, anyone has a right to raise objections after three months if he or she believes that the Trademark applied for looks similar to an existing one. In the absence of objections, it is then accepted and registered.
• Step 5: Opposition Process
  But if the objections are raised within the three-month period, then the application would undergo the opposition process .
  
  A hearing would take place, and this time, the hearing would be conducted by the department. During the hearing, both sides would have an equal opportunity to put forth their case. Both can also place relevant statements and evidence to support their side. If the statements and evidence of the applicant are found satisfactory by the registrar, then the Trademark would be accepted and approved.
• Step 6: Registration Certificate
  This is the final stage of Trademark Registration in Meghalaya. If the Trademark that has been applied for is not objected to or opposed, it is given a certificate of Registration.
  
  After obtaining the Registration certificate, it is then legal for the applicant to claim ownership of their Trademark, and they can use a circled 'R' (®) next to it to show that their Trademark is registered.

Note: The applicant must renew their Trademark every ten years as part of the renewal process. Failure to renew in a timely manner may result in the loss of legal protection and additional charges for delayed renewal.