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IPR & Trademark

We help businesses protect their most valuable intangible assets — brands, inventions, designs, and creative works. From trademark registration to IP enforcement, our team provides end-to-end intellectual property counsel.

Trademark registration & prosecution
Copyright registration & protection
Patent advisory
IP due diligence & audits
Infringement & enforcement actions

Protecting Your Intellectual Property

In today's knowledge-driven economy, intellectual property is often a business's most valuable asset. SMR Legal's IP practice helps clients identify, protect, and enforce their intellectual property rights — from brand names and logos to inventions, designs, and creative works. We provide strategic IP counsel that aligns with your business objectives.

Trademark Registration & Prosecution

We handle the complete trademark lifecycle: comprehensive availability searches, filing applications across all 45 classes, responding to examination reports and objections, attending hearings before the Trademark Registry, and securing registration. We also manage trademark renewals, amendments, and assignment/licensing of registered marks.

Trademark Portfolio Management

For businesses with multiple brands, product lines, or geographic markets, we develop and manage comprehensive trademark portfolios. This includes watch services to monitor potentially conflicting applications, opposition proceedings against infringing marks, and strategic filing plans to extend protection to new classes or territories.

Copyright Registration & Protection

We register copyrights for literary, artistic, musical, and cinematographic works, as well as software and databases. While copyright protection arises automatically upon creation, registration provides valuable evidentiary benefits in enforcement proceedings. We also draft copyright assignment and licensing agreements.

IP Enforcement & Infringement Actions

When your IP rights are infringed, we take swift and decisive action. Our enforcement services include cease and desist notices, civil suits for permanent injunction and damages, criminal complaints for counterfeiting, customs recordation to prevent import of infringing goods, and takedown requests for online infringement.

IP Due Diligence & Audits

We conduct IP audits to identify unprotected or under-protected assets, assess the strength of existing registrations, and identify infringement risks. For M&A transactions, we perform comprehensive IP due diligence covering ownership chains, encumbrances, licensing arrangements, and pending disputes.

Need Help with IPR & Trademark?

Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific requirements with our team.

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IPR & Trademark

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does trademark registration take in India?

The trademark registration process typically takes 8-12 months if there are no objections or oppositions. If the Registrar raises an objection or a third party files an opposition, the timeline can extend to 18-24 months or longer. We file applications promptly and monitor progress to resolve issues quickly.

What is the difference between ™ and ® symbols?

The ™ symbol can be used by anyone to indicate that they claim trademark rights in a mark, even without registration. The ® symbol can only be used once the trademark is officially registered with the Trademark Registry. Using ® without registration is an offence under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Can I trademark a business name or logo?

Yes. You can register a word mark (the name itself), a device mark (the logo), or a combination mark (name + logo together). We typically recommend filing both word and device marks separately for maximum protection, as this gives you broader enforcement rights.

What should I do if someone is copying my brand or trademark?

First, gather evidence of the infringement (screenshots, products, advertisements). Then contact us immediately. We will assess the strength of your claim, send a cease and desist notice, and if necessary, file a civil suit seeking injunction and damages. In cases of counterfeiting, criminal remedies are also available.

Do you handle international trademark registrations?

Yes. India is a member of the Madrid Protocol, which allows filing a single international application to seek trademark protection in over 130 countries. We can file Madrid Protocol applications through the Indian Trademark Registry or coordinate direct filings with associate firms in specific jurisdictions.

What is an IP audit and when do I need one?

An IP audit is a systematic review of all intellectual property owned, used, or acquired by a business. It identifies unregistered or unprotected assets, evaluates the strength of existing protections, and flags risks. We recommend IP audits before fundraising, M&A transactions, franchising, or when entering new markets.

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