Table of Contents
Trademark application stuck? File one RTI to CGPDTM
Short version. Trademark application at CGPDTM (Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks) typical timeline: examination 3-6 months, advertisement 3 months, registration 1-3 years. If stuck without movement, RTI to PIO of CGPDTM Regional Office with ₹10 fee legally forces a written reply within 30 days under §7(1) RTI Act 2005.
Real story
Ritu applied for a trademark for her boutique brand in 2021. Status “Awaiting examination” for 18 months.
RTI to CGPDTM Mumbai. 24 days later the registry replied: examiner allocated; FER expected within 60 days. FER received; trademark advertised 4 months later.
Statute
- Trade Marks Act 1999 + Rules 2017. - CGPDTM Service Quality Charter — examination 3-6 months. - §6(1) + §7(1) RTI Act.
Copy-ready RTI
To, PIO, CGPDTM Regional Office [Mumbai/Delhi/Chennai/Kolkata/Ahmedabad], [Address] Subject: §6(1) RTI Act — trademark application status Applicant : [Name] Trademark : [Mark] Class : [Nice Classification] Application no.: [Reference] Application date: DD-MM-YYYY Please provide: 1. Current status + stage (examination/FER/advertised/registered). 2. Examiner name + allocation date. 3. Reason for delay beyond CGPDTM Service Quality Charter SLA. 4. Date of expected next step. 5. Opposition status (if advertised). Citizen. Fee: ₹10 IPO/DD enclosed. [Name + signature + address + date]
Common scenarios
- Examination not allocated. - FER (First Examination Report) reply pending hearing. - Opposition filed — date of hearing. - Advertised in journal — no further action. - Renewal at 10 yr.
Case law
- CIC CGPDTM (2018) — disclosure of pendency reports.
FAQs
Class system — Nice Classification?
45 classes; one application per class.
Online vs offline filing?
Online via ipindia.gov.in is standard.
Renewal?
10 years initial + renewable 10-year blocks.
Conclusion
TM is brand protection. RTI breaks examination backlog.
Sources
- Trade Marks Act 1999; Rules 2017.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.