Oury Clark
Trademark Registration Timeline
A step-by-step breakdown of the trademark registration process, estimated times, and key activities.
An Overview: Scenarios & Estimated Time
Scenario
No IPO Objections & No Opposition
Estimated Overall Time
Approx. 3–4 months
Scenario
IPO Objections/Conflict Warnings BUT No Opposition
Estimated Overall Time
Approx. 4–5 months
Scenario
Notice of Intended Opposition Only
(resolved during negotiations)
Estimated Overall Time
Approx. 5–6 months
Scenario
Full Opposition Proceedings
(depending on complexity and Tribunal process)
Estimated Overall Time
Approx. 8–24+ months
The Detail
Legal Assessment & Register Checks
Oury Clark will review registrability of the proposed trademarks, conduct searches of the trademark register, assess appropriate goods/services classifications, and provide recommendations.
Draft Applications
Oury Clark will draft trademark applications and send to you for review and approval.
Submission to IPO & Initial Examination
Application will be submitted to the IPO (same or next day following approval). IPO reviews the application and either:
- raises objections/required changes; and/or
- identifies potential third-party conflicts; or
- approves the application for publication.
Note: If the IPO do predict there is a likely third-party opposition, the third party (a current trademark owner) that the IPO have identified will be notified of your application.
IPO Objections or Conflict Warnings
Discussions with you regarding any proposed amendments, and whether to proceed despite opposition warnings.
IPO response deadlines are usually between 2 weeks and 1 month. If resolved successfully, the application proceeds to publication.
Publication Administration Period
IPO completes administrative processing and formally publishes your application. The opposition period start date is confirmed.
Opposition Period
Third parties may oppose your application if they believe it conflicts with their rights.
Notice of Intended Opposition
Filing of a notice of intention to oppose automatically extends the opposition period. Parties are expected to negotiate and attempt to reach a settlement.
Formal Opposition Proceedings
If a full opposition is filed and defended, the matter proceeds through the IPO Tribunal process, potentially including evidence rounds, negotiations, and ultimately, a hearing.
Registration Administration Period
Following the end of the opposition period, the IPO completes registration formalities and issues the registration certificate.
Trademark Registered
Trademark is officially registered for 10 years.
Protection Note: Your trademark will be protected from the date the application is submitted, that protection will continue throughout the application process above, and if it is ultimately successful the date of protection will start from that date.
