Trademark Insights

 

Registry & Judicial Updates: 18 February 2026

 

Descriptive & quality-indicative marks continue to face strict scrutiny under Section 9(1)(b), especially where the mark directly conveys product quality, purpose, or ingredient composition. Recent examination trends show limited tolerance even for slightly stylised descriptive words.

 

Takeaway:

If the core word immediately describes the goods, minor stylisation or prefix/suffix additions may not overcome objection.

 

Advisory:

Prioritise coined or structurally distinctive marks at the selection stage. Strong brand creation reduces objection risk, opposition exposure, and long-term enforcement cost.

 

Planning a new filing this week? A pre-filing distinctiveness check can save months of delay.

 

Vishnu

Trademark Advisory

Mobile: +919866512479

 

Disclaimer: This update is for awareness, and knowledge-sharing for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal opinion.