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NEW DELHI: New trademark rules with simplified processes, fewer forms and online filing will come into effect next week, substantially improving the ease of doing business on this front.

The amended rules, which the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is expected to notify on March 6, will cut the number of trademark application forms to eight from 74 and scrap several redundant and obsolete provisions.

To encourage online filing of applications, a 10% fee concession will be offered. For individuals, startups and small enterprises, the government will provide discounted application fees and expedited processing.

"Email has been made an essential part of the address for service towards our aim to digitise processes and go paperless," a senior official said. The number of adjournments that can be sought in opposition proceedings has been restricted to two by each party to help dispose matters speedily. Alongside, the option of conducting hearings through video conferencing has been introduced.

The DIPP will now maintain a list of well-known trademarks. Data from the commerce & industry ministry show that trademarks filings in India increased by about 10% over the past two years. "This has been made possible due to a significant increase in our manpower and better use of the IT infrastructure - both were a huge challenge for us before," the senior official added.

Apart from the new reforms, there is news that trademark filing government fees might increase to Rs. 8000 from Rs. 3500 now. Contact us now to file your trademark application today.