After filing a trademark application in India, applicants understandably want to monitor exactly where their application stands. The Trade Marks Registry makes this possible through its public search portal — but interpreting the status codes correctly requires some guidance. This step-by-step guide shows you how to check your trademark application status online and what each status means.
Step 1: Access the Official IP India Portal
Open your browser and go to ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch. This is the official Trademark Public Search portal maintained by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks, Government of India. Do not use any third-party status check websites — always go directly to the official portal.
Step 2: Search by Application Number
If you have your trademark application number (a unique numeric identifier provided at the time of filing), click the "Application/Registration No." tab and enter the number. This is the most direct and accurate way to check status.
💡 Tip: Your application number was provided in the acknowledgement generated at the time of online filing. If you engaged a professional for filing, they would have shared this with you. If you cannot locate it, the wordmark search method below can help.
Step 3: Search by Wordmark (Brand Name)
If you do not have the application number, use the "Wordmark" tab. Enter the brand name exactly as it was filed (including capitalisation), select the relevant class, and click Search. From the results, identify your specific application by applicant name and filing date.
Step 4: Understanding the Status Codes
Once you locate your application, the status field will display one of the following statuses. Each has a specific meaning:
| Status Shown | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Formalities Check Pass | Application received, formalities checked and passed. Awaiting examination. | Wait. No action needed. |
| Send to Vienna Codification | If your mark contains a device/logo, it is being coded for the Vienna Classification. | Wait. No action needed. |
| Marked for Exam | Your application is in the queue for examination by the Trade Marks Examiner. | Wait. |
| Examination Report Issued | An Examination Report has been issued with objections or queries. | Reply within 30 days. |
| Accepted | The Examiner has accepted your mark. It will be published in the TM Journal. | Wait for publication. |
| Advertised Before Accepted | Mark has been published in the Trade Marks Journal. Opposition window open (4 months). | Monitor for opposition. |
| Registered | Your trademark is fully registered. Certificate issued or being issued. | Renew before expiry. |
| Objected | Examination report issued with objections. Reply required. | File reply immediately. |
| Abandoned | Application not responded to in time and has lapsed. | File fresh application. |
| Refused | Application was examined and refused by the Registrar. | Appeal to IPAB / High Court. |
| Opposed | A third party has filed an opposition within the 4-month window. | File counter-statement within 2 months. |
| Removed | A registered mark has been removed from the Register. | Seek legal advice immediately. |
Status Codes That Require Immediate Action
Of all the statuses above, three require urgent action on your part:
- Examination Report Issued / Objected: You have 30 days to file a reply. Missing this deadline without requesting an extension can result in abandonment. See our guide on how to respond to a trademark objection.
- Opposed: You have 2 months from the date of service of the opposition to file a counter-statement. Missing this deadline means the opposition succeeds by default and your application is abandoned.
- Abandoned: If your application has been abandoned due to non-response, you may be able to restore it by filing a petition within the prescribed time limit. Act immediately and consult an IP specialist.
Step 5: Set Up Regular Monitoring
Do not check your status once and forget it. Between filing and registration, your application can change status several times. We recommend checking every 4–6 weeks and immediately after any communication from the Registry. Professional monitoring services can automate this for you.
Conclusion
Tracking your trademark application on the IP India portal is straightforward — the challenge is knowing what each status means and responding appropriately when action is required. The most dangerous outcome is missing a response deadline and having your application abandoned, wasting your filing fees and the time already invested.
Learn more about our trademark registration service → or explore more articles on the IP Law Blog.
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