IP Office Issues Public Notice Against Misleading Online Trademark Registration Platforms
The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has issued a public notice warning businesses and individuals against online platforms that advertise and solicit clients by offering assured trademark registration services, terming such practices misleading and illegal.
In the notice dated January 7, 2026, the CGPDTM said it has taken serious note of several entities engaging in the solicitation of prospective trademark applicants through digital platforms, in violation of the Advocates Act, 1961, which prohibits advertising and solicitation of legal services.
The notice names multiple websites and entities that have been advertising trademark registration services, including indiafilings.com, cleartax.in, onlinelegalindia.com, makenindia.com, trademarkia.in, legalwiz.in, startupwala.com, among others. According to the IP Office, these entities do not fall within the categories legally authorised to practice before the Registrar of Trade Marks.
Clarifying the legal position, the CGPDTM stated that under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, only registered trademark agents or advocates, as recognised under the Advocates Act, 1961, are entitled to appear and practice before the Registrar of Trade Marks. Entities that are neither registered agents nor advocates are not authorised to offer trademark prosecution services or provide assurances of trademark protection.
The IP Office cautioned stakeholders to exercise due diligence while engaging trademark registration services, noting that the public notice has been issued in the larger public interest to uphold ethical standards and integrity within the intellectual property ecosystem.
It also clarified that trademark applications may be filed either offline or online directly by applicants or through duly authorised advocates or registered trademark agents, using the official portal of the Trade Marks Registry.