A ‘Special Legal Issues Seminar – General IP’ (SLIS-GP) was conducted by Arundathi Krishnadas, Trainee Associate on ‘Notable IP Division Decisions Pertaining to Procedural Requirements for Prosecution and Evaluation of Trademark Applications’. The seminar analyzed various decisions of the IP Division of the Delhi High Court with respect to appeals against refusal orders passed by the Registrar of Trade Marks on procedural requirements. The seminar delved into various decisions rendered by the IP Division on grounds of procedure, such as the issue of unsubstantiated, and non-speaking orders passed by the Trade Marks Registry, admissibility of electronic records as primary evidence, statement of user in applications, procedure related to acceptance of extension of protection for international registrations etc. The members delved into the practice-related developments in light of the decisions rendered by the IP Division of Delhi High Court.

The session was attended by ALG’s Of Counsel, Mr. R. A. Tiwari, who shed light on several procedural aspects of evaluation of trademark applications by the Trade Marks Registry

The presentation can be accessed here.

At ALG, we recognize the importance of safe spaces for communities and strive to create such spaces for all. To celebrate Pride this year, attorneys at our firm have come together and sourced a list of hang out spots they enjoy visiting back home, which are either owned by members of the queer community or are active allies to the cause. The list covers six Indian cities – Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune and Bangalore. This is our way of fostering a culture of awareness and support for the queer community.

Pride month is all about inclusivity and we would like to include you in this fun exercise! Let us know your favorite queer-owned/queer friendly space in the comments and one of our attorneys may even bump into you.

During last week’s PWS Session, Uroosa Shahzad, Associate, led a discussion on “Whether Granting Protection to Green Trademarks Encourages Greenwashing?” The session commenced with a brief discussion on what would entail a green trademark and the reasons for the rise in number of applications seeking protection of such marks. The discussion delved into the effects of granting protection to green trademarks vis-à-vis promotion of sustainable practices. The members debated and discussed whether protection and use of green trademarks adversely impact the consumer’s perspective of eco-labels. The session concluded with the members brainstorming on the possible limitations or conditions which can be imposed to balance allowing protection of green trademarks while also preventing greenwashing.

ALG Associate Yash Raj will serve as a judge in the Preliminary Rounds of the 1st National Mediation Competition, 2023 being organized by Attorney’s Bar in collaboration with Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad from June 23-25, 2023. The event will have participation from teams from across India who shall be competing in various rounds to qualify for the Finals.

A ‘Special Legal Issues Seminar – General IP’ (SLIS-GP) was conducted by Priyanshi Rastogi, Trainee Associate on “Notable IP Division Decisions Pertaining to Section 9 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999”. The seminar delved into the decisions of the IP Division of the Delhi High Court which had analysed the scope of Section 9 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. To better understand the applicability of various decisions of the IP Division to the evolving IP practice, the members engaged in a dialogue on the decisions rendered by the IP Division on various aspects of absolute grounds of refusal of registration under Section 9, including, anti-dissection principle, the concept of distinctiveness vis-à-vis descriptiveness, factors for ascertaining acquired distinctiveness, and use of geographical name in composite marks. The session was attended by ALG’s Of Counsel, Mr. R. A. Tiwari, who provided the members with his invaluable insights on examination of trade marks in light of the proscriptions under Section 9 of the Act.

The presentation can be accessed here.