Controller General of Patents Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM) cautions on misleading and Illegal advertising, offering assurance for Trademarks protection through online registration services by OnlineLegalIndiadotcom
Office of The Controller General Patents, Designs & Trade Marks has taken a serious note of certain firms engaging in advertising and solicitation of legal services through various digital and online platforms.
According to a Public Notice issued in this regard, it has been stated that such activities are in direct contravention of the provisions of the Advocates Act, 1961 and relevant rules, which strictly prohibit advocates and legal agents from soliciting or advertising legal services.
Particularly, a website OnlineLegalIndiadotcom has been identified as advertising itself and reaching out to the stakeholders to help them register their trade mark (brand name, logo, slogan, icon, etc.) from anywhere in India through their online registration services. They have been frequently promoting over the platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatApp etc.
The Public Notice clarifies that as per provisions of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, the “Registered Trade Mark Agents” and/ or an “Advocate” within the meaning of the Advocates Act, 1961 are only authorized to practice before the Registrar of Trade Marks and as such OnlineLegalIndia.com falling under none of the two categories are not authorized to practice before the Registrar of Trade Marks.
Public has been cautioned and informed that the said website related activities are under inquiry by the Ad-Hoc Code of Conduct Committee (constituted under the direction of Hon’ble Delhi High Court) and have been invited to make their submission to CGPDTM Office.
Download CGPDTM Public Notice Click Here >>
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