Trademark Hearing appear, argue, and protect your filing.

A trademark hearing is the formal proceeding before the Registrar of Trade Marks at which the applicant, the opponent, or other interested party presents oral arguments in support of their position. Hearings are held in several stages of trademark prosecution — show-cause hearings after the examination report where the Registrar is not satisfied with the written reply, opposition hearings after evidence is filed by both sides, rectification and cancellation hearings, and review hearings on adverse orders.

The hearing is the applicant's or opponent's most direct opportunity to influence the Registrar's view on the merits of the case. The notice of hearing is typically issued 30 to 45 days in advance and specifies the date, time, and mode (in-person or video conference) of the hearing. Failure to appear can result in dismissal of the application, allowance of the opposition, or other adverse orders. Adjournments are permitted but limited under the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, and each adjournment carries a procedural cost.

Our trademark hearing practice provides experienced representation at every hearing forum within the Trade Marks Registry. We prepare detailed written briefs and case law compilations ahead of the hearing, draft oral submissions tailored to the Registrar's order, attend the hearing in person or via video conference, file written submissions where directed, and follow up on the order. The objective is a strong, well-argued appearance that gives the client the best chance of a favourable outcome.