CIC Probes Delay in Trademark Oppositions: No Set SOP

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has found that there is no specific time limit for disposing trademark applications and no standard operating procedure (SOP) with timelines. The revelation came during a hearing concerning delays and procedural irregularities in trademark opposition matters. The CIC has directed a revised reply detailing average disposal times and procedural documentation.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has highlighted the lack of a specific time limit for processing trademark applications, revealing that no standard operating procedure (SOP) exists with prescribed timelines.

This discovery emerged during an RTI appeal hearing overseen by Information Commissioner Khushwant Singh Sethi, which addressed alleged delays and procedural irregularities in trademark opposition cases.

The CIC directed the authority to provide a revised response including average disposal times from the past six months and procedural details, ensuring transparency in the trademark opposition process.