IPR Hearing
Representation at IP Office hearings — trademark objections and oppositions, patent examination and opposition, and design hearings.
- Estimate Cost
- ₹10,000 – ₹75,000
- Typical duration
- 30 days
Service overview
An IPR hearing is the stage where an objection, opposition or dispute over a trademark, patent, design or copyright is argued before the IP Office decides it. Good written submissions and evidence filed on time often decide the outcome.
WCP's verified IP advocates prepare the reply, evidence and arguments, appear at the hearing — usually by video conference — and file post-hearing submissions.
Who needs it? / When is it needed?
- Trademark applicants facing an examination objection or a show-cause hearing
- Brand owners opposing a conflicting mark, or defending against an opposition
- Patent applicants responding to an examination report or a pre-grant or post-grant opposition
- Design owners facing cancellation proceedings
What to expect from the WCP Professionals
- Review of the examination report, opposition or notice and the grounds raised
- Strategy on evidence — user affidavits, sales and advertising records, technical data
- Drafting of replies, counter-statements and written submissions
- Appearance at the hearing, in person or by video conference
- Post-hearing written submissions and follow-up until the order
Key deliverables
- Reply or counter-statement
- Evidence affidavits and annexures
- Hearing representation
- Written submissions after the hearing
- Advice on appeal if the decision is adverse
Standard turnaround time
- Trademark examination reply: within 30 days of the report
- Counter-statement to a trademark opposition: within two months — this period cannot be extended
- Patent examination reply: within six months of the first examination report, extendable by three months
- Hearings are typically listed weeks to months after pleadings close; contested matters take about 6–18 months overall
Government fees, timelines & key outcomes
- There is generally no fee to attend a hearing
- Official fees apply to filings such as a trademark opposition or counter-statement (Form TM-O), patent post-grant oppositions (Form 7) and design cancellation petitions (Form 8), at the rates in the respective rules
Key outcomes: registration, refusal, or an amended application — with appeals now going to the High Court.
Forms & filings involved
- Form TM-O — trademark opposition, counter-statement and related filings
- Reply to the trademark examination report
- Patent reply to the first examination report, Form 7A (pre-grant opposition representation) and Form 7 (post-grant opposition)
- Form 8 — petition for cancellation of a design registration
- Written submissions after the hearing
Documents required
- The examination report, opposition notice or hearing notice
- Evidence of use — invoices, advertisements, sales figures, website records
- Technical documents and prior-art analysis for patents
- Power of attorney
What we need from you
- Prompt sharing of every notice from the IP Office
- Evidence of use and reputation of the mark or product
- Decisions on strategy, such as amending or limiting the application
Important conditions
Statutory deadlines are strict — a missed counter-statement deadline in a trademark opposition leads to the application being treated as abandoned.
Evidence must be filed by affidavit within the prescribed periods; claims not backed by evidence carry little weight.
Additional information
Since the Intellectual Property Appellate Board was abolished under the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, appeals against IP Office decisions lie to the High Courts, several of which have dedicated IP divisions.
The estimated cost covers indicative professional fees only. Government fees, stamp duty and taxes are payable at actuals.
How it works
- 1. Raise a service enquiry describing your requirement.
- 2. A Relationship Manager reviews it and opens it for bidding.
- 3. Pay into escrow and assign the professional you select.
- 4. Track progress to completion, then accept and release payment.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at a trademark show-cause hearing?
The examiner hears why the objections in the examination report should be waived; arguments and evidence can lead to acceptance.
What is the deadline to file a counter-statement?
Two months from receiving the notice of opposition; it cannot be extended.
Are IP hearings held online?
Most IP Office hearings are now held by video conference.
Where do I appeal an IP Office decision?
To the High Court, since the IPAB was abolished in 2021.