{"id":2133,"date":"2021-02-09T10:08:49","date_gmt":"2021-02-09T10:08:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/?p=2133"},"modified":"2021-02-09T10:08:51","modified_gmt":"2021-02-09T10:08:51","slug":"limitations-of-trademark-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/limitations-of-trademark-law\/","title":{"rendered":"All You Need to know about Limitations of Trademark Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">The Trademarks\nAct, 1999 allows for the protection of well- known trademarks in 2 ways that\nis, an action against the registration of similar trademarks and action against\nthe misuse of well- known trademarks. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/trademark-registration\" class=\"text-primary\">Trademark registration<\/a><\/strong>\nis important since it is a way to protect and secure a brand from any trademark\ninfringement. Where on the one hand the registered trademark provides many\nadvantages and benefits, on the other hand it comes with a certain set of\nlimitations. Such limitations arise on the basis of the nature of trademarks.\nThis article will discuss all you need to know about the limitations of\ntrademark law in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2e304c934f4\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2e304c934f4\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/limitations-of-trademark-law\/#Importance_of_Trademark_Registration\" title=\"Importance of\nTrademark Registration\">Importance of\nTrademark Registration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/limitations-of-trademark-law\/#Eligibility_to_File_for_Trademark_Registration\" title=\"Eligibility to File\nfor Trademark Registration \">Eligibility to File\nfor Trademark Registration <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/limitations-of-trademark-law\/#What_are_the_Limitations_of_Trademark_Law\" title=\"What are the Limitations of Trademark Law?\">What are the Limitations of Trademark Law?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/limitations-of-trademark-law\/#Functionality_Limitation\" title=\"Functionality\nLimitation\">Functionality\nLimitation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/limitations-of-trademark-law\/#Fair_Use_Limitation\" title=\"Fair Use\nLimitation \">Fair Use\nLimitation <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/limitations-of-trademark-law\/#Geographical_Area_Limitation\" title=\"Geographical Area\nLimitation\">Geographical Area\nLimitation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/limitations-of-trademark-law\/#Import_Limitation\" title=\"Import\nLimitation\">Import\nLimitation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/limitations-of-trademark-law\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_of_Trademark_Registration\"><\/span>Importance of\nTrademark Registration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Trademark\nregistration is important as it provides a distinctive identity to a brand and\nthe services that are offered by them. It assures the standard of quality of\nthe products or services and with the trademark registration, it is quite easy\nto advertise a brand as it is easily recognized by the people and trusted by\nthem. It creates a reputation in the market and it helps the owner of the\ntrademark to protect its brand for being infringed or misused by others and\nprovides many legal rights and benefits to the registered trademark holder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eligibility_to_File_for_Trademark_Registration\"><\/span>Eligibility to File\nfor Trademark Registration <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A trademark\napplication can be filed by any person who wishes to give its brand a trademark\nand protect it from being infringed by others. Therefore the applicant himself\nor by an agent authorized by him can file for trademark registration. The\nregistration can be done either through online at the official website of\ntrademarks or in person or post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_Limitations_of_Trademark_Law\"><\/span>What are the Limitations of Trademark Law?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/infographics-without-heading-1-1-1.png\" alt=\"Limitations of Trademark Law\" class=\"wp-image-2135\" width=\"364\" height=\"369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/infographics-without-heading-1-1-1.png 985w, https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/infographics-without-heading-1-1-1-296x300.png 296w, https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/infographics-without-heading-1-1-1-768x780.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 364px) 100vw, 364px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Functionality_Limitation\"><\/span>Functionality\nLimitation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the limitations lies in what can be trademarked. The limitation arises from the fact regarding what can be trademarked and what cannot. A person can secure only certain things with the trademark registration. Any factor that enhances the functionality or usability is not protected under the trademarks act. This limitation suggests that the product must not be non- functional, it must not have any function or purpose to it. For example; if one person sells a product under a typical shape or special packaging which is enough for making it distinct in character, then it is quite possible to get a trademark for that. But however, if such a packaging or shape enhances the usability of the product, then the registration is not possible. This kind of rule helps to maintain a healthy competition between the competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Also, Read:<\/b> <mark style=\"background: #fffd03 !important;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/doctrine-of-fair-dealing-in-copyright-law\/\">What is the Doctrine of Fair Dealing in Copyright Law?<\/a><\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fair_Use_Limitation\"><\/span>Fair Use\nLimitation <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The doctrine of\nfair use is applied to the trademark laws. Under the trademark laws there are\nmany commonly used words and the owner cannot claim exclusive rights over such\nwords if his trademark is used in a different context. Since, many trademarks\nrely on the words that are commonly used in everyday language; the owner of the\ntrademark cannot enforce his rights on it. For example, a trademark is used in\nparodies, advertising and non- commercial use in academic articles, media\nreports etc. therefore, claiming exclusive rights is not allowed if a third\nparty uses a trademark in accordance with the doctrine of fair use. For\nexample, in the case of a trademark \u201cSuper Nirma\u201d, the owner of the trademark\ncannot stop any person from using the work super in their trademark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to\nSection 30(2) (d) of the Trademarks Act, to claim the defence of doctrine of\nfair use, the user must establish that it is necessary for him\/ her to use the\nregistered mark to identify the product in the market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Geographical_Area_Limitation\"><\/span>Geographical Area\nLimitation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Trademark applies in the geographical area where it has been imposed. Geographical boundaries plays a crucial role in deciding the in which country the trademark shall be valid. When a trademark is registered in India, then the enforcement of such trademark is valid only within the Jurisdiction of India. If one required protection of trademark in more than one country, a separate international application is required to be applied in that country. Such limitation is even more restricted when it comes to <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Unregistered_trademark\">unregistered trademarks<\/a>, where such trademark is can only be enforced locally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Import_Limitation\"><\/span>Import\nLimitation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Trademark\nprotection cannot prevent parallel imports. Parallel import means the\nacquisition of products from the rightful owner and selling it further for a\nless amount via unaccredited channels in the market. The owner of the trademark\nhas no right to prevent the subsequent sale of goods in any part of the\ncountry, as his rights over the goods are exhausted after making the first\nsale. The trademarks act cannot protect against the parallel importation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The trademark registration is important for a brand to protect its mark from being infringed by others. It helps the companies to boost their business and bring recognition by adding value to its brand. However, there are certain limitations to the protection as well. Such limitations of trademark laws must be taken into consideration by the businesses to function accordingly and grow efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Also, Read:<\/b> <mark style=\"background: #fffd03 !important;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/difference-between-assignment-and-license-under-trademarks-act-1999\/\">Difference between Assignment and License under Trademarks Act, 1999<\/a><\/mark><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Trademarks Act, 1999 allows for the protection of well- known trademarks in 2 ways that is, an action against the registration of similar trademarks and action against the misuse of well- known trademarks. Trademark registration is important since it is a way to protect and secure a brand from any trademark infringement. Where on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2134,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[50,72],"tags":[357],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2133"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2133"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2133\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2139,"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2133\/revisions\/2139"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2134"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2133"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swaritadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}