Trademark Objection Reply
A trademark objection is raised by the Registry's own examiner about your application — under Section 9 (absolute grounds) or Section 11 (relative grounds) of the Trade Marks Act — after examination. It is distinct from an "opposition," which is a third-party challenge after advertisement.
Reply within 1 month (30 days) from the Examination Report, extendable up to 2 further months of receiving the Examination Report. No reply risks the application being treated as abandoned.
What's Included
- Drafting and filing the written reply to the Examination Report.
- Representation at a show cause hearing if the reply alone does not satisfy the examiner.
- Status tracking through to acceptance and advertisement.
Trademark Objection Reply — Step by Step
Examination Report received
The Registry issues objections under Section 9 and/or Section 11.
Deadline: 1 month (30 days) from the Examination Report, extendable up to 2 further months
Written reply filed
We draft and file a reply addressing each ground raised, with supporting evidence where available.
Show cause hearing (if needed)
If the reply does not fully satisfy the examiner, a hearing is scheduled — see our dedicated hearing page.
Acceptance & advertisement
A satisfied examiner accepts the mark for publication in the Trade Marks Journal.
Trademark Objection Reply — Common Questions
What happens if I miss the reply deadline?
You must reply within 1 month (30 days) from the Examination Report, extendable up to 2 further months (extendable up to two further months). Missing it risks the application being treated as abandoned.
Objection vs opposition — what is the difference?
An objection comes from the Registry's examiner about the application itself; an opposition is a third party challenging your mark after it is advertised. See our opposition page for that process.
Get Help With Your Objection Reply
Tell us a bit about what you need — we'll respond within 1 business day.