Jul. 1 – India has introduced amendments to the Indian Trade Mark Rules, effective from May 20, 2010.

The amendments are as follows:

1. Class 42 has been amended to include the following services:

• Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software.

2. The following additional classes related to services have been included:

• Class 43: Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation
• Class 44: Medical services, veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture; horticulture and forestry services.
• Class 45: Legal services; security services for the protection of property and individuals; personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals.

India has a different category of trademark applications than that in common international usage (Madrid, Nice and Paris protocols) and as such specific Indian knowledge needs to be obtained when dealing with marks in India.

Please contact Rohit Shrivastava at Dezan Shira & Associates Mumbai for assistance with trademark applications.