Trade Marks Act, 1999
16. Registration of trade marks as associated
trade marks. –
(1) Where a trade mark which is registered, or
is the subject of an application for registration, in respect of any goods or
services is identical with another trade mark which is registered, or is the
subject of an application for registration, in the name of the same services or
description of services or so nearly resembles it as to be likely to deceive or
cause confusion if used by a person other than the proprietor, the Registrar
may, at any time, require that the trade marks shall be entered on the register
as associated trade marks.
(2) Where there is an identify or near
resemblance of marks that are registered, or are the subject of applications
for registration in the name of the same proprietor, in respect of good and in
respect of goods and in respect of services which are associated with those
goods or goods of that description and with those services or services of that
description, sub section (1) shall apply as it applies as where there is an
identity or near resemblance of marks that are registered, or are the subject
of applications for registration, in the name of the same proprietor in respect
of the same goods or description of goods or same services or description of
services.
(3) Where a trade mark and any part thereof
are, in accordance with the provisions of sub section (1) of section 15,
registered as separate trade marks in the name of the same proprietor, they
shall be deemed to be, and shall be registered as, associated trade marks.
(4) All trade marks registered in accordance
with the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 15 as a series in one in one
registration shall be deemed to be, and shall be registered as, associated
trade marks.
(5) On application made in the prescribe
manner by the registered proprietor of two or more trade marks registered as
associated trade marks, the Registrar may dissolve the association as respects
any of them if he is satisfied that there would be no likelihood of deception
or confusion being caused if that trade mark were used by any other person in
relation to any of the goods or services or both in respect of which it is
registered, and may amend the register accordingly.