Examination – A Walk With The Public

Hi, I am Indu. As an aspiring examiner, I see an examiner no less than a superhero. Here’s why:

Assume, I examine a trademark application, “ABC” of applicant X proposed for the medicine Paracetamol.

While examining, I find a similar mark, “ABiCe” already registered for the medicine Albendazol by applicant Y.

The two marks clearly have phonetic similarity and are medicines bought over the counter without even a prescription.

Assume, I accept this application without objection and goods reach pharmacies.

Now, imagine an instance.

With the visible phonetic confusion, the medicine under the brand “ABiCe” that treats neurocysticercosis is picked by a patient with fever instead of medicine “ABC”.

Consequences could be his actual problem not being solved and side effects that could even be fatal.

Let’s go back to the stage of examination. What if I refuse the mark?

Did I not just save my people from a whole set of medical complications and become a superhero?

In the examiner’s eyes, IP applications are like different plants that need to be sectored as plants that need to be manured and weeds to be removed.

Also, to see how deep rooted each plant is, what is needed to grow to its fullest potential.

The real joy is seeing them grow out and beyond for the world to cherish.