Electronic verification should be treated as part of filing governance, not as a one time technical formality.
IP India issued notices during 2026 concerning mandatory electronic know your customer verification and extended the completion date to 30 September 2026. Practitioners should confirm whether verification is complete. Businesses should also review who controls their filing accounts and who may authorise actions.
Why verification matters
A trademark account can be used to create rights, amend records and submit responses. The person controlling that account should be identifiable and authorised. Firms should know which individuals have access and how access is removed when a person changes role.
Portfolio owners need their own records
Verification of a filing user does not replace the applicant's responsibility to maintain accurate ownership information. The legal name, constitution, address and contact details should be checked before filing. Changes should be recorded across the portfolio.
- Confirm that relevant users completed the required verification.
- Review registered email addresses and telephone details.
- Remove access that is no longer required.
- Retain written authority for filing instructions.
- Check applicant details before using an earlier application as a template.
Digital filing does not cure an unclear specification
The goods and services remain central to the application. A broad list copied from another filing may not reflect the applicant's actual commercial plans. Classification should begin with the business, not with the class heading.
Search remains essential
A successful electronic submission says nothing about registrability. The proposed mark should be searched for identical and similar marks in relevant classes and adjacent commercial fields. Corporate names, domain names and market use may also affect risk.
Frequently asked questions
Does eKYC determine whether a trademark will be accepted?
No. It concerns user verification. Registrability still depends on the mark, specification, earlier rights and applicable law.
Should a business share one filing account among employees?
Access should be controlled and attributable. Shared credentials create security and accountability problems.
Can the specification be expanded after filing?
Generally, an amendment cannot enlarge the original scope. Care at filing remains important.