Renewal Without Removal: A Critical Analysis of R. Booma Rani v. Registrar of Trade Marks
A registered trade mark cannot be denied renewal merely because the online portal indicates that the time has lapsed. So long as the Registrar has not actually removed the mark under Rules 58(3) and 59, the proprietor retains the right to renew. This is the holding of Dr. Justice A.D. Maria Clete of the Madras High Court in R. Booma Rani v. The Registrar of Trade Marks, WP(IPD) No. 14 of 2026, decided on 1 October 2026 . This article sets out the facts, explains the statutory scheme, and distills the ratio. It then tests the reasoning, identifies its limits, and concludes with a practical playbook for proprietors along with recommendations for the Registry. Item Detail Mark THOTHA (Hindi label with parrot device), No. 1532336, Class 34 (safety matches) Relief sought Mandamus to receive and process a renewal application blocked by the e-filing portal Result Writ allowed; renewal ...