Within 3 months from publication of the application any interested party may file an opposition to the registration of the mark based on any absolute or relative ground of non-registrability, or based on the ground that the application was filed in bad faith. The opposition notice must contain a statement of the grounds. The Institute may require the furnishing of further evidence, facts and documents, which shall then be filed within the term set failing which the opposition will be deemed not made. An opposition on the ground that the mark applied for is identical or similar to an earlier mark for identical or similar goods or services but whose registration has expired less than two years ago due to non-renewal, shall be refused if the opposing party does not use his mark as required.

After publication of the application any individual or legal person, or any group representing manufacturers, producers, service providers, merchants or consumers may file written observations stating that the mark is not registrable on any absolute ground. A party filing such written observations will not become a party to the proceedings before the Institute.

Against the decisions of the Institute any party adversely affected thereby may lodge an appeal on payment of the appeal fee within two months from notification of the decision concerned; the grounds for the appeal must be given in writing within the same two-month period, failing which the appeal shall be deemed not lodged. Appeal is to be lodged with the Patent Institute. If the Institute finds the appeal justified and provided no opposition has been filed, it may rectify its decision. In all other cases the appeal is to be forwarded to the Re-examination and Evaluation Board of the Patent Institute. Further appeal against the decision of this Board may be lodged with the competent Court within two months from notification of the decision.