When a trademark dispute arises, a business may need to demonstrate how it uses a mark, when that use began and how the mark is connected to its goods or services.
Evidence should be genuine, organised and capable of being checked. A folder of unsorted screenshots or unsupported claims may be less useful than a clear record with dates and context.
Depending on the business and the issue, useful records may include:
Not every item will be relevant in every dispute. Preserve the original documents and make sure the records accurately show what they are claimed to prove.
Create a timeline showing significant events, such as launch, first sales, major campaigns and expansion into new markets. Label each record with its source and date where possible.
Keep original files and avoid editing material in a way that changes its meaning. If screenshots are used, preserve enough surrounding information to identify the source and context.
AI may help categorise documents or produce a preliminary summary. However, a person should check the summary against the originals. Do not allow a tool to invent dates, overstate sales or add facts that the documents do not establish.
IP India’s 2026 draft guidelines propose verification and accountability safeguards for AI-assisted material in specified Registry proceedings. The draft remains distinct from the existing legal requirements.
Key takeaway: Build your evidence file before a dispute arises. Accurate, dated and well-organised records are easier to review than material collected in a hurry.
Could AI Misuse or Trademark Squatting Put Your Brand at Risk? Your business name, logo and reputation may take years to build. But a similar trademark application, an unauthorised attempt to claim your brand name, or an inaccurate legal submission generated using artificial intelligence (AI) can create problems that are …
