Why Is the Trademark Site Not Working? 7 Reasons & Quick Fixes

If you are trying to file a trademark application or check your status on the IP India portal and the website is not opening, you aren't alone. Errors on the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks portal are common due to high traffic and complex security protocols.

Here is a professional troubleshooting guide to help you resolve Trademark portal login problems and e-filing errors quickly.

1. High Server Traffic & "Deadline Rush"

The official trademark website often struggles with high concurrent user limits. This usually happens during the month-end or near major compliance deadlines.

• The Symptom: The page hangs, or the "Search" function takes minutes to load.

• The Solution: Avoid peak office hours (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Try accessing the portal early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or late at night for a smoother experience.

2. Scheduled Maintenance & Server Error 500

The government frequently updates the database to improve security. During these windows, you may encounter a "Service Unavailable" message or a 500 Internal Server Error.

• The Symptom: The website displays a white screen with a technical error code.

• The Solution: This is a server-side issue. Check the "Public Notices" section on the IP India homepage for maintenance schedules. Usually, these updates are resolved within 2–4 hours.

3. Browser Compatibility & Cache Issues

The Trademark e-filing portal is optimized for specific scripts. Using an outdated browser or having a cluttered cache can prevent the login page from appearing.

• The Fix: * Use Google Chrome: It is currently the most stable browser for this portal.

  • Hard Refresh: Press Ctrl + F5 to clear the local cache and reload the latest version of the page.

  • Incognito Mode: Try opening the site in a Private/Incognito window to bypass faulty extensions.

4. Digital Signature (DSC) & Signer Errors

A "DSC not found" or "Signer not started" error is the most common reason for Trademark e-filing failure.

• The Reason: The portal requires a specific Java-based component to communicate with your USB token.

• The Solution:

  1. Ensure the latest Java version is installed.

  2. Add https://ipindiaonline.gov.in to the Java Exception Site List in your PC's Control Panel.

  3. Make sure your Digital Signer component is running in the background before you click "Sign."

5. Session Timeout & Inactivity

For security reasons, the IP India portal has a very short session window. If you stay on a page for too long without clicking "Save Draft," the system will silently log you out.

• The Symptom: Clicking "Submit" leads you back to the login page or a blank screen.

• The Solution: Always click "Save Draft" every 5 minutes while filling out Form TM-A.

6. Firewall or VPN Interference

Many corporate networks or VPNs block government scripts for security reasons, which can lead to the Trademark site not opening.

• The Fix: Disable your VPN or try switching to a different internet connection (like a mobile hotspot) to see if the restriction is network-based.

7. Incorrect URL (The "Old Bookmark" Problem)

The Trademark registry occasionally updates its sub-domains. Using an old bookmarked link might lead to a 404 error.

• The Fix: Always start from the official landing page: ipindia.gov.in and navigate to "E-Filing" from there.

Quick Troubleshooting Table

Issue	Likely Cause	Recommended Action
Page Not Loading	Server Maintenance	Wait 1-2 hours; try off-peak times.
Login Error	Browser Cache	Use Incognito Mode (Ctrl+Shift+N).
DSC Not Working	Java Security	Add URL to Java Exception List.
Error 500	Server-side Glitch	Refresh after 15 minutes.
Blank Screen	Pop-up Blocker	Enable "Pop-ups and Redirects" in Chrome settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is my Trademark Status not updating?

A: The "Public Search" database usually lags by 24–48 hours. If you just filed an application, wait two days for it to reflect in the electronic register.

Q: What should I do if my payment failed but money was deducted?

A: Do not file again immediately. Check the "Payment History" tab in the portal after 24 hours. Usually, the "Awaiting Acknowledgment" status clears automatically once the bank reconciles.

Q: Is the IP India website down today?

A: You can check third-party "Down Detector" sites or search for the hashtag #TrademarkIndia on X (Twitter) to see if other attorneys are reporting a nationwide outage.

Final Pro-Tip for Startups

Filing a trademark is a legal process with strict deadlines. If the Trademark portal is down and you are nearing a deadline for an "Examination Report" response, document the error with a screenshot. This can serve as evidence if you need to request a "Condonation of Delay."