The typical trademark registration process in the Philippines, in a straightforward case without any refusals or oppositions, can take approximately 8 to 12 months from the filing date to the issuance of the Certificate of Registration. However, if your application faces refusal and you pursue responses, reconsideration, or appeals, the process can be significantly longer, potentially extending to several years.

Yes, it is highly recommended to seek assistance from a qualified intellectual property lawyer or agent in the Philippines if your trademark application is refused. They can provide expert advice on the grounds for refusal, help you formulate an effective response strategy, gather necessary evidence, and represent you in appeals or other legal actions.

Yes, a trademark that was initially refused can eventually be registered if the applicant successfully overcomes the grounds for refusal by providing sufficient arguments, evidence, or amendments, or if they win an appeal or a cancellation proceeding against a blocking registration. In some cases, a mark initially considered descriptive can become registrable if the applicant can prove that it has acquired distinctiveness through substantial and continuous use in commerce in the Philippines for at least five (5) years before the claim of distinctiveness is made.