The protection of trademark rights is fundamentally linked to the concept of use, as trademarks exist not merely as abstract legal constructs but as indicators of origin in the marketplace. The idea of “use requirements” refers to the necessity that a trademark must be actively and genuinely used in commerce to qualify for protection and to maintain the rights conferred upon its owner. This requirement ensures that trademarks fulfill their primary function of distinguishing goods or services of one entity from those of others, thereby preventing consumer confusion and protecting goodwill. Use requirements typically arise at different stages of trademark law, including registration, maintenance, and enforcement. In many jurisdictions, including India, a trademark can be registered based on prior use or with an intention to use. However, mere registration without actual use does not guarantee perpetual protection. The law imposes an obligation on the proprietor to use the mark within a specified period, failing which the mark may become vulnerable to removal from the register. Under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, a registered trademark may be removed on the ground of non-use if it has not been used for a continuous period of five years and three months from the date of registration. The concept of “use” itself is not limited to physical affixation of a mark on goods but extends to any bona fide commercial use in relation to goods or services. This includes use in advertising, packaging, labeling, invoices, and digital platforms. With the expansion of e-commerce, the scope of use has evolved to include online presence, domain names, and social media engagement. Courts have recognized that even promotional use, if it creates an association in the minds of consumers, may qualify as valid use. A key aspect of use requirements is that the use must be genuine and not merely token or sham use intended to preserve registration. Token use refers to minimal or artificial use of a trademark solely to avoid cancellation, without any real commercial intent. Such use is generally insufficient to maintain trademark rights. The law requires “bona fide use in the course of trade,” meaning that the mark must be used in a manner consistent with normal business practices and with the intention of gaining or maintaining market share. Another important dimension is the territorial nature of trademark rights. Use must occur within the jurisdiction where protection is sought. However, in an increasingly globalized economy, courts have had to consider whether trans-border reputation can substitute for actual use. Indian courts