When a trademark is submitted, a trademarks examiner reviews it. If the examiner has any concerns, then he may issue an examination report to object the trademark application. The applicant is required to submit a reply to the examination report in a time bound manner. If the examiner does not get satisfied with the reply and wants the applicant to appear and submit further clarifications then the examiner may mark the trademark for hearing.

A Show Cause hearing is a hearing scheduled by the examiner in which the applicant is required to submit further clarifications and evidences in support of their trademark application. Once the hearing is concluded the registrar may either accept or refuse the trademark on merits.