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How to Register Trademark in India 2026

Trademark registration - protect brand name/logo. ₹4,500 (individual/MSME) or ₹9,000. Long process.

📁 Business ⏱️ 1-2 hrs filing 💰 ₹4,500-9,000

About This Guide

Trademark Registration under Trade Marks Act 1999. Protects brand name, logo, slogan. Apply at ipindia.gov.in via Form TM-A. Fee ₹4,500 (Individual/Startup/MSME) or ₹9,000 (Company/LLP). Process: 18-24 months. ™ from filing, ® after registration. 10-year validity, renewable. 45 classes (Nice Classification).

Eligibility Criteria

Owner of brand/logo
Indian individual/company/MSME/startup
Distinctive mark (not generic)
Not similar to existing
Use intent (or already in use)
Class identification

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before starting application. Missing documents = delayed approval.

Logo/wordmark image (high-res)
Form TM-A
Address proof
PAN
Power of Attorney (if via attorney)
MSME/Startup certificate (for fee discount)
User affidavit (if claiming use date)
Class identification (1-45 Nice)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps in order. Each step is critical - skip none.

Trademark Search

ipindia.gov.in → Trade Marks → Public Search. Check if similar mark exists.

Choose Class

45 classes - goods (1-34), services (35-45). Multi-class allowed but separate fee per class.

Determine Filing Type

Individual/Startup/Small Enterprise (₹4,500) or Others (₹9,000).

File Application

Online via ipindia.gov.in OR through attorney.

Upload Mark

High-res image. Color claim (optional).

Pay Fee

Per class.

Submit Application

Application Number (TM Number) issued.

Examination Report

2-6 months. Trademark office examines. Objections/observations issued.

Reply to Objection

Within 30 days. Argument + evidence.

Hearing (if needed)

Personal/video hearing.

Acceptance

Published in Trademark Journal.

Opposition Window

4 months. Third parties can oppose.

No Opposition

Trademark registered. Certificate issued.

10-Year Validity

Renew before expiry (₹9,000-10,000).

Key Benefits

Brand/logo legal protection
Exclusive right in class
™ to ® conversion
Infringement action possible
Brand value enhancement
License/franchise basis
Madrid Protocol international filing
10-year validity

What Happens After Application?

18-24 months full process. ™ symbol from filing date. ® only after registration. Defend against infringement aggressively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Word vs Logo?

Word/Logo/Combination - separate filings. Logo registration also requires word association. Most companies file both.

TM symbol vs R symbol?

™ (Common law trademark - filed/used). ® (Registered trademark - certificate received). Using ® without registration is illegal.