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Trademark Registration
A trademark is a distinctive sign — a brand name, word, logo, slogan, label, or shape — that identifies and distinguishes your goods or services from everyone else's. Registration gives you exclusive rights to that mark across India.
Start Your Trademark Enquiry Is This For You?
Who Needs Trademark
- You've launched or are launching a brand, product, or business name.
- You have a logo or slogan you don't want competitors copying.
- You're raising investment or franchising and need your brand as a protected asset.
- You've received a legal notice about your brand name.
What You Get
What's Included
Trademark search and class advice.
Preparation and filing of the application (Form TM-A).
Handling of the prosecution process including objection replies and hearing representation (scope depends on the package).
Status tracking through to the registration certificate.
Governing law
Trade Marks Act, 1999 and Trade Marks Rules, 2017 — Registrar of Trademarks (IP India)
Validity
10 years, renewable indefinitely in 10-year terms
Typical timeline
6–12 months if unopposed; 18–24 months with objections/opposition (government-dependent)
Starting cost driver
Number of classes — ₹4,500/class (individuals, startups, MSMEs) or ₹9,000/class (larger businesses), e-filing. See Pricing.
Types & Categories
Types & Categories
Mark types: word mark, logo/device mark, combined mark, service mark, and specialised marks (collective, certification, shape, sound). Classes: 45 in total — Classes 1–34 for goods, Classes 35–45 for services. Common ones: Class 9 (software, electronics), Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (business/retail services), Class 41 (education). A business spanning multiple categories needs each relevant class covered. Once TM-A is filed you may use the ™ symbol; the ® symbol is reserved for registered marks only.
Process
The Full Trademark Registration Process
Trademark search
Check the IP India database for identical/similar existing or pending marks to avoid future conflict.
File application (Form TM-A)
Submit online, select class(es), pay fees; an application number is generated immediately and ™ can be used.
Vienna codification & formality check
The Registry classifies device marks and checks formalities.
Examination
Examined under Section 9 (absolute grounds) and Section 11 (relative grounds); an Examination Report is issued.
Objection — reply to Examination Report
An "objection" is raised by the examiner about the application itself — distinct from an "opposition," a third-party challenge. No reply risks the application being treated as abandoned.
Deadline: 1 month (30 days) from the Examination Report, extendable up to 2 further months
Show cause hearing
If the reply doesn't satisfy the examiner, a hearing is scheduled (usually by video conference). You demonstrate distinctiveness, often via evidence of actual use (invoices, ads, packaging). Adjournment via Form TM-M (fee ₹900), filed at least 2 days before, typically max two adjournments. Non-attendance can mean refusal or abandonment.
Acceptance & advertisement
Accepted marks are published in the Trade Marks Journal.
Opposition window
Any person may oppose via Form TM-O. If opposed: opponent files notice → applicant files counter-statement → evidence stages → hearing. Opposition is the longest branch, often 2–3 years.
Deadline: 4 months from advertisement in the Trade Marks Journal; counter-statement within 2 months — no extension
Registration & certificate
If unopposed/resolved, the mark is registered and the certificate issued (Form RG-2). The ® symbol may now be used.
Checklist
Documents & Inputs Required
- Copy of the trademark/logo (not needed for a plain word mark).
- Applicant name, address, nationality.
- Incorporation certificate (company/LLP).
- Udyog Aadhaar/MSME certificate (to claim the lower fee).
- Description of goods/services and the class.
- Power of Attorney (Form 48) signed by the applicant.
- PAN, Aadhaar, GST, partnership deed may also apply depending on applicant type.
Timeline
How Long It Really Takes
Unopposed and unobjected: certificate typically in 6–12 months. With objections/oppositions: 18–24 months owing to Registry backlog. Government stages are outside anyone's control — no registration outcome is guaranteed.
Cost Drivers
What Affects the Price
Primary driver is the number of classes filed. Larger entities pay a higher per-class government fee. Objection replies, hearings, and opposition defence add scope.
See Pricing Related
Explore Further
FAQ
Trademark Registration — Common Questions
Is trademark registration mandatory?
No, but unregistered marks are far harder to protect against copycats and infringers.
What's the difference between an objection and an opposition?
An objection is raised by the Registry's own examiner about the application itself. An opposition is a challenge filed by a third party after the mark is advertised. They happen at different stages and are handled differently.
Can I use ™ before registration? When can I use ®?
Yes — you can use ™ as soon as you file (Form TM-A). The ® symbol is reserved for marks that have completed registration.
What happens if my application is objected or opposed?
You (or we, on your behalf) reply within the statutory deadline with evidence and arguments. Objections are answered via a written reply and, if needed, a show cause hearing. Oppositions require a counter-statement and can run to a full hearing.
How long is a trademark valid, and how does renewal work?
A trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of registration and can be renewed indefinitely in further 10-year terms. See our dedicated renewal page for process detail.
Can I file for multiple classes at once?
Yes — a single application can cover multiple classes; the government fee is charged per class.
What happens if I don't reply to the examination report in time?
You must reply within 1 month (30 days) from the Examination Report, extendable up to 2 further months. Missing this deadline risks the application being treated as abandoned.
Get Started
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