Trademark Registration in India – Complete Guide for Brand Protection 2025

Started a business? Created a brand? Designed a logo? Protect it legally with trademark registration!

Without trademark, anyone can copy your brand name, logo, or slogan. Let's learn how to register and protect your intellectual property.

What is Trademark?

A trademark is a unique symbol, word, phrase, logo, or combination that identifies and distinguishes your goods/services from others.

Examples:

• Brand names: Nike, Apple, Amul

• Logos: McDonald's golden arches, Twitter bird

• Slogans: "Just Do It" (Nike), "I'm Lovin' It" (McDonald's)

• Sounds: Nokia tune, Netflix "ta-dum"

• Colors: Cadbury purple, Tiffany blue

What Can Be Trademarked:

✓ Brand names✓ Logos and designs✓ Slogans/taglines✓ Product shapes (if distinctive)✓ Colors (in specific context)✓ Sounds✓ Combination of above

What CANNOT Be Trademarked:

❌ Generic words (Computer, Pen, Shoe)❌ Descriptive terms (Fast Service, Quality Product)❌ Government symbols (Ashoka Chakra, national emblems)❌ Offensive/immoral words❌ Identical to existing trademarks❌ Geographical names (India, Mumbai) - unless acquired distinctiveness❌ Common surnames (unless distinctive)

Why Trademark Registration Important:

✓ Legal protection – Exclusive right to use✓ Prevent copycats – Stop others from using similar marks✓ Brand value – Registered trademark has monetary value✓ Business asset – Can be sold, licensed, franchised✓ Customer trust – ® symbol shows authenticity✓ Legal action – Sue infringers✓ Nationwide protection – Valid across India✓ International expansion – Basis for foreign trademarks✓ Investment attraction –

Investors prefer registered brands

Unregistered trademark has limited protection!

Trademark Classes:

Trademarks are registered in specific classes based on goods/services.

Total 45 classes:

• Classes 1-34: Goods

• Classes 35-45: Services

Common classes:

Goods:

• Class 3: Cosmetics, soaps, perfumes

• Class 5: Pharmaceuticals, supplements

• Class 9: Electronics, software, apps

• Class 14: Jewelry, watches

• Class 16: Paper, stationery, books

• Class 18: Leather goods, bags

• Class 25: Clothing, footwear

• Class 28: Toys, games, sports equipment

• Class 29: Meat, dairy, preserved foods

• Class 30: Coffee, tea, bakery products

• Class 32: Beverages, soft drinks

Services:

• Class 35: Advertising, business management, retail services

• Class 36: Financial services, insurance, real estate

• Class 38: Telecommunications

• Class 41: Education, training, entertainment

• Class 42: IT services, software development, scientific services

• Class 43: Restaurants, hotels, catering

• Class 44: Medical services, beauty salons

• Class 45: Legal services, security services

You must select correct class(es) for your business!

Example:

• Clothing brand → Class 25

• Restaurant → Class 43

• Mobile app → Class 9 (product) + Class 42 (software development service)

Can register in multiple classes (separate fee for each).

Types of Trademarks:

1. Word Mark: Just the brand name in standard font. Example: NIKE (just text)

2. Device Mark: Logo/design/image. Example: Nike swoosh symbol

3. Combined Mark: Word + logo together. Example: McDonald's golden arches + "McDonald's" text

4. Service Mark: For services (not physical products). Example: Bank logos, restaurant brands

5. Collective Mark: Used by association/group. Example: "CA" for Chartered Accountants

6. Certification Mark: Certifies quality/origin. Example: ISI mark, Agmark

Trademark Registration Process:

Step 1: Trademark Search (Crucial!)

Before applying, search if similar trademark already exists.

How to search:

A) Online Search (Free): Visit: ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrsearch

• Click "Public Search"

• Search by:

  • Word mark (your brand name)

  • Similar sounding names

  • Logo image

  • Applicant name

  • Registration number

Search in your class (e.g., if clothing, search in Class 25)

Check results:

• ✅ No similar mark found → Proceed with application

• ❌ Similar/identical mark exists → Change your brand name/logo OR prove yours is different

B) Hire Trademark Agent: Professional search (₹1,000-₹5,000) More thorough, checks phonetically similar marks

Why search is important:

• Avoid rejection

• Avoid legal disputes

• Save money and time

• Ensure uniqueness

Step 2: Decide Class(es)

Select appropriate class(es) for your goods/services.

Unsure? Check competitors' trademark classifications.

Step 3: Prepare Application

Choose application type:

TM-A: New trademark application (most common)

Documents needed:

✓ Trademark (name/logo) - High resolution image if logo✓ Applicant details (individual/company)✓ Proof of use (if already using) - invoice, photos, advertisements✓ Power of Attorney (if filing through agent)✓ Incorporation certificate (for companies)✓ MSME/Startup certificate (if applicable - reduced fees)

For Individual Applicant:

• Name

• Address

• Nationality

• ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)

For Company:

• Company name

• Registered address

• CIN (Company Identification Number)

• Incorporation certificate

Step 4: File Online Application

Visit: ipindiaonline.gov.in

Process:

A) Register on IP India portal:

• Create user ID

• Verify email and mobile

B) Login and select "Trademarks"

C) Fill Form TM-A:

Section 1: Applicant Details

• Name, address, email, phone

• Nationality

• Applicant type (individual/company/LLP/partnership)

Section 2: Trademark Details

• Upload trademark image (JPG/JPEG, 1-2 MB)

• For word mark: Type text

• For logo: Upload clear image

• Description (if needed)

Section 3: Class and Goods/Services

• Select class(es)

• Describe goods/services specifically

• Use standard descriptions from IPO website

Section 4: Use Details

• Date of first use (if already using)

• "Proposed to be used" (if not yet used)

Section 5: Priority (if applicable)

• If claiming convention priority (filed abroad first)

Section 6: Additional Information

• Transliteration (if non-English)

• Disclaimer (if any part is common/generic)

• Associated marks (if any)

Section 7: Verification

• Digital signature OR e-sign using Aadhaar

D) Pay Fees:

Government fees (per class):

Applicant Type	Online Filing	Physical Filing
Individual/Startup/Small Entity	₹4,500	₹5,000
Others (companies, etc.)	₹9,000	₹10,000

Payment modes: Net banking, credit/debit card, NEFT/RTPGS

E) Submit:

• Review application

• Submit

• Get acknowledgment slip with application number

• Save/print acknowledgment

Application number format: XXXX/YY(e.g., 5123456/2025)

Step 5: Examination by Trademark Office

Timeline: 1-2 months after filing

Examiner checks:

• Compliance with Trademark Act

• Distinctiveness

• Similarity with existing marks

• Proper classification

Two outcomes:

A) Examination Report - Objections Raised:

Examiner may object if:

• Similar to existing trademark

• Not distinctive

• Descriptive/generic

• Wrong class

• Formalities not met

You get Examination Report via email and on portal.

You have 30 days to reply (can extend once for 1 month).

Step 6: Reply to Objections (if any)

If objections raised:

Hire trademark attorney (₹5,000-₹25,000) to draft reply.

Common replies:

• Prove your mark is different

• Provide evidence of use

• Show co-existence agreement

• Disclaim generic part

• Provide precedents (similar marks registered)

• Modify application if needed

Submit reply on IP India portal.

Examiner reviews reply:

• Satisfied → Proceeds to publication

• Not satisfied → Hearing scheduled

Step 7: Hearing (if required)

If examiner not satisfied with written reply:

• Hearing scheduled at Trademark Registry office

• You or your attorney appears

• Oral arguments

• Examiner decides

Outcomes:

• Accepted → Proceeds to publication

• Rejected → Application refused (can appeal)

Step 8: Publication in Trademark Journal

If application accepted:

• Published in Trademark Journal (weekly online publication)

• Public notice for 4 months

• Anyone can oppose

Check journal: ipindiaservices.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch

Step 9: Opposition Period (4 Months)

Any person can file opposition if they believe your trademark:

• Is similar to theirs

• Generic/descriptive

• Violates their rights

If opposition filed:

• You're notified

• Must file counter-statement

• Opposition hearing

• Registrar decides

• Can take 1-3 years

If no opposition: Proceeds to registration

Step 10: Registration Certificate

If no opposition or opposition rejected:

• Trademark registered

• Registration certificate issued

• Valid for 10 years

• Can use ® symbol

Total time: 12-24 months (if no objections/oppositions)

Trademark Registration Fees:

Government fees (per class):

• Individual/Startup/MSME: ₹4,500 (online)

• Company/others: ₹9,000 (online)

Attorney/Agent fees (optional but recommended):

• Search: ₹1,000-₹5,000

• Filing: ₹2,000-₹8,000

• Reply to examination: ₹5,000-₹25,000

• Hearing: ₹10,000-₹50,000

Total cost (approximately):

• DIY filing: ₹4,500-₹9,000 per class

• With attorney: ₹10,000-₹40,000 per class

For multiple classes, multiply accordingly.

Using ® vs ™ Symbol:

TM (™):

• Can use IMMEDIATELY after filing application

• Means "trademark claimed"

• Not registered yet

• Shows you're serious about brand

R (®):

• Use ONLY after registration certificate received

• Means "registered trademark"

• Legal protection

• Using ® without registration is illegal (₹10 lakh fine)

SM (℠):

• For service marks

• Similar to TM

Trademark Validity and Renewal:

Initial validity: 10 years from registration date

Renewal:

• Can renew indefinitely every 10 years

• Apply 6 months before expiry (or up to 6 months after with late fee)

• Renewal fees: ₹9,000-₹10,000 per class

• No need to re-apply, just renew

Trademark can last forever if renewed!

Using Your Trademark:

After registration:

✓ Use ® symbol next to mark✓ Use consistently - Maintain distinctiveness✓ Monitor misuse - Watch for infringers✓ License/franchise - Generate revenue✓ Assign/sell - Transfer to others✓ Take legal action - Sue infringers

Non-use for 5+ years can lead to removal, so keep using!

Trademark Infringement:

If someone copies your registered trademark:

Legal actions:

1. Send Cease and Desist Notice

2. Legal notice to stop using

3. Give 15 days to comply

4. File Trademark Infringement Suit

5. In District Court

6. Seek injunction (stop them)

7. Claim damages

8. Criminal Complaint

9. Under Trademark Act (punishment up to 3 years jail + fine)

Remedies:

• Permanent injunction

• Damages/compensation

• Account of profits

• Seizure of infringing goods

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

❌ Not doing trademark search before applying❌ Choosing generic/descriptive name❌ Filing in wrong class❌ Poor quality logo image❌ Not monitoring application status❌ Missing objection reply deadline❌ Using ® before registration❌ Not using trademark after registration❌ Missing renewal date

Tips for Successful Trademark:

✓ Choose unique, distinctive name - Invented words work best (Kodak, Xerox)✓ Check availability thoroughly✓ File early - First to file gets priority✓ Register logo + name separately - Better protection✓ Multiple classes if needed✓ Use trademark immediately - Establish rights✓ Monitor competitors - Watch for similar marks✓ Renew on time - Set reminders✓ Take action against infringers quickly

Can You Trademark Your Name?

Personal name: Difficult unless:

• It has acquired distinctiveness

• Used as brand (e.g., Ratan Tata for Tata brand)

• Combined with unique element

Better: Add something distinctive to your name.

Example:

• "Kumar" - Hard to trademark

• "Kumar's Kitchen" - Can trademark

International Trademark Protection:

Indian registration protects only in India.

For international protection:

Option 1: Madrid Protocol

• File single application through India

• Designate multiple countries

• Managed through WIPO

• Cheaper than filing in each country separately

Option 2: File Separately

• In each country you want protection

• Expensive and time-consuming

Real Examples:

Case 1: Tech startup "CloudNine" registered trademark in Class 42 (IT services). Cost: ₹12,000 with attorney. Took 14 months. Later licensing trademark generated ₹5 lakh/year revenue.

Case 2: Fashion brand "Ethnique" filed trademark without search. Objection raised - similar mark exists. Had to modify name to "Ethnique Couture". Additional cost and 8 months delay.

Case 3: Restaurant "Spice Route" registered in Class 43. After 3 years, found another restaurant using same name. Filed infringement suit, got injunction + ₹10 lakh damages.

Conclusion:

Trademark is your brand's legal armor. In competitive market, protecting your brand name and logo is not optional – it's essential.

Start the process today. Your brand deserves legal protection!

Have a brand? Register trademark and protect your hard work from copycats!