Why Register a Trademark?

Your brand is an asset. Once registered, no one in India can legally use your name or logo.

01

Exclusive Rights

Registered trademark gives you the legal right to use ® symbol and sue infringers across all of India.

02

Brand Protection

Prevents competitors from using similar names/logos that could confuse your customers or steal your goodwill.

03

Business Asset

A registered trademark can be licensed, franchised, or sold. It increases the valuation of your business.

04

Amazon / Flipkart Brand Registry

E-commerce platforms require TM registration for brand protection features and A+ content.

Legal Framework

Trademarks in India are governed by the Trade Marks Act 1999 and administered by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM).

Trade Marks Act 1999, Section 18: Any person claiming to be the proprietor of a trade mark used or proposed to be used by him may apply for registration of that trade mark.

Section 28: Registration of a trade mark gives the registered proprietor the exclusive right to use the trade mark in relation to the goods or services for which it is registered.

Govt fees (as of 2024): ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups, and small enterprises (Form TM-A online). ₹9,000 per class for companies and LLPs.

Registration Process

Filing happens immediately. Full registration takes 18–24 months (government timeline).

1

Trademark Search

We search the IP India database to check if your brand name/logo is available and conflicts with existing marks.

2

Class Selection

Trademarks are class-specific (45 Nice classes). We identify the correct class(es) for your products/services.

3

TM-A Application Filing

Application filed on IP India portal. TM number issued immediately — you can use ™ symbol from this day.

4

Examination & Publication

Examiner reviews the application. If accepted, published in the Trademark Journal for opposition (4 months).

5

Registration Certificate

If no opposition or opposition resolved, registration certificate issued. Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

Documents Required

Brand name (wordmark) or logo image (JPG/PNG, 300 DPI)
PAN card of applicant (individual or company)
Aadhaar / company incorporation certificate
Description of goods/services
Date of first use (if already using the brand)
MSME/Startup India certificate (for reduced fees)
POA (Power of Attorney) — if filing via agent
Email ID and mobile number

Timeline

TM number on day of filing. Full ® status in 18–24 months.

Day 1

Search + Filing → TM Number

Month 1–6

Examination

Month 6–10

Journal Publication

Month 18–24

® Certificate

Benefits & Risks

Benefits of Registering

Legal protection against brand copying nationwide
Can use ™ symbol from day of filing
Right to sue infringers and claim damages
Increases business valuation and brand equity
Required for Amazon Brand Registry and white-labelling

Risks of Not Registering

Competitors can register your brand name first
No legal recourse against copycats
Forced rebrand if someone else gets TM first
Lose goodwill built over years to an imitator
Blocked from e-commerce brand protection features

Trademark Registration