{"id":1198,"date":"2026-02-18T12:53:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T07:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/?p=1198"},"modified":"2026-11-01T19:20:50","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T13:50:50","slug":"trademark-registration-process-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/trademark-registration-process-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Trademark Registration in India: Process, Fees and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tldr-box has-background\" style=\"border-left-color:#b8860b;border-left-width:4px;background-color:#fdf8ec;padding-top:16px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:20px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quick answer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A trademark is registered under the <strong>Trade Marks Act, 1999<\/strong> by filing <strong>Form TM-A<\/strong> online with the Trade Marks Registry, class by class.<\/li>\n\n<li>Official fee per class (e-filing): <strong>\u20b94,500<\/strong> for individuals, startups and small enterprises, and <strong>\u20b99,000<\/strong> for others.<\/li>\n\n<li>After examination and publication in the Trade Marks Journal, third parties have <strong>four months<\/strong> to oppose. If there is no opposition, the mark is registered and is valid for <strong>10 years<\/strong>, renewable indefinitely.<\/li>\n\n<li>You can use \u2122 from the day you file. Use \u00ae only after registration; misusing it is an offence (Section 107).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your brand name, logo and tagline are often your most valuable startup assets. Registering them early stops others from copying them and makes enforcement much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can be registered as a trademark?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Words, names, logos, devices, slogans, shapes, colour combinations and even sounds, if they can distinguish your goods or services from others. Generic or purely descriptive words (for example &#8220;Best Lawyer&#8221;) are hard to register unless they have acquired distinctiveness (Section 9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Search before you file<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Search the Trade Marks Registry&#8217;s public database for identical or similar marks in the same or related classes. A similar earlier mark can lead to an objection under Section 11 or an opposition. Also check company names and domain names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Choose the right classes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Goods and services are divided into 45 classes under the Nice Classification. For example, software is in Class 9, online services in Class 42, legal services in Class 45, and clothing in Class 25. File in every class where you actually use, or plan to use, the mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: File Form TM-A<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">File online with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The applicant&#8217;s details (individual, firm, LLP or company), and the MSME or DPIIT startup certificate if claiming the lower fee<\/li>\n\n<li>The mark, with a clear image for logos<\/li>\n\n<li>The goods or services description<\/li>\n\n<li>The date of first use, with a user affidavit and evidence if claiming prior use, or &#8220;proposed to be used&#8221;<\/li>\n\n<li>The fee: \u20b94,500 or \u20b99,000 per class (e-filing)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Examination and objections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Registry issues an examination report. If there are objections, file a reply within <strong>one month<\/strong>, with arguments and evidence of use. The examiner may accept the mark or call a hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Publication and opposition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The accepted mark is advertised in the Trade Marks Journal. Anyone may file a notice of opposition within <strong>four months<\/strong> (Section 21). If opposed, both sides file counter-statements and evidence, and the Registrar decides after a hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Registration and renewal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If unopposed, or once the opposition fails, the mark is registered. Registration lasts 10 years from the application date and can be renewed for further 10-year periods (Section 25). An unopposed application often takes about a year or more from filing to registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What protection does registration give?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An exclusive right to use the mark for the registered goods or services<\/li>\n\n<li>A statutory action for <strong>infringement<\/strong> (Section 29), with injunctions and damages<\/li>\n\n<li>Easier action against copycats, including online marketplaces and domain disputes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unregistered marks are protected only through the common-law action of <strong>passing off<\/strong>, which requires proof of goodwill and is harder to win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Need help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We handle searches, filings, objections, oppositions and infringement actions for startups and businesses. Speak to our <a href=\"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/startup-lawyer-noida.php\">startup lawyer in Noida<\/a>, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/commercial.php\">commercial law practice<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/contact.php\">contact us<\/a>. Also read our <a href=\"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/startup-legal-checklist-india-founders\/\">startup legal checklist<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does trademark registration cost in India?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The official fee is \u20b94,500 per class for individuals, startups and small enterprises, and \u20b99,000 per class for others, when filed online. Professional fees are extra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does it take to register a trademark?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An application with no objection or opposition often takes about a year or more. Objections and oppositions can extend this considerably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I use the \u00ae symbol after filing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. You can use \u2122 after filing, but \u00ae only after the mark is registered. Falsely representing a mark as registered is an offence under Section 107.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long is a trademark registration valid?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ten years from the date of application, renewable every ten years indefinitely on payment of the renewal fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trade Marks Act, 1999 \u2014 Sections 9, 11, 21, 25, 29 and 107<\/li>\n\n<li>Trade Marks Rules, 2017 \u2014 First Schedule (fees)<\/li>\n\n<li>Nice Classification of goods and services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This article is general legal information, not legal advice for your specific case. Law and procedure change; please consult an advocate before acting.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading related-guides\">Related guides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list related-guides-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/startup-legal-checklist-india-founders\/\">Startup Legal Checklist for Indian Founders: 10 Things to Get Right Early<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/concept-of-originality-under-the-copyright-law-study-of-judicial-response\/\">Concept of \u201cOriginality\u201d under the Copyright Law \u2013 Study of Judicial Response<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/arbitration-clause-appoint-arbitrator-challenge-award\/\">Arbitration Clause in Your Contract: Appointing an Arbitrator and Challenging the Award<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How much does trademark registration cost in India?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The official fee is \u20b94,500 per class for individuals, startups and small enterprises, and \u20b99,000 per class for others, when filed online. 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Falsely representing a mark as registered is an offence under Section 107.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How long is a trademark registration valid?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Ten years from the date of application, renewable every ten years indefinitely on payment of the renewal fee.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Need help with a trademark or copyright?<\/strong> See our <a href=\"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/trademark-copyright-lawyer-delhi.php\">Trademark &amp; Copyright Lawyer in Delhi<\/a> page for filing, objections, oppositions and infringement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A step-by-step guide to registering a trademark in India under the Trade Marks Act, 1999: search, choosing classes, filing Form TM-A, fees, examination and objections, opposition, registration, renewal and using the \u00ae symbol.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1197,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1198","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-commercial-law"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1198","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1198"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1198\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1484,"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1198\/revisions\/1484"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1197"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1198"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1198"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advmriduljindal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}