Trademark Registration in India — Complete Guide + Cost + Timeline (2026)
Trademark registration in India — process, classes, fees, timeline, objection handling. From ₹4,999. CA-led.
Trademark registration gives you legal protection for your brand name, logo, tagline, or any combination. It is the most valuable IP asset for a business. In this guide, we cover the entire trademark process in India — from search to registration to renewal.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a distinctive sign, symbol, word, phrase, logo, or combination that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services of one party from others. In India, trademarks are governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Registered trademarks are valid for 10 years (renewable).
What Can Be Trademarked?
- Brand name (word mark): e.g., "Razorpay"
- Logo (device mark): e.g., the apple logo
- Combination: e.g., word + logo
- Tagline / slogan: e.g., "Just Do It"
- Sound: e.g., the Nokia tune
- Color: e.g., the Tiffany blue
- Shape: e.g., the Coca-Cola bottle
- 3D mark: e.g., the Toblerone shape
Trademark Classes
Trademarks are registered class-wise (45 classes under the Nice Classification). Class 1-34 are for goods, 35-45 for services. Choose classes based on your products / services:
| Class | Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Goods | Software, electronics, mobile apps |
| 25 | Goods | Clothing, footwear, headgear |
| 30 | Goods | Coffee, tea, confectionery, baked goods |
| 35 | Services | Advertising, business management, e-commerce |
| 36 | Services | Insurance, financial, real estate |
| 38 | Services | Telecommunications, broadcasting |
| 41 | Services | Education, entertainment, software publishing |
| 42 | Services | Software as a Service (SaaS), IT services, design |
| 43 | Services | Hotels, restaurants, cafes |
Why Register a Trademark?
- Exclusive right to use the trademark in India for 10 years
- Legal recourse against infringers (court + damages)
- Right to use the ® symbol
- Brand value — trademark is an intangible asset
- Required for Amazon Brand Registry, Flipkart Brand approval
- Required for raising venture capital (VCs check IP)
- Easier to do business globally (with Madrid Protocol)
- Protect against copycats + brand dilution
Trademark Registration Process
Step 1: Trademark Search
Search the Trademark Registry database (ipindiaonline.gov.in) for similar trademarks. This is a critical step — if a similar trademark exists, your application may be rejected.
Step 2: File Application (Form TM-A)
File Form TM-A on the IP India portal. Include: trademark image, classes, goods / services description, applicant details. Government fee: ₹4,500 (for individuals / startups) or ₹9,000 (for others).
Step 3: Vienna Codification (Logo Only)
If filing a logo, the IP office will classify it under the Vienna Classification (a system for classifying figurative elements). Adds 1-2 weeks.
Step 4: Examination
The Trademark Examiner reviews your application. Can be: accepted, objected (with reasons), or accepted with conditions. Time: 6-12 months.
Step 5: Respond to Objection (if any)
If the Examiner objects, you must respond within 30 days. Submit evidence + arguments. We handle this end-to-end.
Step 6: Publication in Journal
If accepted, the trademark is published in the Trademark Journal. 4-month opposition period. If no opposition, it proceeds to registration.
Step 7: Opposition (if any)
Any third party can file opposition within 4 months of publication. We handle opposition defence (if needed).
Step 8: Registration Certificate
If no opposition or opposition is decided in your favour, the Registrar issues the Registration Certificate. You can now use the ® symbol.
Timeline
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Trademark search | 1-2 days |
| Application filing | 1 day |
| Vienna codification (logo) | 1-2 weeks |
| Examination | 6-12 months |
| Objection response (if any) | 30 days |
| Publication in journal | 1-2 months after acceptance |
| Opposition period | 4 months |
| Registration | 1-2 months after opposition period |
| Total | 8-18 months (typical) |
Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Government fee (individual / startup) | ₹4,500 per class |
| Government fee (company / LLP / firm) | ₹9,000 per class |
| Our service fee (per class) | From ₹1,499 |
| Trademark search (per class) | From ₹499 |
| Objection response (if needed) | From ₹1,999 |
| Total (1 class) | From ₹4,999 |
| Total (2 classes) | From ₹7,999 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is a trademark valid?
A: 10 years from the date of application. Renewable indefinitely for 10-year periods. Renewal must be filed 6 months before expiry (or within 6 months after with late fee).
Q: Can a trademark be revoked?
A: Yes, if not used for 5 consecutive years (non-use), or if it becomes generic (e.g., "escalator" was once a trademark), or if it was obtained by fraud.
Q: What is the difference between ™ and ®?
A: ™ = unregistered trademark, used to indicate intent to use as a trademark. No legal protection. ® = registered trademark, used only after registration. Gives exclusive right + legal recourse.
Q: Should I register the brand name + logo separately?
A: Yes. The word mark (brand name) and the device mark (logo) are separate trademarks. You can register them separately, or as a "combined" mark. Recommended: register both separately for maximum protection.