Trademark Registration in India

In today's competitive business world, a trademark is not just a logo or brand name—it’s your identity in the marketplace. Registering your trademark gives you exclusive legal rights, enhances brand value, and protects you from imitators. Here’s everything you need to know about trademark registration in India.

The Trade Marks Registry was established in India in 1940 and presently it administers the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the rules thereunder. It acts as a resource and information centre and is a facilitator in matters relating to trade marks in the country.

The objective of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 is to register trade marks applied for in the country and to provide for better protection of trade mark for goods and services and also to prevent fraudulent use of the mark. The main function of the Registry is to register trade marks which qualifies for registration under the Act and Rules.

What is a Trademark?

• A trademark is a unique symbol, word, phrase, design, or logo used to identify and distinguish goods or services.

• It acts as a brand identifier and helps build consumer trust.

  
  

Why register a Trademark?

• Legal protection against unauthorized use

• Builds brand recognition and trust

• Gives exclusive ownership rights over the mark

• Enables legal action against infringement

• Allows use of the ® symbol (once registered)

• Increases business valuation and goodwill

  
  

Who can apply for a Trademark?

• Individuals

• Startups and SMEs

• Partnership firms and LLPs

• Companies (private or public)

• Trusts, NGOs, and societies

  
  

The applicant can file a trademark in their own name or in the name of their business entity.

What can be Trademarked?

• Brand name (e.g., TATA)

• Logo or symbol (e.g., Nike swoosh)

• Tagline or slogan (e.g., Just Do It)

• Product shape, sound, or color combination

• Domain names (if used as trademarks)

  
  

Laws governing Trademarks in India

• The Trade Marks Act, 1999

• Administered by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM)

• Trademark registry offices located in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad

  
  

Trademark registration process

1. Trademark Search

• Conduct a search on https://tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/# to check availability.

  
  

2. Filing the Application (Form TM-A)

• File online through the IP India website or offline with the appropriate jurisdiction.

• Provide details like:

  • Trademark name/logo

  • Applicant’s details

  • Class of goods/services

  • Proof of use (if any)

    
    

3. Examination by Registry

• Registry checks for conflicts or objections.

• Examination report issued (if any issues arise).

  
  

4. Publication in Trademark Journal

• If accepted, the mark is published for public objection.

• If no objection is raised within 4 months, it moves to the next step.

5. Trademark Registration Certificate

• If unopposed, the mark is registered and the certificate is issued.

• The applicant can now use the ® symbol.

  
  

Timeline and Validity

• Registration usually takes 6 to 18 months (if no objections).

• Valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

  
  

Fees for Registration

Applicant Type	Govt. Fee (per class)
Individual/Startup/SME	₹4,500 (e-filing)
Others (e.g. companies)	₹9,000 (e-filing)

Professional/legal fees are additional if filing through an agent.

Common grounds for rejection

• Identical or similar to an existing mark

• Generic or descriptive words (e.g., "Best Milk")

• Offensive or misleading terms

• Lack of distinctiveness

  
  

Conclusion

Trademark registration is a vital step for brand protection and business growth. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a large corporation, securing your trademark ensures that your identity in the marketplace is legally protected and uniquely yours.