Trademark Registration in India
People often use a term called Brand, such brand term is unique identity of such business and it is in legal terms known Trademark. A trademark in layman’s language is a visual symbol which may be a word signature, name, device, label, numerals or combination of colours used as unique identity for one undertaking on goods or services or other articles of commerce to distinguish it from other similar goods or services originating from a different undertaking.
A trademark registration in india is an intangible asset or intellectual property for a business and is used to protect the company’s investment in the brand or symbol. Such Trademark can be protected through getting it registered under Trademark Act, 1999.
Trademarking your logo or brand, a registered TM number which works as trademark license is assigned within a period of three days by Trademark department but it takes almost two years for it to be registered so that you can use to use ® symbol with your brand name. It is always advised to get Trademark registration or brand name registration because getting your company registered will not protect your brand against those who might initiate using identical or similar marks.
10 Benefits of Trademark Registration in India
Registering your trademark in India offers a multitude of advantages that can empower your business and safeguard your brand identity. Here’s a breakdown of some key benefits:
- Exclusive Rights: Upon registration, you gain the sole legal right to use your trademark for your specific goods or services within India. This prevents others from using confusingly similar marks that could mislead consumers. This exclusivity is crucial for building brand loyalty, ensuring consumers can easily identify the genuine source of the high-quality products or services they expect from your brand.
- Brand Protection: A registered trademark acts as a shield against imitation and misuse by others. It upholds the integrity and reputation you’ve carefully built for your brand. Imagine if a competitor used a similar mark, potentially tarnishing your brand image and misleading consumers. Trademark registration empowers you to take legal action against such infringements, protecting the years of effort invested in building brand recognition and consumer trust.
- Legal Enforcement: A registered trademark grants you the legal muscle to fight unauthorized use. This ensures exclusive ownership rights and allows you to combat infringement. You can send cease-and-desist letters, file lawsuits for damages, or even seek injunctions to prevent ongoing infringement. By enforcing your trademark rights, you deter copycats and protect the value you’ve built in your business reputation.
- Enhanced Brand Reputation: Registered trademarks foster goodwill and consumer trust. Consumers recognize them as symbols of quality and reliability, signifying the brand owner’s commitment to maintaining specific standards. This can be a significant advantage in a competitive marketplace, as consumers are often willing to pay a premium for trusted brands. Additionally, a registered trademark helps differentiate your brand from competitors, making it easier for consumers to remember and choose your products or services.
- Distinct Identity: Trademarks establish unique identities for your products and services. This can encompass a wide range of elements that trigger recognition and positive associations with your brand. These elements include distinctive words, logos, symbols, sounds, color combinations, and even product packaging or unique scents. A strong trademark can be any combination of these elements, or even a single element that has become recognizable over time. For instance, Coca-Cola’s script logo and red color are instantly recognizable trademarks that evoke specific feelings.
- Territorial Protection: Registered trademarks grant you exclusive usage rights within India’s borders. This strengthens your defense against competitors who might try to use similar marks to deceive consumers. With a registered trademark, you can take legal action to prevent these “lookalike brands” from entering the market, safeguarding the reputation and goodwill you’ve built for your brand. This protection is especially important in crowded marketplaces where consumers might be easily confused.
- Adaptability During Registration: The trademark registration process in India allows for some flexibility for modifications. If you identify any issues with your trademark application during examination, you can make changes to address those concerns and ensure your trademark aligns with your evolving business needs. This can be helpful for businesses that are still developing their brand identity or anticipate expanding their product or service offerings in the future.
- Increased Business Value: A well-recognized brand with protected assets significantly enhances business value. This makes your company more attractive to potential investors or buyers.
- Global Reach: India’s membership in the Madrid Protocol simplifies international trademark registration. This can be valuable if you plan to expand your business overseas.
- Long-Term Protection: Trademark registration in India is valid for ten years with the option for indefinite renewals, safeguarding your brand’s uniqueness for the long term.
Types of Symbols used for Trademark Registration
The three most common symbols used to signify trademark rights are the circle R (®), TM, and SM
TM Symbol (™)Trademark SymbolUnregistered trademarks or marks in the process of being registeredLegal Protection: No
SM Symbol (℠)Service MarkUnregistered service marksLegal Protection: No
R Symbol (®)Registered TrademarkRegistered trademarks with the government trademark officeLegal Protection: Yes
Trademark Registration Process in India
The trademark registration process in India involves several stages, each with specific requirements and timelines. Here is a detailed explanation of the stages involved:
Stage 1
Trademark SearchThe first step involves conducting a trademark search to ensure your desired trademark isn't already registered or similar to an existing one. You can conduct this search online through the Trademark Registrar's website or with a trademark professional like www.kompanyservices.com.
Stage 2Trademark FilingTrademark filing is registering your brand (logo, slogan, name) with the government for exclusive use. You submit an application, pay a fee, and after checks, your trademark is published for possible opposition. If approved, it's registered, giving you legal protection.
Stage 3Trademark Application AllotmentAfter filing, you'll receive a trademark application allotment number within one or two business days. This number allows you to track the application's status online through the Trademark Search facility. You can also start using the ™ symbol next to your logo at this stage.
Stage 3Trademark Application AllotmentAfter filing, you'll receive a trademark application allotment number within one or two business days. This number allows you to track the application's status online through the Trademark Search facility. You can also start using the ™ symbol next to your logo at this stage.
Stage 4Vienna CodificationThe Vienna Classification, also known as Vienna Codification, is an international system for classifying the figurative elements of trademarks. Once the application is filed, the Trademark Registrar assigns the Vienna Classification based on these elements. This stage is crucial for trademarks involving logos or designs.
Stage 5Trademark ExaminationFollowing Vienna Codification, a Trademark Officer reviews the application for accuracy and issues an examination report. If satisfactory, the trademark proceeds to publication in the Trademark Journal. If there are objections, you can respond to the report or request a hearing.
Stage 6Trademark Journal PublicationAn accepted application is published in the Trademark Journal. This publication allows third parties to object to the registration if they believe it would harm them. If no objections arise within 90 days, the trademark typically registers within 12 weeks.
Stage 7OppositionIf a third party objects, a Trademark Hearing Officer schedules a hearing. Both parties can present their arguments for registration or rejection. The Hearing Officer's decision can be challenged before the Intellectual Property Appellate Board.
Stage 8Trademark RegistrationUpon approval, the trademark manuscript and registration certificate are prepared and sent to you. The trademark is considered registered, granting you exclusive use of the mark. You can now use the ® symbol next to your logo or trademark.
Stage 9MaintenanceRegistered trademarks require periodic renewal to maintain validity. The renewal process involves filing a renewal application and paying the necessary fees. Failure to renew can lead to the trademark becoming invalid.
Step 1
The Process begins with searching the availability of Trademark, which provides information about the identical or similar trademarks that has been already filed with the registrar. It can be done by visting Trademark registrar website which is government official website.
Step 2
Once trademark search is completed then application for trademark registration can be filed with Trademark registrar through FORM 48. Once the application is filed and submitted then the user is alloted with a registration number which is also known as TM number, user can suffix TM symbol to logo.
Step 3
Once the trademark registration application is filed, the Trademark Registrar will apply the Vienna Classification to the trademark based on the figurative elements of marks. While this work is in progress, the trademark application status usually reflects as “Sent for Vienna Codification”.
Note:- The Vienna Classification or Vienna Codification is a worldwide characterization of the components of the trademark.
Step 4
Once Vienna classification or codification is completed the application will undergo for examination by trademark officer for checking the geniuneness of the documents provided with the application. After completion of review the officer issues a report which may results in acceptence or objection or rejection.
Once the trademark got accepted then it is futhur processed to publish in trademark journal, if trademark application got objected then applicant is called fur to address the objections by giving clarification. Once the officer got satisfied then application go for the furthur process orelse it will be rejected and applicant has right to appeal the decision before Intellectual Property Appellate Board.
Step 5
After getting acceptance for the application then such application is furthur processed for publication in Journal, the trademark journal is published weekly and contains all the trademarks that have been accepted by the Trademark Registrar. Once the trademark is published in the trademark journal, the public have an opportunity to object the trademark registration, if they believe they will be damaged by that registration. If there are no objections filed within 90 days of that publication, the mark will typically be registered within 12 weeks – months time.
If the trademark registration application is opposed by a third-party, hearing will be called for by the Trademark Hearing Officer. Both the trademark applicant and the opposing party have the chance to appear at the hearing and provide justifications for registration or rejection of the trademark application.
Step 6
Once the trademark got accepted after publication without any objection then trademark registration certificate will be issued to applicant.
Documents Required for Trademark Registration
Individuals & Sole Proprietorship
Any individual – Indian National or Foreign National can easily register a trademark in India. There is no requirement for forming a legal entity or business entity to register a trademark. Further, the documents required to register a trademark in the name of a proprietorship are the same as that of an individual as under:
- Copy of the logo, preferably in black & white (Optional). In case logo is not provided, the trademark application can be filed for the word.
- Signed Form-48. Form-48 is a authorisation from the applicant to a Trademark Attorney for filing the trademark application on his/her behalf.
- Identity Proof of the individual or Proprietor.
a. Aadhar/ Driving License
- Address Proof of the individual or Proprietor.
a. Property Tax Recipt
b. Rental Agreement/ Electricity Bill with NOC if Rented property
Partnership / LLP / Company – Small Enterprise or Startup
The trademark registration in india fee varies between Rs.4500 to Rs.9500. For small enterprises, startups, proprietorships and individuals, the lower trademark fee of Rs.4500 is applicable. For all other entities, the trademark government fee applicable is Rs.9500. To be classified as a small enterprise, the applicant would have to provide Udyog Aadhar registration certificate. Further, in addition to the Udyog Aadhar registration, the following details would be required.
Partnership / LLP / Company
In case of a partnership firm or LLP, the entrepreneur would have to submit the following:
- Copy of Logo (Optional)
- Signed Form-48.
- Udyog Aadhar Registration Certificate.
- Incorporation Certificate or Partnership Deed.
- Identity Proof of the Signatory.
a. Aadhar/ Driving License
- Address Proof of the signatory.
a. Property Tax Recipt
b. Rental Agreement/ Electricity Bill with NOC if Rented property
Other Applicants
All other applicants, including companies that do not have Udyog Aadhar registration will have to submit the following documents to obtain trademark registration in India.
- Copy of Logo (Optional)
- Signed Form-48.
- Incorporation Certificate or Partnership Deed.
- Identity Proof of the Signatory.
a. Aadhar/ Driving License
- Address Proof of the signatory.
a. Property Tax Recipt
b. Rental Agreement/ Electricity Bill with NOC if Rented property
General FAQ – Trademark Registration
Any person or business claiming to be owner can apply for a trademark including:
- Individual
- Company
- Proprietor
- Society
Class
Description
Class 1
Chemicals
Class 2
Paints, Coatings
Class 3
Cleaning Products
Class 4
Fuels, Industrial Oils
Class 5
Veterinary Products
Class 6
Metals, metal castings
Class 7
Machines and Machine Tools
Class 8
Hand Tools and implements
Class 9
Computers & Scientific Devices
Class 10
Surgical Instruments
Class 11
Appliances
Class 12
Vehicles
Class 13
Firearms
Class 14
Jewellery
Class 15
Musical Instruments
Class 16
Stationery & Paper Goods
Class 17
Rubber Products
Class 18
Leather Goods
Class 19
Building Material
Class 20
Furniture
Class 21
Crockery
Class 22
Ropes
Class 23
Yarns & Threads
Class 24
Fabrics
Class 25
Clothing,Footwear & Headgear
Class 26
Lace & Embroidery
Class 27
Carpets
Class 28
Games & Toys
Class 29
Meat Extracts
Class 30
Coffee & Rice Products
Class 31
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Class 32
Beer & Beverages
Class 33
Alcoholic Beverages
Class 34
Tobacco Products
Class 35
Advertising & Business Services
Class 36
Insurance & Financial Services
Class 37
Construction & Repair Services
Class 38
Telecommunications Services
Class 39
Shipping & Travel Services
Class 40
Treatment of Materials Services
Class 41
Education & Entertainment Services
Class 42
Science &Technology Services
Class 43
Food Services
Class 44
Medical & Veterinary Services
Class 45
Legal & Security Services
How long it will take to get Trademark ?
Trademark application can be filed with the trademark registry in a matter of 1 – 3 days. However, it will typically take 6 to 24 months for the Registrar to complete their formalities and provide registration for the trademark.
It is valid for 10 years at a time and is renewable indefinitely.
Trademark Registration Process in India
The trademark registration process in India involves several stages, each with specific requirements and timelines. Here is a detailed explanation of the stages involved:
The first step involves conducting a trademark search to ensure your desired trademark isn't already registered or similar to an existing one. You can conduct this search online through the Trademark Registrar's website or with a trademark professional like www.kompanyservices.com.
Trademark filing is registering your brand (logo, slogan, name) with the government for exclusive use. You submit an application, pay a fee, and after checks, your trademark is published for possible opposition. If approved, it's registered, giving you legal protection.
After filing, you'll receive a trademark application allotment number within one or two business days. This number allows you to track the application's status online through the Trademark Search facility. You can also start using the ™ symbol next to your logo at this stage.
After filing, you'll receive a trademark application allotment number within one or two business days. This number allows you to track the application's status online through the Trademark Search facility. You can also start using the ™ symbol next to your logo at this stage.
The Vienna Classification, also known as Vienna Codification, is an international system for classifying the figurative elements of trademarks. Once the application is filed, the Trademark Registrar assigns the Vienna Classification based on these elements. This stage is crucial for trademarks involving logos or designs.
Following Vienna Codification, a Trademark Officer reviews the application for accuracy and issues an examination report. If satisfactory, the trademark proceeds to publication in the Trademark Journal. If there are objections, you can respond to the report or request a hearing.
An accepted application is published in the Trademark Journal. This publication allows third parties to object to the registration if they believe it would harm them. If no objections arise within 90 days, the trademark typically registers within 12 weeks.
If a third party objects, a Trademark Hearing Officer schedules a hearing. Both parties can present their arguments for registration or rejection. The Hearing Officer's decision can be challenged before the Intellectual Property Appellate Board.
Upon approval, the trademark manuscript and registration certificate are prepared and sent to you. The trademark is considered registered, granting you exclusive use of the mark. You can now use the ® symbol next to your logo or trademark.
Registered trademarks require periodic renewal to maintain validity. The renewal process involves filing a renewal application and paying the necessary fees. Failure to renew can lead to the trademark becoming invalid.
The Process begins with searching the availability of Trademark, which provides information about the identical or similar trademarks that has been already filed with the registrar. It can be done by visting Trademark registrar website which is government official website.
Once trademark search is completed then application for trademark registration can be filed with Trademark registrar through FORM 48. Once the application is filed and submitted then the user is alloted with a registration number which is also known as TM number, user can suffix TM symbol to logo.
Once the trademark registration application is filed, the Trademark Registrar will apply the Vienna Classification to the trademark based on the figurative elements of marks. While this work is in progress, the trademark application status usually reflects as “Sent for Vienna Codification”.
Note:- The Vienna Classification or Vienna Codification is a worldwide characterization of the components of the trademark.
Once Vienna classification or codification is completed the application will undergo for examination by trademark officer for checking the geniuneness of the documents provided with the application. After completion of review the officer issues a report which may results in acceptence or objection or rejection.
Once the trademark got accepted then it is futhur processed to publish in trademark journal, if trademark application got objected then applicant is called fur to address the objections by giving clarification. Once the officer got satisfied then application go for the furthur process orelse it will be rejected and applicant has right to appeal the decision before Intellectual Property Appellate Board.
After getting acceptance for the application then such application is furthur processed for publication in Journal, the trademark journal is published weekly and contains all the trademarks that have been accepted by the Trademark Registrar. Once the trademark is published in the trademark journal, the public have an opportunity to object the trademark registration, if they believe they will be damaged by that registration. If there are no objections filed within 90 days of that publication, the mark will typically be registered within 12 weeks – months time.
If the trademark registration application is opposed by a third-party, hearing will be called for by the Trademark Hearing Officer. Both the trademark applicant and the opposing party have the chance to appear at the hearing and provide justifications for registration or rejection of the trademark application.
Once the trademark got accepted after publication without any objection then trademark registration certificate will be issued to applicant.
Documents Required for Trademark Registration
Individuals & Sole Proprietorship
Any individual – Indian National or Foreign National can easily register a trademark in India. There is no requirement for forming a legal entity or business entity to register a trademark. Further, the documents required to register a trademark in the name of a proprietorship are the same as that of an individual as under:
- Copy of the logo, preferably in black & white (Optional). In case logo is not provided, the trademark application can be filed for the word.
- Signed Form-48. Form-48 is a authorisation from the applicant to a Trademark Attorney for filing the trademark application on his/her behalf.
- Identity Proof of the individual or Proprietor.
a. Aadhar/ Driving License - Address Proof of the individual or Proprietor.
a. Property Tax Recipt
b. Rental Agreement/ Electricity Bill with NOC if Rented property
Partnership / LLP / Company – Small Enterprise or Startup
The trademark registration in india fee varies between Rs.4500 to Rs.9500. For small enterprises, startups, proprietorships and individuals, the lower trademark fee of Rs.4500 is applicable. For all other entities, the trademark government fee applicable is Rs.9500. To be classified as a small enterprise, the applicant would have to provide Udyog Aadhar registration certificate. Further, in addition to the Udyog Aadhar registration, the following details would be required.
Partnership / LLP / Company
In case of a partnership firm or LLP, the entrepreneur would have to submit the following:
- Copy of Logo (Optional)
- Signed Form-48.
- Udyog Aadhar Registration Certificate.
- Incorporation Certificate or Partnership Deed.
- Identity Proof of the Signatory.
a. Aadhar/ Driving License - Address Proof of the signatory.
a. Property Tax Recipt
b. Rental Agreement/ Electricity Bill with NOC if Rented property
Other Applicants
All other applicants, including companies that do not have Udyog Aadhar registration will have to submit the following documents to obtain trademark registration in India.
- Copy of Logo (Optional)
- Signed Form-48.
- Incorporation Certificate or Partnership Deed.
- Identity Proof of the Signatory.
a. Aadhar/ Driving License - Address Proof of the signatory.
a. Property Tax Recipt
b. Rental Agreement/ Electricity Bill with NOC if Rented property
General FAQ – Trademark Registration
Any person or business claiming to be owner can apply for a trademark including:
- Individual
- Company
- Proprietor
- Society
| Class | Description |
| Class 1 | Chemicals |
| Class 2 | Paints, Coatings |
| Class 3 | Cleaning Products |
| Class 4 | Fuels, Industrial Oils |
| Class 5 | Veterinary Products |
| Class 6 | Metals, metal castings |
| Class 7 | Machines and Machine Tools |
| Class 8 | Hand Tools and implements |
| Class 9 | Computers & Scientific Devices |
| Class 10 | Surgical Instruments |
| Class 11 | Appliances |
| Class 12 | Vehicles |
| Class 13 | Firearms |
| Class 14 | Jewellery |
| Class 15 | Musical Instruments |
| Class 16 | Stationery & Paper Goods |
| Class 17 | Rubber Products |
| Class 18 | Leather Goods |
| Class 19 | Building Material |
| Class 20 | Furniture |
| Class 21 | Crockery |
| Class 22 | Ropes |
| Class 23 | Yarns & Threads |
| Class 24 | Fabrics |
| Class 25 | Clothing,Footwear & Headgear |
| Class 26 | Lace & Embroidery |
| Class 27 | Carpets |
| Class 28 | Games & Toys |
| Class 29 | Meat Extracts |
| Class 30 | Coffee & Rice Products |
| Class 31 | Fresh Fruits & Vegetables |
| Class 32 | Beer & Beverages |
| Class 33 | Alcoholic Beverages |
| Class 34 | Tobacco Products |
| Class 35 | Advertising & Business Services |
| Class 36 | Insurance & Financial Services |
| Class 37 | Construction & Repair Services |
| Class 38 | Telecommunications Services |
| Class 39 | Shipping & Travel Services |
| Class 40 | Treatment of Materials Services |
| Class 41 | Education & Entertainment Services |
| Class 42 | Science &Technology Services |
| Class 43 | Food Services |
| Class 44 | Medical & Veterinary Services |
| Class 45 | Legal & Security Services |
How long it will take to get Trademark ?
Trademark application can be filed with the trademark registry in a matter of 1 – 3 days. However, it will typically take 6 to 24 months for the Registrar to complete their formalities and provide registration for the trademark.
It is valid for 10 years at a time and is renewable indefinitely.