Introduction: Want to Protect Your Brand? Here’s How to Register Trademark in India Easily!

Imagine you spent months building your brand name, logo, or business identity—and suddenly someone else copies it. Scary, right?

That’s exactly why trademarks exist.

If you want to protect your brand legally, secure your business identity, and stop others from copying your name, logo, or tagline, then learning how to register trademark in India is the smartest move you can make.

The good news?
Trademark registration is not as complicated as it seems—especially when you understand the process clearly.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn:

# What a trademark is
# Who can register a trademark in India
# Step-by-step process to register a trademark
# Fees, documents, and timeline
# How to avoid objections/rejections
# Common mistakes beginners make
# How to check trademark status
# How long trademark lasts and how to renew it

Let’s get started!

What Is a Trademark? (Beginner-Friendly Explanation)

A trademark is a legal protection for:

• Brand name

• Logo

• Tagline

• Slogan

• Symbol

• Sound mark (e.g., Airtel tune)

• Color combination

• Packaging style

It basically ensures no one else can use your unique brand identity for similar products/services.

Example:

• “Nike” = trademark

• “Apple” = trademark

• McDonald’s yellow “M” logo = trademark

If someone copies your brand after you register a trademark, you can file a legal complaint and stop them easily. This is why every serious business must understand how to register trademark in India.

Before you learn how to register trademark in India, it’s extremely important to understand trademark classes. Many beginners file their brand name under the wrong class and end up facing objections or rejections. India follows the Nice Classification System, which divides all goods and services into 45 different classes. Out of these, Classes 1–34 represent goods, and Classes 35–45 represent services.

Here’s why choosing the correct class matters:

• It determines the legal scope of your brand protection

• Helps avoid conflicts with existing trademarks

• Ensures your trademark is categorized correctly in the government database

• Reduces the chances of receiving objections from the Trademark Office

Example to Understand Classes Better

Let’s say you are starting a clothing business. You must file your trademark under:

• Class 25 – Apparel, footwear, and headwear

But if you’re also running an online store, you may need:

• Class 35 – Online retail and marketing services

This means you might require multiple classes, depending on your business activities. Choosing the right trademark class is one of the most underrated steps when figuring out how to register trademark in India.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Many business owners think that filing in one class protects their entire brand. Unfortunately, trademark protection is class-specific. If you file your clothing brand under Class 35 only, you are protected as a retailer—not as the maker of clothes. This creates a big gap that competitors can exploit.

Final Tip

Always conduct a class-specific search before filing your trademark. If needed, take help from a professional to understand which class or combination of classes suits your business best. This simple step can save you months of delays and ensure smooth trademark approval.

Why Register a Trademark in India? (Top Benefits)

Here are the biggest reasons:

1. Legal Protection

Nobody can use a similar brand name or logo once your trademark is approved.

2. Builds Brand Trust

People trust brands with ® or ™ symbol.

3. Helps in Brand Recognition

Protects your identity and makes your business look professional.

4. Protects You from Copycats

If competitors try to copy your brand, you can take action.

5. Allows You to Use ® Symbol

Once approved, you can use the ® symbol legally.

6. Gives You Exclusive Rights for 10 Years

Trademark is valid for 10 years—and renewable forever.

Who Can Register a Trademark in India?

Anyone doing business can file a trademark, including:

• Individuals

• Startups

• Small business owners

• Companies (Pvt Ltd, LLP, OPC)

• Proprietorships

• Partnerships

• NGOs, societies, organizations

Even if you don’t have a company yet, you can still file as an individual.

What Can You Trademark? (List of Acceptable Items)

You can register trademarks for:

• Brand name (e.g., “TheAiOrange”)

• Logo

• App name

• Website name

• Product names

• Course names

• E-commerce brand

• Clothing brand

• Cosmetics brand

• Digital services

• Tagline (e.g., “Just Do It”)

How to Register Trademark in India: Step-by-Step Process (2025)

This is the most important part.

Let’s break down the entire process clearly.

Step 1: Choose a Strong & Unique Trademark

Before filing, choose a name that:

# Is unique
# Not similar to existing brands
# Easy to remember
# Not generic (badexample: “Mobile Store,” “Clothing Shop”)

Tip: Avoid common names. Choose creative or invented words for faster approval.

Step 2: Search Your Trademark Online (Trademark Search)

This step saves you from rejection.

Visit: ipindiaonline.gov.in / trademark search

Search your:

• Brand name

• Logo

• Tagline

Check if someone has already registered it.

If the same or similar trademark exists → Your application may get rejected.

This step is crucial when learning how to register trademark in India.

Step 3: Choose the Correct Trademark Class

Trademark classes define what type of product/service you provide.

There are 45 trademark classes, for example:

• Class 25 → Clothing

• Class 35 → Online store, business services

• Class 3 → Cosmetics and skincare

• Class 30 → Food items

• Class 41 → Education & courses

• Class 42 → IT & digital services

Choosing the wrong class = rejection.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

You need the following documents:

For Individuals/Startups

• Aadhaar

• PAN

• Email ID

• Mobile number

• Logo (optional, if applying for logo trademark)

For Companies

• Certificate of incorporation

• Partnership deed / LLP agreement

• Address proof

• Logo (if applicable)

Step 5: File the Trademark Application Online

Go to:

ipindiaonline.gov.in → File TM Application

You will file either:

TM-A Form

For new trademark registrations.

Types of Filing

1. E-Filing (Online) – Faster, recommended

2. Offline Filing – Slower, time-consuming

Trademark Registration Fees in India (2025)

Online Filing Fees

• Individual / Startup / Small business: ₹4,500 per class

• Company / LLP / Firm: ₹9,000 per class

If you apply through an agent, add ₹1,500–₹3,000 professional fees.

Step-by-Step Internal Process After Filing

Once you submit, your application goes through several stages:

1. Trademark Application Number Issued

You can start using the ™ symbol instantly.

Example:
TheAiOrange™

2. Vienna Codification

Only for logo marks (classification of logo shapes).

3. Examination by Government Officer

The trademark officer checks if your trademark meets legal standards.

4. Marked as “Examined”

After examination, three possible outcomes:

Accepted

Moves directly to journal publication.

Objected

Government raises questions → You must reply within 30 days.

Refused

If it violates trademark laws.

5. Trademark Journal Publication

Your trademark is published for 4 months.

During this time, the public can oppose it.

6. Approval or Opposition

No Opposition → Approved

Congrats! You get the ® symbol.

Opposed → Legal Hearing Needed

Someone claims your trademark is similar to theirs.

7. Trademark Registration Certificate Issued

You are now the legal owner of the trademark.

You can proudly use:

YourBrand®

How Long Does It Take to Register Trademark in India?

It usually takes:

• 8–12 months → If no objections/oppositions

• 1–2 years → If objections occur

• 2–4 years → If opposition/legal hearings happen

But you can use the ™ symbol immediately after applying.

How to Check Your Trademark Status Online

Go to:

ipindiaonline.gov.in → Trademark Search → Application Status

Enter your:

• Trademark application number

• Captcha

You’ll see updates like:

• New Application

• Formality Check Pass

• Marked for Exam

• Objected

• Accepted

• Journal Published

• Registered

Checking status regularly is part of understanding how to register trademark in India.

Common Reasons Why Trademark Gets Rejected

Avoid these mistakes:

1. Name similar to existing brand

2. Generic/common words

3. Using geographic location (e.g., Hyderabad Store)

4. Descriptive names (e.g., “Best Clothes”)

5. Wrong trademark class

6. Improper documents

7. Not replying to objections on time

How to Respond to Trademark Objection

If your trademark is objected:

# Download the objection PDF
# Read the reason
# Prepare a legal reply
# Attach proofs (website screenshots, invoices, logo usage, etc.)
# Submit reply within 30 days

Your reply decides whether your trademark becomes approved or rejected.

Trademark Symbols Explained (™ vs ® vs SM)

™ – Trademark

Use immediately after filing.
Shows you’ve applied for trademark protection.

® – Registered

Use only after you receive the certificate.

Using ® before approval is illegal.

℠ – Service Mark

Used in some countries for service-based businesses.

How Long Does a Trademark Last in India?

A trademark is valid for:

 10 Years (Renewable Every 10 Years)

That means you can protect your brand forever with timely renewal.

How to Renew Your Trademark

Renewal process:

1. Visit ipindiaonline.gov.in

2. Choose renewal option

3. File Form TM-R

4. Pay fees (₹9,000–₹18,000 depending on entity)

Try to renew 6 months before expiry to avoid penalty.

Should You Hire a Trademark Agent or Lawyer?

You can apply yourself, but hiring a professional is recommended when:

• You’re confused about trademark class

• Your brand name is similar to others

• You need objection reply

• You want faster processing

• You want error-free filing

For simple filing, you can do it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I trademark my brand without a company?

Yes. Individuals can apply.

2. How much does it cost to register a trademark in India?

₹4,500 for individuals & startups.
₹9,000 for companies.

3. Can I trademark my logo and name together?

Yes, but each counts as a separate class.

4. How long does trademark registration take?

8–12 months (if no objections).

5. Can I use the ™ symbol immediately?

Yes, right after filing the application.

6. What happens if someone opposes my trademark?

There will be hearings. If you win → approved.

Conclusion: Start Protecting Your Brand Today!

Now that you understand how to register trademark in India, you’re ready to protect your brand name, logo, and identity legally.

Registering a trademark is one of the smartest investments for any business—small or big.
It gives you:

# Legal protection
# Brand ownership
# Authority and trust
# Long-term security