Trademark Registration in India: Step by Step
Search, classify, file TM-A, respond to objections and secure your ™ then ® — the complete brand-protection process under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Filing form
TM-A
Govt fee (individual/startup)
₹4,500 / class
Govt fee (company)
₹9,000 / class
Validity
10 years (renewable)
NICE classes
45 total
A trademark protects your brand name, logo or slogan and gives you the exclusive right to use it for your goods or services. Registration is handled by the Trade Marks Registry (IP India). You can start using the ™ symbol as soon as you file, and the ® symbol once the mark is registered — a process that takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months if unopposed.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Run a trademark search
Before filing, search the IP India public database to confirm no identical or deceptively similar mark already exists in your class. A clean search dramatically reduces the risk of objection or opposition. Use our free Trademark Class Finder to identify the right class first.
- 2
Identify the correct class(es)
Goods and services are grouped into 45 NICE classes. You register in the class(es) that match your business — e.g. Class 9 for software, Class 35 for retail/advertising, Class 42 for IT services. Filing in the wrong class leaves you unprotected where it matters.
- 3
File the TM-A application
Submit TM-A online with the mark (wordmark and/or logo), applicant details, class, and date of first use (or 'proposed to be used'). Startups, individuals and MSMEs pay the concessional ₹4,500 per class; others pay ₹9,000 per class.
- 4
Examination and the Examination Report
The Registry examines the application (usually within a few months) and may raise objections under Sections 9 (descriptive/non-distinctive) or 11 (conflict with earlier marks). You get 30 days to file a written reply, with a hearing if needed.
- 5
Publication in the Trademark Journal
Once objections are cleared, the mark is published in the Trademark Journal for a 4-month opposition window during which third parties can oppose it. If no opposition (or you win it), the mark proceeds to registration.
- 6
Registration certificate and renewal
The Registry issues the Registration Certificate; you may now use ®. Protection lasts 10 years and is renewable indefinitely in 10-year blocks via Form TM-R.
Documents required
Expert tips
Frequently asked
How long before I can use the ® symbol?
Only after the mark is fully registered — typically 12–24 months if there are no objections or oppositions. Until then, use ™.
Official sources
Want us to handle it for you?
Our CA/CS team can complete this end-to-end — accurately and on time.