Rules 27 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Rule 27 applies where several marks are applied for together as a series under section 15(3) of the Act: each mark is shown, the Registrar decides whether they really form a series, and before publication the applicant may ask in Form TM-M to divide the application. Rule 28 is a short rule on words and numbers in a script other than Hindi or English: the application must give a precise transliteration and translation and say which language they belong to. Each matters when you file a trademark registration application for a family of marks or a mark with foreign words.
For a series of trademarks, copies of each mark must accompany the application as rule 26 requires, and the Registrar proceeds if satisfied that the marks constitute a series (rule 27(1)). Before publication the applicant may request division in Form TM-M, on payment of divisional fees (rule 27(2)). Words or numbers in a script other than Hindi or English need a precise transliteration and translation and a statement of the language (rule 28).
Rule 27: series trademarks
Sub-rule (1): the application
"Where an application is made for the registration of trademarks as a series under sub-section (3) of section 15, copies of representation of each trademark of the series shall accompany the application in the manner set forth in rule 26. The Registrar, if satisfied that the trademarks constitute a series, shall proceed further with the applications."
Two points. First, rule 26 sets the size and form of each representation, so every mark in the series must be shown as rule 26 requires. Second, the decision whether the marks form a series is the Registrar's, who must be "satisfied". The rule does not define a series; that comes from section 15 of the Act. The Second Schedule lists Form TM-A for a series under section 15(3), and rule 23(4) is the exception for series marks to its "one mark only" rule.
Sub-rule (2): division before publication
"At any time before the publication of the application in the Journal, the applicant applying under sub-rule (1) may request in Form TM-M, for the division of the application into separate application or applications, as the case may be, in respect of one or more trademarks in that series and the Registrar shall, if he is satisfied that the division requested conforms with sub-section (3) of section 15, divide the application or applications accordingly on payment of divisional fees."
| Feature | What the text says |
|---|---|
| Who may ask | The applicant for the series |
| When | At any time before the application is published in the Journal |
| Form | TM-M |
| Test | The Registrar is satisfied the division conforms with section 15(3) |
| Fee | "divisional fees" |
"Divisional fee" is defined in rule 2(1)(i) as the fee against entry no. 14 of the First Schedule. As notified in 2017 (check the current Schedule), the entry 14 fee for division of an application is Rs 2,000 for physical filing and Rs 1,800 for e-filing.
The deadline is the Journal publication. After publication, this sub-rule offers no division. The text does not say what the applicant may do after publication; for division generally see rule 108 and rule 42(3).
Example: Kavya Spices applies for a series of three marks: "Kavya Red", "Kavya Green" and "Kavya Gold". The Registrar objects that the "Gold" mark does not fit the series. Before the application is advertised, Kavya files Form TM-M asking to divide so that the first two proceed as a series and "Gold" proceeds in its own application. If the Registrar is satisfied the division conforms with section 15(3), he divides it on payment of the divisional fee.
Rule 28: transliteration and translation
"Where a trademark contains one or more words or numbers in scripts other than Hindi or English, the applicant shall provide in the application, a precise transliteration and translation of each such word and number in English or in Hindi and state the language to which the word(s) or number(s) belong."
Break it down:
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Trigger | The mark contains words or numbers in a script other than Hindi or English |
| Transliteration | A precise one, of each word and number |
| Translation | A precise one, of each word and number, in English or Hindi |
| Statement | The language to which the words or numbers belong |
| Where | In the application |
A few observations.
- "Script" is the test, not language. A word written in the Roman script is not caught by this rule, even if it belongs to a foreign language, because the rule speaks of scripts "other than Hindi or English". Whether Devanagari or Roman script is meant by "Hindi or English" is not spelt out; we read it plainly as the scripts those languages use. The text does not settle the point for a Hindi word written in Roman letters.
- The rule applies to numbers as well as words.
- The word "precise" shows that an approximate gloss will not do.
- The rule does not say what the Registrar does if the transliteration is missing. Rule 31 on deficiencies would usually apply to a failure to meet a requirement of the Rules, giving one month to remedy.
Example: Tamizh Treats applies for a mark written in Tamil script with an English tagline. The application must give a precise transliteration in English or Hindi of each Tamil word, a translation, and a statement that the words belong to Tamil. The English tagline needs none.
Why it matters
A series saves cost and filings where the marks are close variants, but the Registrar's satisfaction is a gate. And a foreign-script mark with no transliteration invites a deficiency notice and delay. Keep in mind rule 12(1) as well: documents must be in Hindi or English, which is a separate requirement for the papers themselves.
Version note
The text is the Rules as notified on 6 March 2017. Later amendments should be checked.
Need help with a series or foreign-language mark?
A series application needs marks that really belong together, and a foreign-script mark needs accurate transliteration. Our trademark registration team can prepare both so that the application meets rules 26 to 28.
Key takeaways
- A series application shows each mark as rule 26 requires; the Registrar must be satisfied that the marks form a series.
- Before publication, the applicant may request division in Form TM-M on payment of divisional fees.
- Words or numbers in a script other than Hindi or English need a precise transliteration and translation and a statement of the language.
- The series test comes from section 15(3) of the Act.
Read next
- Rule 26: representation of the trademark
- Rule 23: form and signing of the application
- Rules 29–30: names of living persons and name or description of goods
- Trademark for logo: how to register a logo in India
Disclaimer: Based on the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 as notified on 6 March 2017, as consulted on 1 October 2026. Later amendment rules, forms and fees should be checked in their current form. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.