TRADEMARK REGISTRATION CHECKLIST
Brand protection filing under the Trade Marks Act, 1999
Pre-Filing
- ☐ Finalise the brand name / logo to be registered
- ☐ Conduct a public trademark search for conflicts
- ☐ Identify the correct class(es) among the 45 classes
- ☐ Decide word mark, device mark or combined mark
Documents
- ☐ Applicant identity and address proof
- ☐ Logo / wordmark image in prescribed format
- ☐ Signed Form TM-48 (power of attorney)
- ☐ Udyam / MSME certificate for reduced fee, if any
- ☐ Proof of first use, if claiming prior use
Filing
- ☐ File application (Form TM-A) on the IP India portal
- ☐ Pay the applicable class-wise fee
- ☐ Obtain the application number and start using ™
Prosecution
- ☐ Respond to the examination report within timeline
- ☐ Attend hearing, if scheduled
- ☐ Monitor publication in the Trade Marks Journal
- ☐ Handle any opposition within four months
- ☐ Receive the registration certificate and use ®
Maintenance
- ☐ Renew the trademark every 10 years
- ☐ Watch the market for infringement
Note: Registration takes several months; use ™ from filing and ® only after the certificate is granted.