Trademark Registration Checklist
Tick off every step from picking your mark to the ® certificate — with a live progress tracker, documents list and govt fees.
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- Rules cited on the page
Get the groundwork right before you spend a rupee on filing.
Collect and scan everything before you open the TM-A form.
Submit the application on the IP India portal and start using ™.
Examination, publication and finally your registration certificate.
Phase summary
0 of 4 phases complete| Phase | Focus | Progress | Status |
|---|
Get your trademark filed by an expert
We run the search, pick the right class and file your TM-A end to end.
Disclaimer: Indicative guidance for Indian trademark applications under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Government fees and timelines change; verify current fees on the IP India portal before filing.
Trademark registration — fees & timeline
Filing is done online through the IP India portal. The government fee depends on who is applying — individuals, startups and MSMEs pay half. On top of the govt fee you may pay a professional/agent fee. From filing to the ® certificate typically takes 12–18 months if there is no objection or opposition.
| Govt fee per class (e-filing) | ₹4,500 |
| Physical filing per class | ₹5,000 |
| Proof needed | Udyam / DPIIT |
| Symbol on filing | ™ |
| Govt fee per class (e-filing) | ₹9,000 |
| Physical filing per class | ₹10,000 |
| Proof needed | — |
| Symbol on registration | ® |
How trademark registration works
The process moves through four stages. Each maps to a phase in the checklist above — tick items off as you complete them and the tracker updates live.
Prepare
Decide the mark, map it to a NICE class and run a public search to check the name is free.
Documents
Gather PAN, address & business proof, the logo file, TM-48 power of attorney and any MSME certificate.
File TM-A
Submit TM-A per class, pay the govt fee and receive an application number — you can now use ™.
Examine & register
Reply to any objection, clear the 4-month opposition window after publication, then collect the ® certificate.
Key terms explained
™ vs ®
You can use ™ the moment you file (it signals an unregistered claim). The ® symbol may be used only after the mark is registered and the certificate is issued — using ® before that is illegal.
NICE classes (1–45)
Trademarks are registered under the international NICE classification — 34 classes for goods and 11 for services. You pay a separate fee for each class, so choose only the ones you truly need.
TM-A & TM-48
TM-A is the trademark application form (filed per class). TM-48 is the power of attorney authorising an agent or attorney to file and represent you before the Registry.
Examination & objection
An examiner reviews the mark against absolute and relative grounds. If objected, you get an examination report and must file a written reply (and sometimes attend a hearing) to proceed.
Publication & opposition
Accepted marks are published in the Trademark Journal. Any third party has a 4-month window to oppose. If nobody opposes, the mark proceeds to registration.
10-year renewal
A registered trademark stays valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed every 10 years indefinitely, so long as renewal is filed before it lapses.
Questions people ask
Short answers on Trademark Registration Checklist. Tap a question to open it.
01What is the trademark registration process?
A public search, then filing Form TM-A with the mark and specification, examination and an examination report, reply and hearing if objections are raised, advertisement in the Trade Marks Journal, a four-month opposition window, and finally registration.
02What does it cost?
The government fee per class is lower for an individual, startup or small enterprise filing electronically, and higher for other applicants. Professional fees for the search, drafting the specification and replying to objections are separate.
03How long does registration take?
Typically 12 to 24 months where the mark passes examination without opposition, and longer if objections or an opposition arise. You can use the ™ symbol from the date of filing, and ® only after registration.
04What documents are needed?
The mark or logo file, the applicant's details and proof of business, Form TM-48 authorising the agent, the date of first use with evidence if the mark is already in use, and Udyam or DPIIT recognition to claim the concessional fee.
05How long does a registration last?
Ten years from the date of filing, renewable indefinitely in ten-year blocks. A renewal application can be filed within six months before expiry, and there is a further restoration window on payment of a surcharge.
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Disclaimer: This tool gives indicative results for general guidance only and is not professional advice. Please verify with a qualified CA before acting on the numbers.