Trademark Registration
in India — Protect
Your Brand
Your brand name, logo, and tagline are your most valuable business assets. Get them legally protected before someone else does. TaxClue handles TM search, class selection, filing, objection reply, and journal monitoring — 100% online.
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How TaxClue Registers Your Trademark
From a free comprehensive search to a registered ® certificate — TaxClue manages every step. The registration process takes 10–18 months to reach ® status, but your ™ rights begin from the day of filing.
Free TM Search & Risk Assessment
TaxClue conducts a thorough search on the IP India trademark database — checking for identical or similar marks in your proposed class. We assess the risk of objection or opposition and advise on the strength of your mark before spending on filing.
Day 1 · FreeClass Selection (Nice Classification)
India follows the International Nice Classification system with 45 classes (Classes 1–34 for goods, 35–45 for services). TaxClue identifies the exact class(es) your trademark needs — incorrect class selection is the most common and costly filing mistake.
Day 1–2Application Drafting & POA
TaxClue prepares your trademark application — applicant details, mark representation (word/logo), goods/services description, Power of Attorney (POA), and Form TM-48 for our agent authorisation. Logo applications require your mark in JPEG/PNG format.
Day 2–3Online Filing with IP India
Your trademark application is filed online on the IP India portal (ipindia.gov.in) with official government fees. You receive an Acknowledgement/Filing Receipt immediately — you can start using ™ from this date. Application number is issued same day.
Day 3–5Examination by Trademark Registry
A Trademark Examiner reviews your application — checking for distinctiveness, conflicts with existing marks, and compliance with the Trade Marks Act, 1999. If no issues are found, the mark is accepted and published. If issues are found, an Examination Report (objection) is issued.
3–12 MonthsObjection Reply (If Raised)
If the examiner raises objections (most commonly for descriptiveness or similarity), TaxClue's TM team prepares a detailed written reply with legal arguments, evidence of use, and distinctiveness evidence. A Trademark Hearing may be called if the written reply is insufficient.
If RequiredTM Journal Publication & Opposition Period
Once accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal (published weekly). Any third party has 4 months to oppose your mark. TaxClue monitors the journal and alerts you immediately. If opposition is filed, our legal team represents you before the Hearing Officer.
4-Month WindowRegistration Certificate & ® Status
If no opposition is filed (or opposition is won), the Trademark Registry issues your Registration Certificate. You can now display the ® symbol on all your products, packaging, marketing, and communications. Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
✅ Registered ®!What is a Trademark?
A trademark is any word, name, symbol, logo, phrase, design, or combination thereof that identifies the goods or services of a particular source and distinguishes them from those of others in the marketplace. It is governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999 in India, administered by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM).
Once registered, a trademark gives you the exclusive legal right to use that mark for your goods and services in the registered classes — and the right to take legal action (including claiming damages) against anyone who uses an identical or confusingly similar mark without your permission.
™ Trademark (Unregistered)
Use from the moment you file your application. Claims your intention to protect the mark. No legal backing yet — but signals your brand ownership publicly.
® Registered Trademark
Use only after receiving the Registration Certificate. Full legal backing — exclusive rights, right to sue infringers, and use of ® on products and packaging across India.
℠ Service Mark
Used for services (not physical goods) — consultancies, IT firms, education, finance. Functions like ™ but specifically for service businesses. Common in Classes 35–45.
What Can Be Registered as a Trademark?
The Indian Trade Marks Act allows registration of a wide variety of marks — as long as they are distinctive, non-deceptive, and not prohibited under the Act.
Word Mark
A brand name or word(s) — "Apple", "Nike", "Zomato". The most common form. Provides the broadest protection as it covers the word in any font, colour, or style.
Logo / Device Mark
A graphical symbol, design, or logo — Nike's swoosh, Apple's apple. Protects the specific visual appearance. Often filed alongside a word mark for complete brand protection.
Composite Mark
A combination of words and a logo/design together — the most common for modern brands. Protects the specific combination as a whole.
Slogan / Tagline
A distinctive phrase associated with your brand — "Just Do It", "Think Different". Must be sufficiently distinctive and not merely descriptive of the product or service.
Sound / Shape Mark
Unique sounds (like Nokia's ringtone) or distinctive product shapes (Coca-Cola bottle). Relatively rare — must be represented graphically in the application.
Collective & Certification Marks
Collective marks are used by associations/organisations for members. Certification marks certify product quality or origin — like Darjeeling tea, Basmati rice, Mysore silk.
Selecting the Right Trademark Class
India follows the International Nice Classification system — 45 classes of goods and services. Your trademark is only protected in the class(es) you register in. Filing in the wrong class gives you no protection for your actual business. TaxClue identifies the correct class(es) for your brand.
Explore the 45 Nice Classification Classes
Click a category to see the relevant classes. TaxClue advises on exact class selection after free TM search.
Register in multiple classes for complete brand protection
Many businesses need to register in more than one class. For example, a food brand might need Class 30 (food products) and Class 43 (restaurant services). An IT company might need Class 9 (software) and Class 42 (IT services). TaxClue advises on the optimal class combination to protect all aspects of your business.
How Long Does Trademark Registration Take?
The full ® registration process in India typically takes 10–18 months from the date of filing to receiving the registration certificate — though ™ rights begin from day 1 of filing. Here is a realistic timeline:
Application Filing & Acknowledgement
Day 1–5TaxClue files online on IP India portal. You receive acknowledgement with application number immediately. You can start using ™ from this date.
Examination by Trademark Registry
3–12 MonthsA TM Examiner reviews the application. Issues an Examination Report (with or without objection). The examination queue in India means this stage can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on the backlog.
Objection Reply (If Raised)
30 Days to RespondIf the examiner raises objections, TaxClue prepares a detailed reply within the 30-day deadline. If the written reply doesn't satisfy the examiner, a Trademark Hearing is scheduled. TaxClue represents you at the hearing.
TM Journal Publication
4-Month Opposition WindowOnce accepted, the mark is published in the weekly Trademark Journal. Any third party can oppose within 4 months. TaxClue monitors and responds if opposition is filed. If no opposition, or opposition is won, proceed to registration.
Registration Certificate Issued ✅
10–18 Months TotalRegistration Certificate with ® rights issued. Valid for 10 years from filing date. Renewable every 10 years indefinitely for ₹10,000 government fee. You can now use ®.
Handling Examination Objections & Third-Party Oppositions
Two of the most common challenges in the trademark process — TaxClue's TM team has handled hundreds of objections and oppositions successfully.
⚠️ Trademark Examination Objection
When the Trademark Examiner raises objections in the Examination Report — typically citing similarity with existing marks, descriptiveness, or non-distinctiveness of the mark.
Common objection grounds:
- •Mark too similar to existing registered trademark
- •Mark is descriptive of the goods/services
- •Mark contains prohibited or offensive words
- •Incomplete or incorrect applicant details
TaxClue's response: Detailed written reply within 30 days, legal arguments for distinctiveness, evidence of prior use, phonetic/visual comparison analysis, and if required — representation at a Trademark Hearing before the Registrar.
🚫 Trademark Opposition
When a third party files an opposition to your mark during the 4-month TM Journal publication window — claiming your mark conflicts with their existing rights.
Common opposition grounds:
- •Mark identical or similar to opponent's existing mark
- •Likelihood of confusion among consumers
- •Mark applied in bad faith
- •Mark violates well-known trademark rights
TaxClue's response: Filing Counter-Statement within 2 months, gathering evidence of prior use and distinctiveness, preparing affidavits and exhibits, and representing your brand before the Hearing Officer / Registrar through the full opposition hearing process.
Already received an objection or opposition?
TaxClue can take over an existing application mid-process. Whether you received an Examination Report from the Registry or an Opposition Notice from a third party — our TM team can review your case and take over the representation immediately. Trademark Objection service → | Trademark Opposition service →
Key Benefits of Trademark Registration
Exclusive Legal Rights
The ® symbol and registered status give you the exclusive right to use your mark nationwide for the registered goods/services — no one else can legally use an identical or confusingly similar mark.
Protection Against Copycats
Take immediate legal action — cease & desist notices, infringement suits, interim injunctions, and damage claims — against anyone who copies or misuses your brand.
Brand as a Business Asset
A registered trademark is a valuable intellectual property asset that can be sold, licensed, assigned, or used as collateral for loans. Major brand acquisitions are primarily trademark transactions.
E-Commerce Brand Protection
Essential for Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho sellers — register on Amazon Brand Registry, Flipkart Brand Program, and other marketplace brand protection programmes to block counterfeit sellers.
Foundation for Global Protection
Indian trademark registration is the base for filing international trademark applications under the Madrid Protocol — protecting your brand in 130+ countries through a single application.
Brand Credibility & Trust
The ® symbol signals a serious, established brand to customers, investors, and partners. Builds consumer confidence, justifies premium pricing, and makes your brand fundable.
Who Can Apply for Trademark Registration?
Any person or entity — Indian or foreign — who is using or intends to use a mark in trade can apply. There is no requirement to have a registered company before filing a trademark.
Should you file in your personal name or company name?
If your company is already registered, file in the company's name for better protection and transferability. If you're a freelancer or haven't incorporated yet, file in your personal name — you can later assign the trademark to your company. TaxClue advises on the optimal applicant strategy during the free consultation.
Documents Needed for Trademark Filing
Trademark filing requires minimal documents — TaxClue prepares everything including the Power of Attorney on your behalf.
Trademark / Brand Name
The exact word, phrase, or tagline you want to protect. Decide the exact spelling and casing.
Logo File (if applicable)
For logo/device marks — JPEG or PNG format, clear background, high resolution preferred.
Identity Proof
PAN card, Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence of the applicant (individual or authorised signatory).
Business Entity Proof
Certificate of Incorporation (Pvt. Ltd./LLP), Partnership Deed, or GST certificate. Not required for individuals.
Goods/Services Description
A brief description of the products or services for which the trademark will be used. TaxClue helps draft this precisely.
Power of Attorney
TaxClue prepares this — Form TM-48 authorising us as your agent. You just need to sign it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use ™ before my trademark is registered?+Yes. You can start using the ™ symbol immediately after filing your trademark application — even before it is examined or registered. The ™ symbol indicates that you are claiming this mark as your trademark and have an application pending. You should not use the ® symbol until you have received the official Registration Certificate from the Trademark Registry. Misusing ® before registration is an offence under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
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Should I register my brand name and logo as separate trademarks?+Yes — TaxClue strongly recommends registering both separately for complete protection. A word mark for your brand name gives broader protection — it covers the name in any font, colour, or style. A logo/device mark protects the specific visual appearance of your logo. Filing both costs two government fees but provides significantly stronger protection. If a competitor copies only the name (in a different font) or only copies the logo (with a different name), you have separate marks to act on both infringements.
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How many trademark classes do I need to register in?+You need to file in every class that covers the goods or services your brand offers — your trademark only protects you in the registered classes. A restaurant brand needs Class 43 (restaurant services) and possibly Class 30 (food products) if selling packaged food. A clothing brand needs Class 25 (clothing) and possibly Class 35 (retail services). A software company needs Class 9 (software) and Class 42 (IT services). TaxClue analyses your business model to identify the optimal class combination — filing in too few classes leaves your brand exposed; filing in unnecessary classes wastes money.
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What happens if my trademark application gets an objection?+Objections are raised by the Trademark Examiner in an Examination Report. You have 30 days to respond. TaxClue prepares a detailed written reply addressing each objection — citing legal precedents, distinctiveness arguments, evidence of use if available, and phonetic/visual comparison analysis. If the written reply is insufficient, the Examiner schedules a Trademark Hearing, where TaxClue's TM attorney represents you personally before the Hearing Officer. Most objections are successfully resolved at the written reply or hearing stage.
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Can a trademark be transferred or licensed?+Yes. A registered trademark is a fully transferable intellectual property asset. It can be: (1) Assigned — permanently transferred to another person or entity (sold as a business asset), (2) Licensed — granted to others for a royalty while retaining ownership (franchising is essentially trademark licensing), (3) Used as collateral — pledged to a bank or lender as security for a loan. All assignments and licences must be recorded with the Trademark Registry via Form TM-P (assignment) or TM-U (registered user agreement). TaxClue handles all trademark transfer and licensing documentation.
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What is the government fee for trademark registration in India?+The official government fee for trademark filing in India (as of 2025) is: ₹4,500 per application per class for individuals, startups, small enterprises, and Section 8 companies. ₹9,000 per application per class for all other entities (Pvt. Ltd., LLP, Partnership, etc.). TaxClue charges a separate professional fee for search, filing, objection replies, and representation — quoted transparently upfront with no hidden charges. The government fee is paid directly to IP India through our filing portal.
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What if someone is already using a similar mark to mine?+If you discover an existing registered trademark that is similar to yours before filing, TaxClue can advise on whether the similarity is sufficient to cause rejection and suggest modifications to your mark. If someone has registered a trademark after you started using your mark, your prior use can be used as a defence. If someone is currently infringing your registered trademark, TaxClue can issue a Trademark Infringement Notice (Cease & Desist) and if needed, represent you in legal proceedings. See TM Infringement Notice service →
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When and how do I renew my trademark?+A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of application (not the date of registration certificate). Renewal must be filed within 6 months before expiry using Form TM-R and paying the renewal government fee (₹9,000 for regular entities, ₹4,500 for small entities). There is also a 6-month grace period after expiry with a surcharge. If not renewed within the grace period, the mark lapses and can be taken by others. TaxClue sends renewal reminders and manages the full renewal process. See Trademark Renewal service →
Complete Trademark & IPR Services by TaxClue
Trademark Objection Reply
Received an Examination Report from the Registry? TaxClue prepares a professional reply with legal arguments and evidence.
Learn MoreTrademark Opposition
Third party opposing your application? TaxClue files the Counter-Statement and represents you at the Opposition Hearing.
Learn MoreTrademark Infringement Notice
Someone copying your brand? TaxClue issues a legally binding Cease & Desist / Infringement Notice to the infringer.
Learn MoreTrademark Hearing
Objection not resolved by written reply? TaxClue's TM attorney represents you at the Trademark Office hearing.
Learn MoreTrademark Renewal
10-year validity expiring? TaxClue handles timely renewal filings to ensure your ® never lapses.
Learn MoreCopyright Registration
Protect your original creative works — software, books, music, artwork, films, and more.
Learn MoreWhat Our Clients Say
From D2C brands to tech startups — businesses across India trust TaxClue to protect their most valuable asset: their brand.
I launched my skincare brand and within 2 months a Meesho seller was selling knock-off products under a nearly identical name. TaxClue had already filed my trademark — they immediately issued an infringement notice and the copycat took down their listing within a week. My ® certificate arrived 14 months after filing. Worth every rupee.
Our SaaS startup received a trademark examination objection citing similarity to an existing software company. TaxClue's team wrote an exceptional reply — detailed phonetic analysis, visual comparison, and prior use evidence. The objection was overcome without needing a hearing. We are now published in the TM Journal. Extremely professional service.
TaxClue advised me to file my brand name in both Class 25 (clothing) and Class 35 (retail e-commerce services) — something I didn't know I needed. Six months later, a competitor tried to file a similar mark in Class 35 only, and we were able to block it because we had both classes covered. That advice alone was worth more than the filing fees.
A well-funded company opposed our trademark during the Journal publication period — claiming our food brand name was similar to their existing mark. TaxClue filed our Counter-Statement, gathered evidence of our prior use dating back 3 years, and represented us at the Opposition Hearing. The opposition was dismissed and our mark was registered. Highly skilled legal team.
I registered my EdTech platform trademark separately for word mark and logo — both in Class 41 (education services) and Class 42 (IT services). TaxClue completed both filings the same day. When I raised ₹2 crore in seed funding, the investors specifically asked about trademark status — having both registered and ® certificates in hand made the due diligence process smooth.
I had filed my trademark myself without professional help and my application was sitting with an objection for 8 months — I had no idea how to respond. TaxClue took over, analysed the objection, and got it resolved within 45 days of their written reply. My trademark is now published in the Journal. I wish I had used them from the start.
Your Brand Deserves Legal Protection
Every day you delay, someone else could register your brand name. TaxClue protects 5,000+ brands — free TM search included with every inquiry.
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