Can I use ™ before my trademark is registered?

Yes. You can use ™ from the moment you file your application. The ® symbol may only be used after the Registration Certificate is issued.

Is trademark registration mandatory in India?

Registration is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Without it, you can only rely on common law passing-off rights, which require proving prior use and goodwill — difficult and costly to establish.

Can I file under multiple trademark classes?

Yes, but each class requires a separate application and fee. File under every class relevant to your current and planned business activities.

What happens if my trademark is similar to an existing one?

The Examiner will raise an objection under Section 11 (relative grounds for refusal). You must respond with arguments demonstrating that the marks are not deceptively similar or are for different trade channels.

How to Register a Trademark in India in 2025 — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

What Is a Trademark?

A trademark is any distinctive sign — a word, logo, tagline, or combination of colours — that identifies your goods or services and sets them apart from those of competitors. Once registered under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, you receive the exclusive right to use that mark across India in your class of goods or services.

Familiar examples: TATA, Amul, Fabindia, boAt — all registered trademarks. The ® symbol on these marks is a signal that they are legally protected.

Who Can Apply for a Trademark in India?

Any person, firm, or company that uses or intends to use a trademark in relation to goods or services can apply. This includes:

Individuals and sole proprietors
Partnership firms and LLPs
Private limited companies and public companies
MSMEs, startups, and trusts
Foreign nationals and foreign companies

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Trademark in India

Step 1 — Conduct a Free Trademark Search

Before filing, search the IP India public search portal to check whether an identical or phonetically similar mark already exists in your class. We offer a free trademark search for up to 10 names — contact us on WhatsApp before investing in a filing.

Step 2 — Choose the Right Trademark Class

Trademarks are registered under 45 classes (the Nice Classification system). Classes 1–34 cover goods; Classes 35–45 cover services. You must file separately under every class that applies to your business. See our full class guide →

Step 3 — Prepare Your Application Documents

Trademark/logo in JPG format (for a device/logo mark)
User affidavit (if the mark is already in use — with supporting evidence)
Power of Attorney authorising your trademark attorney
Udyam/MSME certificate (to claim the ₹4,500 concessional fee)

Step 4 — File the Application Online

Applications are filed on the IP India e-filing portal. Your application is directed to one of the five trademark offices (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad) based on your principal place of business.

Step 5 — Pay the Government Fee

₹4,500 per class for individuals, MSMEs and DPIIT-recognised startups. ₹9,000 per class for companies and LLPs. This fee is non-refundable upon filing.

Step 6 — Receive Your Application Number

Upon filing, you receive your trademark application number immediately. From this point, you can use the ™ symbol on your brand. The ® symbol can only be used after the registration certificate is issued.

Step 7 — Examination by the Registrar

Within 3–6 months, a Trademark Examiner reviews your application. If concerns arise, an Examination Report (objection) is issued. You have 30 days (extendable to 60 days) to respond. See our objection reply guide →

Step 8 — Publication in the Trademark Journal

If the Examiner is satisfied, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months. Third parties may file an opposition during this period.

Step 9 — Registration Certificate

If no opposition is filed — or if any opposition is decided in your favour — the Registry issues the Registration Certificate. Your trademark is protected for 10 years from the date of filing, renewable indefinitely.

Total Cost of Trademark Registration in 2025

Service	Total Fee (MSME/Individual)
Package 1 — Basic Filing	₹6,500 (incl. Govt. fee ₹4,500)
Package 2 — Filing + Objection Reply	₹7,000
Package 3 — Filing + Reply + All Hearings	₹8,000

How Long Does Trademark Registration Take?

With no objection or opposition: 12–18 months. Where an objection arises: 18–36 months depending on hearing schedules. The process has accelerated significantly since 2022 with the introduction of online hearings.