Trademark FAQ

A trademark is a unique sign — name, logo, slogan, or symbol — that identifies your goods/services and distinguishes them from others. Registration under the Trade Marks Act 1999 gives you exclusive rights to use that mark in India.

Word marks (brand names), logo/device marks, combined marks, slogans, shape of packaging, and in some cases colours and sound marks. The mark must be distinctive and not purely descriptive.

™ can be used immediately after filing — it means registration is pending. ® can only be used AFTER the certificate is issued by the Trade Marks Registry. Using ® before registration is a legal offence in India.

Trademark protects brand identifiers (names, logos). Copyright protects original creative works (books, music, art) — arises automatically. Patent protects inventions. Trademark = identity, Copyright = creativity, Patent = invention.

18–24 months total: Filing (Day 1) → Examination (3–6 months) → Reply if needed → Publication in TM Journal → 4-month opposition window → Registration Certificate. You can use ™ immediately from day of filing.

Step 1: TM Search → Step 2: File TM-A on IP India portal → Step 3: Get application number → Step 4: Examination by Registrar → Step 5: Reply to objections if any → Step 6: Publication in Journal → Step 7: 4-month opposition period → Step 8: Registration certificate.

Yes, completely online through IP India portal (ipindia.gov.in). Application filing, fee payment, status tracking, and certificate download — all online. We file all applications online on your behalf.

Govt fee: ₹4,500/class for individuals/startups/MSMEs; ₹9,000/class for companies/LLPs. Our all-inclusive packages start from ₹4,999 for startups (govt fee + service charges combined).

DPIIT-recognized startups and Udyam-registered MSMEs get 50% concession on govt fee — paying ₹4,500 instead of ₹9,000 per class. Requires submitting DPIIT/Udyam certificate with application.

There are 45 trademark classes under the Nice Classification: Classes 1–34 for goods (physical products) and Classes 35–45 for services. Each application covers one class. Separate applications (and fees) for each class.

Common classes: Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (business services, retail), Class 42 (software, IT), Class 43 (restaurants), Class 9 (electronics, apps), Class 30 (food products), Class 41 (education). Our experts advise the correct class based on your business.

Don't panic! An objection is not a rejection. You have 30 days to file a reply. Contact us immediately with your examination report and we'll prepare a strong legal reply. We have 95%+ success in overcoming objections.

10 years from date of filing, renewable indefinitely every 10 years. There's no limit to renewals — your trademark can be protected forever as long as you keep renewing it.

After publication in the TM Journal, any third party has 4 months to file an opposition against your trademark. If no opposition is filed, your trademark proceeds to registration automatically.