How do I register a trademark in India?

By the India Law Simplified editorial team · Verified against the bare Acts & official portals · Updated 2026-07-28 · ~4 min read

⚡ Quick answer

To register a trademark in India, first do a public search to check the name/logo is available, then file Form TM-A online with the Trade Marks Registry under the relevant class(es) of goods or services (the official fee is roughly ₹4,500–₹9,000 per class). Once filed, you can use the ™ symbol; after the Registry examines it, it's published in the journal, and if unopposed, registered — after which you can use the ® symbol. A registered trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable indefinitely.

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Your brand name and logo are often your most valuable business assets — a trademark is what legally protects them from being copied. Registering one in India is a structured, mostly online process, but it has stages that can take time and where mistakes are costly. This guide walks you through the whole journey: searching, filing, the classes, the ™ vs ® symbols, and how long it takes.

1Step 1: search before you file

Before filing, search the IP India trademark database to check whether an identical or similar mark already exists in your class. Filing a mark that conflicts with an existing one almost guarantees an objection or opposition — wasting your fee and months of time. A clean, distinctive name clears far more smoothly.

2Step 2: choose the right class

Trademarks are registered under a system of 45 'classes' — categories of goods and services. You file under the class(es) that match what you sell:

Goods fall under classes 1–34; services under classes 35–45
You can file in multiple classes if your business spans them (each class has its own fee)
Choosing the wrong class can leave your actual products unprotected

⚠️ ImportantFiling fees are concessional for individuals, startups (with DPIIT recognition) and small enterprises — roughly ₹4,500 per class online, versus ₹9,000 for larger companies.

3Step 3: the registration journey

After filing Form TM-A, the application moves through several stages:

Filing — you submit the mark, applicant details and class(es); you can start using ™ now
Examination — the Registry examines it and may raise an objection, which you reply to
Publication — the mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for 4 months for anyone to oppose
Opposition (if any) — a hearing process if someone objects
Registration — if unopposed and cleared, the mark is registered and you can use ®

4™ vs ® and validity

The two symbols mean different things:

™ — can be used as soon as you file (or even claim) a trademark; it signals you're claiming rights
® — can be used ONLY after the mark is registered; using it before registration is not allowed
A registered trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year blocks

💡 ExampleA new D2C brand files TM-A for its name and logo in class 25 (clothing). It immediately starts using 'BrandName™' on its products and packaging, which deters copycats and establishes priority. About 14 months later, after examination and unopposed publication, the mark is registered and it switches to 'BrandName®'.

Key takeaways

Search the IP India database first to avoid conflicts and objections.
File Form TM-A online under the correct class(es); fee is ~₹4,500/class (concessional) to ₹9,000.
Use ™ as soon as you file; use ® only after registration.
The process — filing, examination, publication, registration — usually takes 12–24 months.
A registered trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable indefinitely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does trademark registration take in India?

If there are no objections or oppositions, registration typically takes 12–24 months. You can use ™ immediately on filing, which already gives you priority over later applicants.

What is the difference between ™ and ®?

™ can be used as soon as you file (or claim) a trademark; ® can be used only after the mark is officially registered. Using ® on an unregistered mark is not permitted.

How much does trademark registration cost?

The government fee is around ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups and small enterprises, and ₹9,000 per class for larger companies. You pay per class, so a multi-class application costs more.

What are trademark classes?

Goods and services are divided into 45 classes. You register your mark under the class(es) matching your business — e.g. class 25 for clothing, class 9 for software. Picking the wrong class can leave your products unprotected.