Trademark · 7 min read
Trademark Registration in India: Process, Cost, Classes & Timeline (2026)
By the India Law Simplified editorial team · Verified against primary government sources (bare Acts & official portals) · Last updated 2026-05-25
A trademark protects your brand name, logo, and identity from copycats. India's IP office (Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks — IP India) handles registration through an online process. Here's how classes, timelines, and the TM/® symbols work.
1What is a trademark & why register?
A trademark is any sign — word, logo, design, or combination — that distinguishes your goods/services from others. Registration with IP India gives you exclusive rights and a strong legal remedy against infringement. Without it, your protection is limited.
The ™ symbol means you have claimed a mark (registration pending or unregistered). Use the ® symbol only after IP India grants your registration certificate.
2Trademark classes
India follows the NICE classification of 45 classes: Classes 1–34 for goods and 35–45 for services. You file under the class(es) matching your business — e.g. Class 25 (clothing), Class 30 (food), Class 42 (software/IT). Filing in more classes costs more but widens protection.
3Step-by-step process
- Do a public trademark search on the IP India portal to check availability.
- Prepare the application (TM-A) with the mark, applicant details, and class(es).
- Pay the filing fee (lower for individuals/startups/MSMEs — verify the current fee on the IP India site).
- File online via the IP India e-filing portal.
- Examination: the office reviews and may raise objections (you reply with a counter-statement).
- If accepted, the mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for a 4-month opposition window.
- If unopposed, you receive the registration certificate, valid for 10 years (renewable).
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the ™ symbol before registration?
Yes — ™ signals a claimed mark. Use ® only after IP India issues your registration certificate.
How long is a trademark valid?
10 years from the date of application, and renewable every 10 years indefinitely.
Can I file in multiple classes together?
Yes, a single application can cover multiple classes, but each class is charged a separate fee.
Ask our free AI legal assistant →
Related guides
Free tools for this
Ask the AI Advocate (free) · Free legal & tax tools
📖 New to the jargon? Browse our plain-English legal & tax glossary →
India Law Simplified is an AI-assisted research & drafting tool, not a substitute for a licensed advocate or CA. Verify all figures and steps with a professional before acting. Statutory limits and fees change with each Finance Act / notification.