In today’s rapidly evolving digital marketplace, a brand is much more than just a visual symbol. It represents who you are, what makes you different from others, and in a lot of industries, it can be the most valuable type of intellectual property that you will ever possess. No matter if you are a single creator drawing your first logo, a startup getting ready for the launch, or a big company planning to scale, it is a strategic move to secure your trademark,—not a luxury.
Thankfully, in India, the process is simpler now than ever before. With the advent of trademark registration online, entrepreneurs can now extend the protection to their brands in a short time and with great efficiency, without the hassle of piles of paperwork. This guide takes you through the steps of how to register a trademark in India, the procedure, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Let’s get going. Let’s start securing your brand before someone else imitates it.
Trademark: A Brief Overview
A trademark is a recognisable sign, symbol, phrase, image, or design that identifies your business and separates it from the others. It is the visual and the emotional tool by which customers associate with your products or services.
A registered trademark may include:
- Brand names
- Wordmarks
- Distinctive shapes or packaging
- Logos
- Taglines
- Sounds or jingles
- Colours
By filing for a Trademark Registration, you become the sole user of that brand identity across India. The ™ symbol is used for a pending application. On the other hand, the ® symbol is the indication of a successful registration.
What are the examples that readily come to your mind? The Nike swoosh or McDonald’s golden arches- easy to remember, and the company fiercely protects them.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Trademark Registration?
The Indian IP system is strong mainly due to its transparency and inclusiveness. Practically any person can start the trademark registration online process, including ( but, not limited to):
- Individuals (even without any business incorporation)
- Startups and MSMEs
- Partnership firms and LLPs
- Private limited companies
- NGOs, trusts, and societies
- Foreign nationals and foreign businesses
If you operate under a brand name or logo—or plan to—then you are eligible to register a trademark.
Pre-Registration Checklist: Prepare Before You File
Before you begin the actual registration process, a bit of preparation goes a long way.
1. Conduct a Trademark Search
The IP India Public Search Tool lets you check whether your trademark is unique or already applied for by someone else. Skipping this step is one of the biggest reasons applications get rejected.
A quick basic search takes minutes; a detailed professional search may take up to a week.
2. Identify the Correct Trademark Class
India follows the globally recognised Nice Classification, which divides goods and services into 45 distinct classes:
- Class 9 → Software and electronics
- Class 25 → Apparel
- Class 35 → Advertising & business services
You may file under a single class or multiple classes depending on your business activities. Choosing the wrong class often leads to objections later.
3. Collect Required Documentation
Here’s what you will need:
- Identity proof (PAN, Aadhaar, or Passport)
- Business registration certificate (if applicable)
- Logo (if you wish to register a device mark)
- Power of Attorney (if using an agent)
- Signed Form TM-48 (for attorneys/agents)
If you are a startup or MSME, make sure to have your Udyam Registration handy to avail of a concession in your Trademark Registration Fees.
Step-by-Step Guide: To Register Your Trademark Online
Now let’s go through the digital filing process. It’s simple, fast, and fully online.
Step 1: Visit the Official IP India E Filing Portal
Access the online trademark filing portal at ipindiaonline.gov.in. This is the official platform for all IP related applications.
Step 2: Set Up Your User Account
Sign up as a new user. Single individuals must check the “Proprietor” box, whereas companies or attorneys should select the corresponding category.
Step 3: Fill in and Submit the Form TM-A
Form TM-A is the core application for trademark registration. The form asks for:
- Applicant’s details
- The trademark to be registered (a word or logo)
- Description of goods/services
- Classes to which the goods/services belong
Ensure your trademark is uploaded clearly if it includes a graphical representation or a logo.
Step 4: Upload Accompanying Documents
Upload identity proof, business related documents, and TM-48- if you are filing through an agent. Startups and MSMEs can also upload documents as proofs for fee concessions.
Step 5: Digitally Sign and Submit
You need to have a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). After the digital signing of the form, you will be redirected to the payment section by the system.
Step 6: Pay the Trademark Registration Fees
As per the current structure:
- Individuals / Startups / MSMEs → ₹4,500 per class
- Companies / LLPs / Large Entities → ₹9,000 per class
Payments can be made easily through UPI, cards, or net banking.
After payment, you receive an acknowledgment and an application number to track your status.
What Happens After You File the Application?
The journey doesn’t end with filing—several internal processes occur at the Trademark Registry.
1. Formal Examination
Officials verify your application structure and check for conflicts with existing marks.
2. Examination Report
If there are concerns—similarity, descriptiveness, or obscurity—you may receive an objection under Section 9 or Section 11. Don’t panic; objections are common and usually manageable.
3. Response to Objection
You must reply within 30 days, providing clarifications or attending a hearing if required.
4. Trademark Journal Publication
Once cleared, your trademark is published in the Journal for four months. This allows third parties to oppose, if they have valid grounds.
5. Opposition (if any)
If no one objects—or if you win the dispute—your application moves towards approval.
6. Trademark Registration Certificate Issued
This is the final step. Your brand receives official recognition and legal protection for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
Estimated Timeline & Costs Involved
| Stage | Timeline | Individual/MSME Fees | Company Fees |
| Search | 1 day–1 week | Free | Free |
| Application Filing | Immediate | ₹4,500 | ₹9,000 |
| Examination | 1–3 months | Included | Included |
| Journal Publication | 4 months | Included | Included |
| Final Registration | 6–24 months total | Included | Included |
Professional assistance may cost an additional ₹2,000 to ₹15,000 depending on complexity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants unknowingly delay their approvals by making easily avoidable errors:
- Selecting the wrong class
- Using generic names like “Pure Water”
- Ignoring a trademark search
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Missing deadlines for responses
Being thorough during the initial filing can prevent months of delays.
Why You Should Register a Trademark Online
The online system offers clear advantages:
- Strong legal protection for your brand
- National-level exclusivity
- Greater market credibility
- Higher brand valuation
- Simplified licensing, franchising, and expansion
- Swift processing with digital records
In a modern and highly competitive era dominated by brand value and intellectual property, It is highly advisable to take the first step early.
Final Thoughts
In a rapidly changing business environment, the protection of your trademark should be one of your core strategic decisions. The procedure has been made very efficient and accessible- thanks to India’s streamlined trademark registration online system. No matter if you are just starting up your business or scaling a multi-city brand, a registered mark is a vehicle for your identity and a tool for your long term growth.
Your brand would have been best secured yesterday. The next best moment is now. Go ahead—register a trademark. It’s a protective guard for your identity, which can strengthen everything your brand stands for.
Once the registration is done, the next important thing you should turn your attention to is to acquire suitable business insurance. It will provide your business the much-needed financial safeguard against potential risks.
At BimaKavach, we help you obtain reliable and customizable insurance solutions designed to safeguard your business from unexpected financial setbacks. We will help you obtain comprehensive coverage and absolute peace of mind- so that you can focus more on growth, while these policies handle the risks.
