Sponsored
Secure your brand legally with trademark registration. Protect your name, logo, or slogan and build long-term brand credibility and growth.
Your brand is one of your most valuable business assets. It represents your identity, your trust, and your market presence. In a world where businesses are launched online within hours, protecting that brand is no longer optional—it’s essential. One of the most effective ways to do that is through trademark registration.
This guide will help you understand what trademark registration is, why it’s crucial, and how you can register your trademark in India.
A trademark is a unique sign that distinguishes your goods or services from others. It can be a name, logo, symbol, design, word, phrase, or even a sound. Legally, it protects your brand identity and gives you exclusive rights to use that mark in connection with your offerings.
Trademarks in India are governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and registration is handled by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks.
Registering a trademark gives you legal ownership. If someone copies or misuses your brand name or logo, you can take legal action to stop them and claim damages.
Once registered, you have exclusive rights to use the trademark in your business domain across India.
If another person registers your brand name before you, they can claim exclusive rights. This could force you to change your name, lose customers, or even shut down operations.
A registered trademark adds credibility. Customers and partners feel more secure when they see the ® symbol.
Online marketplaces and advertising platforms often require trademark proof to verify brand authenticity and prevent fake listings.
The following entities can register a trademark in India:
Individuals
Startups
Private limited or public companies
LLPs and partnerships
NGOs and trusts (if engaged in commerce)
Foreign companies doing business in India
Even if your business hasn’t launched yet, you can file with a “proposed to be used” status.
You can trademark:
Business names
Logos and symbols
Taglines and slogans
Product names
Packaging design
Sound marks (e.g., jingles)
However, trademarks must be unique. Generic or descriptive names like “Best Shoes” or “Super Tasty Food” are usually rejected.
Here is how you register a trademark in India:
Before filing, search the IP India database to ensure no similar trademarks exist. This reduces chances of objections.
Trademarks are registered under specific classes based on product or service categories. There are 45 trademark classes. For example, clothing is Class 25, and advertising is Class 35.
You need to file Form TM-A. This can be done online via the IP India portal or through a trademark professional. You’ll need:
Applicant’s name and address
Trademark (logo or wordmark)
Goods/services description
Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
The Trademark Office will examine your application. If there are objections, you’ll get a notice and must respond within 30 days.
If accepted, your trademark is published in the Trademark Journal. Others can oppose it within four months.
If no one opposes it (or any opposition is resolved), the Registrar grants the registration certificate. You can now legally use the ® symbol.
The government fees are:
₹4,500 per class for individuals/startups
₹9,000 per class for others
The trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed every 10 years indefinitely.
Registering your trademark is a small investment with long-term benefits. It gives you legal protection, market credibility, and peace of mind. Don’t wait until someone else claims your brand. Whether you’re a new founder or an established business, trademark registration is a smart step to secure your identity.
If you’re unsure where to start, expert platforms like RegisterKaro can help guide you through the process.
© 2024 Crivva - Business Promotion. All rights reserved.