How to Register a Trademark in India: Process, Classes & Fees

If you've built a brand name, logo or slogan worth protecting, registering it as a trademark stops anyone else from legally using something confusingly similar — and gives you the right to actually enforce that. The process is more procedural than complicated once you know the steps. Full eligibility and document details are on our Trademark Registration service page.

™ vs ® — when can you use each?

You can start using ™ the moment you file your application — it signals a claimed trademark, registered or not. The ® symbol is reserved for marks that are actually registered by the Trade Marks Registry; using it before registration is completed is a mistake worth avoiding.

Step 1: search before you file

Search the IP India trademark database first. Filing for a mark that's identical or confusingly similar to an existing one in the same class almost always leads to an objection or opposition later — a five-minute search up front saves months of back-and-forth.

Step 2: pick the right class

Trademarks are registered under one of 45 NICE classification classes, grouped by type of goods or service — for example Class 25 covers clothing, Class 35 covers advertising/business services, Class 42 covers software/technology services. Registering in the wrong class protects the wrong thing, so match it carefully to what you actually sell.

Step-by-step: filing process

1. Search the IP India trademark database to confirm your mark is available.
2. File Form TM-A online with your mark, applicant details and the correct class(es).
3. The Registry examines the application — respond to any objection within the given deadline.
4. If cleared, your mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for a 4-month public opposition period.
5. If unopposed (or any opposition is resolved in your favour), the trademark is registered and a certificate is issued.

What it costs

Filed online, the government fee is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups and MSMEs with a valid Udyam registration certificate, and ₹9,000 per class for other companies. Fees are charged per class, so registering in multiple classes multiplies the cost.

Common mistakes

• Skipping the prior-search step and filing a mark too close to an existing one.
• Choosing the wrong NICE class for the actual goods or services being sold.
• Missing the response deadline for an examination objection, which can get the application abandoned.
• Forgetting to renew — registration lasts 10 years and needs active renewal, not automatic continuation.