How to register a trademark in India
You can register a trademark in India yourself. Here's the whole process in six steps — with a free tool for each one, and a way to keep on top of every deadline after you file.
Search the register first
Before anything else, check that your name isn't already taken. Search the IP India public trade-marks database for identical and similar marks in your line of business. If a close match already exists in your class, filing is likely to be objected or opposed — so it's far cheaper to find out now. Our live conflict check does this against the real-time registry in seconds.
Pick the right class (or classes)
India uses the NICE classification — 45 classes covering every good and service. You file in the class(es) that match what you actually sell or do, and your protection is limited to those classes. Get this wrong and you either over-pay or leave gaps. Use the trademark class finder — describe your business and it returns the likely classes.
Run a conflict check in your class
Now narrow the search to your specific class. A mark that's fine in Class 25 (clothing) may be blocked in Class 9 (electronics). Checking conflicts class-by-class tells you whether your mark is genuinely clear to file, or whether you should tweak it before spending the government fee.
Work out the cost
The government fee is ₹4,500 per class for an individual, startup, or small enterprise filing online (₹9,000 for companies). It's charged per class, so a two-class filing costs double. Get your exact total with the fee calculator before you start, so there are no surprises.
File Form TM-A on the IP India portal
Trademark applications are filed as Form TM-A on the official IP India e-filing portal (ipindiaonline.gov.in). You'll need a registered account, a Class-3 digital signature (DSC), your applicant details, the logo/wordmark, the class(es), and the date of first use if any. Pay the fee online and you'll receive an application number immediately — your mark can now show the ™ symbol while it's examined.
Track every deadline that follows
Filing is the start, not the end. Examination, any objection (reply due in 30 days), publication, a 4-month opposition window, registration, and then renewal every 10 years — each has a deadline, and missing one can cost you the mark. Add your application number to Novipra and it pulls the live status and dockets every one of these dates automatically.
This guide is educational and not legal advice. Trademark outcomes depend on your specific mark, goods/services, and any prior rights. For a borderline mark, an objection, or an opposition, consider consulting a registered trademark agent or attorney.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register a trademark in India myself?
Yes. An individual or business can file a trademark application directly on the IP India e-filing portal without an agent. You'll need a registered account, a Class-3 digital signature, and the government fee. Many applicants do file themselves; engaging a trademark attorney is optional and helps mainly with class strategy, objections, and oppositions.
How much does it cost to register a trademark in India?
The government fee is ₹4,500 per class for an individual, startup, or small enterprise filing online, and ₹9,000 per class for companies and other entities. The fee is charged per class, per mark. This excludes any professional fee if you hire an attorney.
How long does trademark registration take in India?
If there are no objections or oppositions, registration typically takes around 6 to 12 months. The mark can be used with the ™ symbol from the day you file; once registered you can use ®. Objections or oppositions extend the timeline.
What is Form TM-A?
Form TM-A is the application form to register a trademark in India, filed on the IP India e-filing portal. It captures the applicant's details, the mark itself, the class(es) of goods/services, and the date of first use, and is submitted with the government fee.
Do I need a lawyer to register a trademark in India?
No, it isn't legally required — you can file yourself. A trademark attorney or agent adds value for class selection, responding to examination objections, and handling oppositions, but a straightforward mark in a clear class can be filed without one.
What happens after I file my trademark?
The Registry examines the application and may issue an objection (you reply within 30 days). If accepted, the mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for a 4-month opposition window. If unopposed, it proceeds to registration, valid for 10 years and renewable. Track each of these stages so you don't miss a deadline.
Filed your mark? Don't miss a deadline
Add your application number to Novipra — it pulls the live IP India status and dockets every objection, opposition, and renewal deadline automatically. Free for your first 5 assets.